The inaugural class of the South Dakota Soybean Genesis Leaders program concluded with a seminar on “Leadership Readiness” in Aberdeen, SD, on March 18, 2022. The four seminars in the series were sponsored by the South Dakota Soybean Research & Promotion Council and developed by the South Dakota Agricultural & Rural Leadership (SDARL) Foundation.
The Leadership Readiness seminar featured a discussion of the cooperative system as a means of fulfilling a leadership role in agriculture. Presenters included Mike Traxinger, General Council, and Chris Pearson, CEO of Agtegra.
The class traveled to the AGP Soybean Processing Facility in Aberdeen for a presentation by General Manager Mike Smith. The group discussed the soybean crushing process and logistics for transporting oil and meal around the globe.
Above: Members, speakers and instructors of the South Dakota Soybean Genesis Leaders Class toured the AGP Soybean Processing Facility in Aberdeen as part of their concluding seminar in March 2022.
Class members were welcomed at Northern State University by President Neal Schoor and Provost Michael Wanous. Research & Promotion Council Director Heather Beaner told the class about her leadership journey and service in agricultural organizations, which was followed by a participants’ discussion of personal performance and growth goals.
“The Soybean Genesis Leaders program for young growers is an excellent way to build the future leadership capacity of the soy industry in the state,” said Jerry Schmitz, Executive Director of the South Dakota Soybean Research & Promotion Council. “We covered many topics in our four meetings, from an understanding of soybean organizations to technology to personal growth. I’m confident these young leaders will step up to future service.”
Above: Members of the inaugural class of the South Dakota Soybean Genesis Leaders Program explore personality types and leadership traits during one of the four seminars in the program.
The four seminars in the series included Soybean Industry Organizations, The Legislative Process, Innovation and Technology, and Leadership Readiness. Seminar speakers included industry representatives, higher education professionals and agricultural practitioners who serve the soybean industry and their communities.
Learn more information about the South Dakota Soybean Research & Promotion Council by visiting the website at www.sdsoybean.org.
