Brookings Register | The “Ag Voices of the Future” program informs students about political issues

A select group of 15 college students from across the country completed the Ag Voices of the Future program in Vancouver, Washington last month.

Sponsored by Valent USA and the American Soybean Association, the program is designed to educate students about agricultural policy issues and provide them with insight into how these policies are implemented at the national level. The program took place July 20-23 in conjunction with the ASA board meeting.

Students received training in effective legal practice and the significant legal and regulatory issues affecting soybean farmers. The program also provided students with an opportunity to visit with others working in Washington, DC to learn about careers related to agricultural policy. The unique location of this year’s program also gave students the opportunity to learn more about the infrastructure and see firsthand how US soybeans are exported from the Pacific Northwest.

Students were provided with extensive information on a variety of policy topics from industry, sustainability, and government affairs staff at Valent and ASA. In addition, they had the opportunity to learn about unique farming topics in the Pacific Northwest and how these topics also relate to many of the concerns of soybean farmers. The group also completed a writing workshop with a top Portland science communications consultant and writer.

Congratulations to this year’s entrants: Courtney Ball (FL); Shelby Basham (IL); Brayden Beinhart (IA); Patrick Biggs (KS); Brooke Bradford (AR); Clayton Elbel (TX); Carly Fitz (OH); Nicholas Heffron (IA); Abigail Meier (IN); Aspen Rittgarn (NE); Reanna Santos (TX); Skye Schumaker (IL); Sydney Stundenbeck (MO); Kestlyn Willert (SD); and Blake Wright (MO).

The 2021 Ag Voices of the Future class was larger than in previous years to make up for the cancellation of last year’s program due to COVID restrictions. Further information on Ag Voices of the Future can be found at https://soygrowers.com/education-resources/grower-education/leadership-development-programs/ag-voices-of-the-future/.