The future of Illinois agriculture depends on strong, confident leaders. That is why the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) developed the LEAD Program to strengthen individuals through Leadership, Education, Advocacy and Development so they can make a lasting impact.  

An important feature of the program is its flexible design. We recognize that leadership takes many forms, and the LEAD program offers three distinct pathways for involvement:  

1. Navigators – Designed for individuals new to the ag industry. This one-year program offers foundational learning through hands-on experiences and growth opportunities.
2. Next Generation – Tailored to individuals with more advanced experience. This three-year program dives deep into the soy checkoff and its impact on the industry through group discussions, mentorship and leadership roles.
3. Ambassadors – A permanent role for seasoned advocates and retired professionals. This program focuses on mentoring, advisory engagement and supporting ISA initiatives. 

While the program offers distinct pathways, many engagements throughout the year are shared to build collaboration across the program. Looking into this year, the 2025 LEAD class brings different experiences and perspectives, creating a strong learning environment.  

I have seen firsthand what happens when people are given the space and community to grow. From the very first meeting, participants were eager to discover what the program would offer, how it would challenge them and how they could connect with others who share their passion for agriculture.  

"Gracie has an incredible ability to capture the heart of this program and get people genuinely excited about leadership in agriculture. Her efforts bring the energy and purpose of LEAD to life, and that momentum will only grow as we look ahead to some big plans for 2026," said Executive Employee Relations Nicole Butler. "We can't wait to share what's next!" 

When asked why they joined the LEAD program, Navigator Zhanyou Xu shared, "I joined the LEAD program to deepen my understanding of agricultural leadership and to connect with others who are passionate about advancing the soybean industry for American farmers and stakeholders. Effective leadership is essential for navigating the complex challenges facing agriculture today, from sustainability and innovation to policy and public engagement. It ensures that research and industry efforts translate into meaningful, real-world outcomes."  

The early engagements were filled with energy as participants found their footing. What stood out to me was their commitment, not only learning from the program but also from one another. Throughout the year, participants took part in a blend of webinars and in-person opportunities.  

Some key highlights included: 

• Learning the history and purpose of the soy checkoff from the Government Relations team 

• Exploring how the Market Development team promotes Illinois soy during a trade team farm visit 

• Observing an ISA board meeting to understand farmer-led decision making 

• Attending the Farm Progress Show to meet the Agronomy team and learn more about current research 

• Participating in Media and Presentation Training to build communication and public speaking confidence 

These experiences provided valuable exposure to the role of soy in Illinois agriculture. Each opportunity connected to ISA's work with the bigger picture of what it means to lead in agriculture.  

As the 2025 program concludes, the final engagements are designed to bring everything full circle, connecting lessons from the program back to each participant's personal mission, and professional goals. For some, the biggest growth came from challenges that pushed them outside their comfort zone. For others, the value came from the relationships and community built along the way.  

Next Generation participant Harrison Albright put it this way, "I found Illinois soybean and wanted to become involved. It has really led me to learn as much as I can and connect me with the right leaders. We really need to have people step up and be a voice for farmers and for agriculture. The LEAD program has already benefited me in many ways, and I have made good friends and good connections out of it."  

This mix of personal growth and collective support is exactly what the LEAD Program is designed to create. It equips participants to return to their farms, businesses, and communities with new skills, stronger confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose within Illinois agriculture. 

As part of the leadership journey, here is what Navigator Jay Kindred said about his experience, "I got into the LEAD program because my dad was the Chairman of ISA and has been on the board for 20 plus years and I am interested in continuing that on and continuing the future of Ag. We need people to push forward and keep promoting Ag to keep us at the forefront. There's a lot of potential here to shape leadership for the future. I have watched my dad do this for 20 years and he is very passionate about soybeans. I feel like I am ready to step up."  

We encourage anyone who wants to grow as a leader in Illinois agriculture to apply. The future of farming depends on your voice. 

Applications for the 2026 LEAD class are open until October 31 and can be found here.