Our Investors

The IALF is preparing leaders to solve some of our most urgent and critical global problems, such as eradicating hunger around the world and at home and ensuring sustainable sources of raw materials, grains, and animal protein.

The IALF receives no state or federal funding. Instead, our leadership development program is funded by visionary corporations, associations, alumni and individuals who share our mission of developing leaders for the food and agriculture sector.  On our “annual report – HERE” you will see the names of more than 300 different partners providing some level of support.  In addition, each IALP participant contributes to his/her future by paying approximately 10% of the cost of the leadership experience.

If you’re a program alum or individual interested in making an investment in the IALF, we invite you to share your passion for leadership development by investing online HERE.

Corporations, associations, and businesses interested in becoming a partner should contact Amanda Martin, President/CEO at amanda@agleadership.org or call 309-837-7711.

The cost of sending one person through the IALP 19-month program is approximately $35,000 – each participant is responsible for slightly more than 10% of the value.  The balance is paid by offering fellowships to each program participant. Our Advanced Leadership Training seminars are self-funded based on the scope of each session, and individual seminar sponsors are essential in making these programs available to educators and partner groups.

Jennifer Tirey

Executive Director, Illinois Pork Producers

The Illinois Pork Producers Association continues to support the efforts of the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation (IALF). IALF provides a unique opportunity to prepare our current and future ag leaders with a well-rounded education about the issues currently facing our respective industry. In many instances, we take for granted that the ag community already knows the ins and outs of our industry and that simply is not always the case. IALF helps us bridge this information gap with our strongest agricultural advocates and everyday consumers across the state of Illinois.  

Robert A. Rohrer

CAE, FBCM, Manager, Cook County Farm Bureau, Cook County Farm Bureau Foundation

The building blocks of leadership include knowledge, confidence, experience, understanding of people and exposure to diverse thinking.  The Illinois Agriculture Leadership Program is structured to provide these building blocks in the world of agriculture and beyond in ways our organization is not able to do. We find that the individuals that go through the program return to serve their local communities, agricultural organizations, and Farm Bureau. These individuals are active and involved... giving their time, skills and energy towards improving agriculture in their corner of the world.

Blake Roderick

Executive Director, Pike and Scott County Farm Bureaus

Professional development is the foundation of a successful association such as the Farm Bureau or other agricultural associations. When it comes to developing staff or leadership skills, IALF sponsors the premier intensive agricultural leadership development program in the nation. We annually support the Foundation. We encourage and underwrite our county leaders participating in the program knowing the full value of what they will return to the organization and community. I support the program knowing full well I can never contribute enough to match the experiences gained through the two-year program.