Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders

The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) carries a strong legacy of providing the U.S. livestock industry with a forum to collectively address issues of common interest. Established in 1916, NIAA convenes animal agriculture experts and allies in collaborative settings to explore, discuss, learn, and develop knowledge that fosters interdisciplinary cooperation for the improvement and continuous progress of animal agriculture.

In 2021 the NIAA board of directors expanded its programming to include a leadership program that would provide an opportunity for emerging leaders to gain next-level leadership and professional development training specifically focused on animal agriculture.

As the association management firm, the Cultivated Conversations team set out to design a program that would empower agriculture professionals in the early to midpart of their careers to build on previous leadership development experiences and collaborate with peers across the industry. Cultivated Conversations structured a 16-month program that would be co-designed with learning objectives from each cohort, giving a truly unique experience to the participating leaders.

While the learning objectives differ from one cohort to the next, the program’s core focus remains unchanged. Leaders explore four areas of development: critical thinking, leadership development, connecting and relating skills, and operational excellence. This curriculum combines five in-person meetings with additional virtual working sessions and culminates with multiple capstone projects from the cohort.

The Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders was launched with funding from the United Soybean Board and through development and support of NIAA leaders. “With checkoff support to grow leaders, we are confident this program will serve as an applied learning experience to put their new leadership skills into action,” said Ed Lammers, Health & Nutrition Coordinator for the United Soybean Board, and farmer from Hartington, Neb.

Part of NIAA’s mission is to foster collaboration and cooperation throughout the industry. The program Cultivated Conversations’ team developed intentionally builds upon existing leadership experiences for professionals to advance their leadership abilities and collaboration skills.

NIAA has graduated multiple Cohorts and the Cultivated Conversations team continues to grow the program with new leaders. Learn more about this program and how to participate by visiting the NIAA website.