It isn’t your grandparent’s or even your parent’s industry anymore. Agriculture is changing quickly and volatility in every sector will take strong leadership. Are you prepared?

This year’s Alliance Forum will focus on industry information and personal and professional development. You’ll leave the program with increased knowledge about the current and future state of agriculture. You’ll also be empowered to use your skills more effectively.

Dr. Barry Flinchbaugh, Kansas State University, will delve into ag policy. Flinchbaugh is a renowned expert where government and agriculture collide. He’s been a top advisor to several secretaries of agriculture and U.S. presidents. Attendees will appreciate his tell-it-like-it-is approach, which wins over countless students in the K-State economics department each year.

Eric Spell, president of AgCareers.com, will cover the shifting demographics and trends within the food and fiber industry. We’ve all heard about the transition taking place with the baby boomer generation, but are we really aware of what’s coming? Eric has more than 17 years experience in agribusiness leadership and strategic recruitment and will share that knowledge with the group.

(Invited) 21st Century Agriculture Project is a bipartisan group led by former senators Tom Daschle and Bob Dole. Due to the unique challenges that American farmers face today, this group convened meetings to review policy that could strengthen U.S. agriculture in the coming years. They also commissioned studies and reports. From all the information gathered, a comprehensive set of recommendations was published this spring.

An authority in corporate training, Dr. Blaine Lee of FranklinCovey will present a newly created program tailored to help young professionals prepare as great leaders. The interactive “Leadership: Great Leaders, Great Teams, Great Results” session will help Alliance members unleash the full talent and potential against their organization’s highest priorities.

The program will allow attendees to inspire trust, clarify their purpose, align systems and unleash talent. The intensive interactive schedule will allow for discussion and application of the new concepts.

In addition to these featured sessions, speed-networking, motivational speakers, the Alliance business meeting and other activities are planned.