Class of 2012 Curriculum
The Illinois Agricultural Leadership Program is a series of seminars that are custom-designed to develop knowledgeable and effective leaders to become policy and decision makers for agriculture. The emphasis is on broadening each participant’s knowledge base, introducing new ways of thinking, and interacting with others in the class to construct meaning and relevance. We partner with some of the most prestigious educational institutions in the United States to develop sessions that continually advance the body of knowledge necessary to lead in the future. Our corporate partners, professional associations and non-profits provide their expertise as well through instruction and consultation.
These educational experiences are not available at any one place, nor are they available through any other leadership program. This is a unique experience for participants with new content developed for each two-year class.
FIRST YEAR
Introduction to the IALP
Saturday, September 18th – 2010
Macomb, Illinois
Professionalism: Systems Thinking, Communication Styles and Adapting to Others
This seminar explores communicating in a business setting – analyzing your communication style and comparing with that of others. The Class of 2012 learns techniques for proper business introductions and a systems approach to thinking and problem solving. Sessions are taught by faculty members at Illinois State University and professional corporate trainers.
Thursday and Friday, November 11th & 12th – 2010
Bloomington, Illinois
Pioneer Seminar on Communication Skills: Influencing, Motivating and Inspiring Others 
Sessions include constructing and giving business presentations, negotiations, critical conversations and a unique perspective from an IALP graduate who directs Pioneer’s marketing in China. The professional business trainers at Pioneer are availed to our class for a unique three day session exploring leadership through communication.
Wednesday through Friday, December 8th, 9th & 10th – 2010
At the Pioneer World Headquarters in Johnston, Iowa
Economics and the Marketplace Sponsored by Richard Ryan 
This seminar includes sessions about risk reduction, options and futures trading at the CBOE and CME Group. The class will work at the Booth Graduate School of Business at the University of Chicago, learning how research studies are developed and the implications these studies have on American public policy.
Wednesday through Friday, January 12th, 13th & 14th – 2011
Chicago, Illinois
National Ag Policy 
Endowed by Kim Morton
Top notch faculty explore critical issues that will impact American Agriculture for years to come. What is the significance of the 2010 election on the new Congress, where is tomorrows biofuel coming from, and what is the relevance of federal regulation – just a few of the questions to be addressed. This seminar is held at the College of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois.
Wednesday through Friday, February 9th, 10th & 11th – 2011
-Champaign, Illinois
Washington DC, National Travel Seminar 
Sponsored in part by Monsanto
March 6th through March 11th, 2011
In the nation’s capital we heard 53 speakers from nine federal agencies and ten agricultural associations and industry representatives address the Class of 2012. Two former US Secretaries of Agriculture, three US Senators and a congressman also made presentations. The class was briefed at two embassies: The People’s Republic of China and New Zealand.
Washington, DC
Media Relations
Wednesday through Friday, July 13th, 14th & 15th – 2011
The Class of 2012 explored new media and the relationship to a corporate communications strategy. Interviewing and public relations were taught by practicing professionals, and the group explored the changing media landscape with the professionals at the Chicago Tribune and WGN Radio/TV.
Chicago, Illinois
GROWMARK Seminar on Global Challenges & Leadership Opportunities 
Endowed by GROWMARK, this seminar explored the process of starting a business with a global footprint, how international marketing and manufacturing are executed at Caterpillar, Inc., and the ethical responsibilities of global leaders.
Wednesday through Friday, August 10th, 11th & 12th – 2011
Peoria, Illinois
SECOND YEAR
Deere/Northwestern University Seminar on Business Decision Making
This seminar featured five distinguished professors delivering engaging sessions on cutting-edge business practices. Topics included “Values-based Leadership,” “Executive Decision Making,” “Strategic Thinking,” “Re-thinking Risk Management,” “Perspectives on Business Innovation” and “Becoming a Customer-Centric Firm.” The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern is one of the nation’s premier business schools.
Sunday through Tuesday, November 20th, 21st & 22nd – 2011
Chicago, Illinois
Innovation & Change
Endowed by Farm Credit Services, this seminar explores the “Future of Work” in our state and nation. With speakers from a broad cross-section of private industry and government, topics include Innovations in Education, Building the Future Workforce in Illinois, Timing Change in the Corporate Environment, HR Strategies for Embracing Digitally Connected Millennial and a practical seminar on Planning for and Adapting to Change. We were briefed on the future of computing at the Microsoft Technology Center and toured a vertical, urban farm before viewing renovations on Chicago’s South Side.
Wednesday through Friday, December 7th, 8th & 9th – 2011
Chicago, Illinois
State Government
Endowed by The Maschhoffs
Thursday & Friday, January 19th & 20th – 2012
Springfield, Illinois
International Perspectives
Thursday & Friday, February 9th & 10th – 2012
Champaign, Illinois
International Travel
March TBA
Nearly 40 countries visited…Class of 2012 destination TBA
Energy & Ecosystems
Endowed by Martin L. Andreas
Wednesday through Friday, July 11th, 12th & 13th 2012
To be announced
Graduation
Thursday & Friday, August 9th, 2012
Chicago, Illinois
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