• Home
  • About Us
    • Our Purpose
    • Board of Directors
    • IALF Staff
    • Office Information
  • Leadership Program
    • Apply to the IALP
    • Recommend a Candidate
    • Illinois Ag Leadership Program: FAQ
    • Program Seminar Outline
    • Our Education Partners
    • Class of 2023
      • Class of 2023 Seminar Schedule
      • Class of 2023 Seminar Journal
  • News/Events
    • Alumni of the Year Award
    • Alumni Class Challenge
    • Blog
    • IALF Newsletter
    • Torch of Leadership Award
  • Our Alumni
    • Alumni Resources
    • Alumni by Class
    • Leadership Service
    • Leading Best Practices
    • Graduate Testimonials
    • Regions
    • Alumni Board Directors
  • Support
    • Make a Contribution
      • Alumni Class Challenge
      • Debi Thurow Memorial Scholarship Fund
    • Our Investors
      • Corporate Investors
      • Endowment
  • Contact
  • Alumni of the Year Award
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
Illinois Ag Leadership Foundation

IALF

March 13, 2019 By Nicole

Day Three: Class of 2020 National Study Seminar

Filed Under: Class of 2020, News, Travel Diary

By Mike Schweitzer, Jill Johnson, and Blair Bruns

Today the 13th of March the class of 2020 had the distinguished honor to witness an act of gratitude that is not often witnessed.   The distinguished presider of our organization was recognized for his service with an honor from the agency which whom he led.  Lee Strom was presented with a United States flag that had flown atop the Capitol building on the behest of Senator Mark Kirk in recognition of Lee Strom’s dedication to the US Government and its ideals.  We as a class were pleased to witness such a momentous occasion and commend Mr. Strom on such a distinguished honor.

IALF President/CEO Lee Strom is presented a United States flag  by Dallas Tonsager, 
Board Chairman and CEO of the Farm Credit Administration.

Fittingly today our class started off at the Farm Credit Administration headquarters.  We had the privilege of having the acting board of the Farm Credit Corporation speak to the group and share their insightful perspective into the world of leadership and our forward looking opportunities.  Chairman and CEO Tonsager, Board members Jeff Hall and Glenn Smith spoke of the role of Farm Credit in Illinois’ as well of the rest of the US’s producer’s needs. 

The class then had a unique opportunity to hear from the United States intelligence community who shared the potential breadth of threats against our agricultural community.  Certain high-level intelligence personnel spoke about potential threats associated with our normally acquiescing nature and how better to prepare for unseen threats.  It was imposed that vigilance and general awareness are sound ideals but not typically practiced in everyday agriculture.

After leaving the Farm Credit Administration our class traveled to the offices of Farm Credit Council.  Gary Matteson presented information on young and small farmer’s role in the Farm Credit System.  Mr. Jeff Shipp, Executive Vice President spoke on the merits of establishing sound relationships and being a voice for American producer’s interests.  Before the class left the Farm Credit Council offices we had the distinguished pleasure to hear from former Acting Secretary of Agriculture Chuck Connor.  Secretary Connor spoke to the fellows of his personal experiences as well as his perception of the US trade situation. 

Class of 2020 member Blair Bruns introduces Chuck Conner, President and CEO of the national Council of Farmer Cooperatives, 

The fellows were the briefed at the offices of CropLife America, a crop protection firm who specializes in outreach to lawmakers.  Trade organizations such as CropLife form an integral role in protecting the liberty that agricultural producers require spanning the breadth of conventional to organic and all points in between. The fellows concluded the day with a magical evening ensconced in the atrium of the USDA of which we were guests of the California Ag Leadership Foundation.  There was a unique kinship formed between the classes as well as an appreciation for the insight to coordinate such an event.

The Class of 2020 joins the California Ag Leadership Foundation for an evening 
of fellowship in the USDA atrium.

Previous Post: « Day Two of the Class of 2020 National Study Seminar
Next Post: Day 4 of the Class of 2020 National Study Seminar »

Primary Sidebar

"IALF provides continuation of leadership through education. The result is successful leaders at all levels. The class size makes it special and allows outstanding people to be part of the program."

Dan Kelley, Class of 1984

Past Chairman of the Board, GROWMARK, Inc.

"You will experience mind-expanding concepts and meet people that challenge you. You will never again see yourself as a small part agriculture. You will see agriculture as the most important industry in the world and realize that you have unlimited choices how to serve and influence the direction of that industry."

Jim Frank, Class of 1984

Frank Environmental Services

"The Illinois Ag Leadership Program extends to participants strong and credible experiences which go beyond the typical degree program."

Gerry Salzman, Class of 1992

Past Senior Director Global Marketing, Case IH

"IALF alumni have affiliations with leading organizations in agriculture. IALF has visibility and has positioned itself with a hybrid view of agriculture-urban and rural, combined with strong relations with land grant universities and the private sector. Their graduates are strong voices in the agricultural community."

Bill Niebur, Class of 1988

President and COO, Hi Fidelity Genetics

"The IALF program made me more aware of the importance of agriculture in developing underdeveloped countries.  It opened my eyes to the opportunities all around the world as well as the global impact developed countries have on agriculture."

Brian Anderson, Class of 2014

Pioneer

Recent Posts

  • Debi Thurow Memorial Scholarship Fund
  • IALF Big Fundraiser Goes Virtual
  • Illinois Agricultural Leadership Program to extend programming due to COVID-19

Search the IALF

Footer

OUR MISSION

To develop knowledgeable and effective leaders to become policy and decision makers for the agricultural industry.

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Copyright © 2023 · Log in

Content is owned by the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation.

All Rights Reserved - - Return to Top