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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1994-03-16, Page 70Psi SA -Form Prog►pa '94 Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program You don't have to be born a leader "A BORN LEADER!" Think about it. Who do you know that fits that description? What is it that makes them leaders? Were they really born leaders? Or did they become leaders through practice, patience, persistence and hard work? In the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program, men and women from all sectors of Ontario's agri-food industry are honing their leadership skills. Why? "To improve their ability to serve and strengthen their industry," according to Murray Stewart, R.R. 3, Bolton, Chairman of the Agricultural Leadership Trust. The Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program is based on a belief that leaders are first born, then developed. Some of us have more natural ability than others, but each of us can work on and develop any skill or talent - be it music, sports, academics, or leadership. "Leaders must be able to com- municate clearly, analyse issues, make decisions, plan and take ac- tion, motivate and inspire others" says Stewart. "They must be able to direct change, not Just react to it. Leadership Program participants team and practice these skills." Agricultural leaders must also understand national and inter- national issues. They must respect and appreciate the complexity of the agri-food system. And they must view their own society and the world around them from a broad perspective. Throughout the two- year program the Leadership Par- ticipants meet and learn from well- known and respected leaders in all walks of life. The Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program consists of nine three-day seminars, each held in a different Ontario location. In each area, local leaders discuss current issues and their methods of dealing with them. On-site visits give par- ticipants a chance to see and ex- perience life throughout the province. Travel outside Ontario is an es- sential component of the Program. Each Leadership Class visits another region in Canada, an area in the U.S., and one or more other countries to look at agricultural, economic and social policies. The current group will visit Sas- katchewan and North Dakota in July 1994, to see how farm, business and government leaders are dealing with impacts of global "They must be able to direct change, not just react to it." trade on their industry and their communities. In February 1995, they will visit Southern California and Mexico, where they will focus on the effects of the North American Free Trade Agreement. Who are the Leadership Program Participants? Thirty men and women are selected for each two- year program. They range in age from mid-20s' to early 40s, come from all comers of the province, and have already taken an active role in the agri-food system. They are farmers, food processors, retailers, bankers, educators, government employees, or in some other agri-business. And they have a desire to develop skills and knowledge which will help them take on more serious leadership roles within their corporation, family business, or community. The Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program was started in 1985 by the Agricultural Leadership Trust, a unique partnership between the public and private sectors. Partners in the Trust are the University of Guelph, Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food, and the Foundation for Rural Living. Each of the partners in the Trust contributes dollars to the Program. Participants pay $3500 tuition. The rest of the cost is covered by donations from agri- business, rural organizations, in- dividuals, and income from the Wm. A. Stewart Endowment. There are now 116 leadership graduates, many of them from this area. From Perth County: Karen McLagan, Valerie Lind, Lynda •Hodgins, Rick deBrabandere, Scott Graham, and Brian Bestard; from Bruce County: Gerald Poechman; from Huron County: Bryan Vincent, Bill Wallace, Pat Down, Shirley Hazlitt, and Kevin Kale. They are doing their part in a number of organizations to bring new vigor to our community and the agn-food industry. Jim Fischer and Tony Morris, from . Bruce County, and John VanderBurgt, frorn Huron County, are presently enrolled in the Program. The next class of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program will start in 1995. For more infor- mation contact the Program's Executive Director, Patricia Mighton, Box 1030, Guelph, On- tario, N1H 6N1. Phone 519-767- 3266 or fax 519-837-3049. 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