Illinois Ag Leadership Program

The IALP is a premier leadership development program.

Mission: To develop knowledgeable and effective spokespersons to become policy and decision makers for the agriculture industry.

Vision: A thriving agricultural industry inspired and led by qualified, well-trained leaders from the Illinois agricultural industry.

Illinois is a leader in our nation’s dynamic and shifting agriculture industry. Technology, politics, climate, social beliefs, and economics present new challenges as well as opportunities for growth. Having strong leaders is essential in ensuring the continuation of the strong and vital agriculture industry in Illinois and across the nation. Since 1981, the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation (IALF) has striven to be the premier leadership program in Illinois by providing exceptional experiences and education to future leaders in the agricultural industry and giving them the tools they need to carry us forward and overcome future challenges. The IALF’s mission – To develop knowledgeable and effective spokespersons to become policy and decision makers for the agricultural industry – is evident in the success and accomplishments of our alumni; comprised of approximately 500 men and women from every region of Illinois, and representing every facet of the Illinois agriculture industry.

Aubrey Bastian, Class of 2018

GROWMARK, Inc

My experience in the Illinois Ag Leadership Program was a journey unlike any other.  Even though I had the privilege of growing up on a farm, agriculture has become such a multi-faceted, global industry that this program offered me the opportunity to explore all of the facets & issues that surround and impact our business.  I’m walking away feeling educated and empowered to truly be an advocate for the industry and be a part of moving agriculture forward, not just watching from the sidelines.  I am better equipped to face challenging questions around policy issues, economic impacts, food security, technology and most importantly, demonstrate the leadership needed to keep moving the industry forward.  The contacts I have gained from the experience may be the best part of all.  My classmates are a peer group that I can now tap into at any time throughout my career, and the speaker contacts and former alumni we meet at each seminar provide terrific networking opportunities.  The last 19 months have certainly been worth the time & effort, I would recommend it to anyone serious about their professional development and eager to step up and make positive change happen for agriculture.  

Sean Arians, Class of 2018

The Climate Corporation

I have been thoroughly impressed with the speakers and the opportunities we have had during this program. Each speaker has provided a great perspective for us to challenge ourselves in getting involved, and allowing us to better understand our roles as leaders. At one seminar, a speaker highlighted his view of leadership with the quote, "Emotional stamina is more important than Intelligence". It is easy as leaders to get focused on our ideas and thoughts, but remaining a visionary and surrounding ourselves with good people will allow us and our teams to remain calm and make wise decisions. This perspective is something that I think about each and every day since that seminar. As I move forward, I am eager to see how I will be challenged to think about issues and policy decisions from many different perspectives.  

Jennie Bunger, Class of 2018

Compeer Financial

The Illinois Agricultural Leadership Program has been one of the best things I could have done for my career in agriculture and also for my personal growth.  I am excited to do my part for the agriculture industry in ways that I was not aware of before joining the Class of 2018. This program and the people I have met have grown my knowledge of the industry, stretched my viewpoints and given me a well-rounded experience I will be able to utilize as I do my part to help shape the future of agriculture. I am proud to be a member of this program and I look forward to utilizing everything I am learning to be a leader for my industry.