Next Generation

Young Agri-Food Leaders Program

This program seeks to actively engage emerging leaders in food and agribusiness.

The 2024 Young Agri-Food Leaders Cohort

Kerri Boling McGee

Kerri Boling McGee
Lead Senior Counsel, Food Law
The Kraft Heinz Company

Crystal Corrilo

Crystal Corrilo
North American Soybean Trading Manager
Bunge

Robbie Dye

Robbie Dye
Chief Executive Officer
Our Farms

Shea Ishee

Shea Ishee
Vice President
American Cotton Shippers Association

Evan King

Evan King
Technical Agronomist
 Koch Agronomic Services

Michelle Klieger

Michelle Klieger
President
Stratagerm Consulting

Sarah Klopatek

Sarah Klopatek, PhD
Chief Livestock Scientist
JBS

 

Niheer Matani

Nihreer Matani
Supply Chain Senior Manager
OSI Group

About the Program

This program seeks to actively engage emerging leaders in food and agribusiness, from ages 25-40 years old, in a yearlong series of interactive learning and networking experiences, focused on gaining a deeper understanding of the food and agriculture value chain. The program also hopes to help young professionals build a strong, enduring network of peers in business, farming and government.

Participants are sponsored to attend events, engage in virtual conversations, and participate in exclusive learning and networking opportunities. Each participant is also connected with a senior agri-food mentor to aid in career growth and development. Young Agri-Food Leaders participate in a variety of Farm Foundation programming, including the chance to attend at least one Farm Foundation Round Table meeting and join other events such as Farm Foundation Forums.

The time commitment includes monthly Zoom calls, attending the June Round Table meeting in Colorado (June 18-21), and the Farm Progress Show in Iowa (August 27-30). 

The program nomination window generally opens in February. Please keep an eye on this page and our social media channels to access the nomination form at that time. We are currently not accepting nominations from outside of the US.
Bill Northey and Mary Boote (RTFs) with Young Farmers and YAFLs en route to Farm Progress 22
Great stop at Elawa Farm today, led by Executive Director Laura Calvert.
Sarah Orban, next gen alum, arranged a private tourdemo at John Deere exhibit at FPS.

Program Alumni