The LeadAg Institute equips Farm Bureau leaders with the tools they need to effectively advocate for agriculture, engage with members, and provide exceptional leadership at the community, county, state and national levels.

Over the course of one year, participants will take part in five sessions focused on:

  • Leadership development and personal growth
  • Understanding Farm Bureau’s impact and their own leadership potential
  • Policy work on agricultural issues
  • Advancing agricultural literacy

The LeadAg Institute is highly recommended for county board members and emerging leaders ready to strengthen their leadership skills and help move Farm Bureau forward.


The inaugural class includes Brianne Arneson, Jessie Bester, Jay Sohre, Ellie Trout, Traci Walkowski and Joshua Yates


Brianne Arneson  grew up on a small cow/calf operation in Kansas, where she started her own registered Hereford herd at the age of 12. After graduating from Oklahoma State University, she started working for Cargill, eventually taking a role in Madison. Currently, she works at United Prairie Bank. She enjoys helping in the community and staying active in the agriculture community, also serving as secretary on the Midwest Cattlemen’s Board. Growing up, her family was involved with Kansas Farm Bureau, and she was active in collegiate Farm Bureau and the Young Farmers & Ranchers Program while at Oklahoma State. She now serves assecretary for the Lac Qui Parle County Farm Bureau Board of Directors. “I believe rural Minnesota has a lot of value and knowledge to bring to state and national leadership, and I joined this program to gain the tools and knowledge to help local community members feel encouraged to bring their stories forward and be leaders for agriculture.”






Jessie Bester grew up on a dairy farm where she showed dairy cattle and was active in both FFA and 4-H. She is now an agriculture educator and has been sharing her passion for agriculture and FFA in the classroom for 13 years. Outside of the classroom, Bester became active in Farm Bureau to connect more resources to her classroom. This led to her involvement on the Dakota County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, state Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee including serving as chair, and participating in several advocacy programs including visits to the state Capitol and Washington, D.C.  “As an agriculture educator I want to be able to show my students the importance of getting involved in all avenues of agriculture. They don’t need to want to be a farmer to be a part of, or advocate for, agriculture.”






Jay Sohre grew up on a farm in Good Thunder where he was active in FFA and 4-H. Currently, he farms corn and soybeans with his wife and his parents, while also working off the farm at Wells in the drafting and engineering department. Sohre is active on the Blue Earth County Farm Bureau Board of Directors. “I wanted to participate in the LeadAg Institute to grow as a young farmer and become a better leader. I am grateful for the opportunity and will use the skills I learn back at my local and county level to help advocate for agriculture.”







Ellie Trout is a fourth-generation farmer on her family farm in northern Minnesota where they raise beef and sheep. She currently attends the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, studying broad area agriculture with an emphasis on informal education. Prior to leaving for college, Trout served on the Arrowhead Regional Farm Bureau Board of Directors, giving her a platform to put her passion for agriculture to work. She plans to serve on the county board again after graduating from college.  “I applied for the program to gain hands-on experience with policy work on agricultural issues. I am so excited for this program and other opportunities to use the skills I will learn.”





Traci Walkowski is an agricultural educator in McLeod County where she teaches cross-curricular courses that connect agriculture, literacy, science and community engagement. She also owns and operates Farmacy, LLC, a farm-to-table business focused on local food, agriculture literacy and community connection. She is passionate about strengthening relationships between consumers and agriculturists and helping people understand where their food comes from and why agriculture matters. “I wanted to participate in the LeadAg Institute to grow as a leader and better understand how agriculture policy and advocacy connect to the work I do every day. Agriculture touches education, food systems, and communities in powerful ways, and I want to be part of shaping conversations that support farmers, families, and the future of agriculture in Minnesota.”






Joshua Yates grew up on a small livestock farm in Mora. He has a club lamb farm operation that he uses to lease animals to younger 4-H participants who are interested in showing sheep or learning more about the industry. He currently works at a local feed mill and a steel custom fabrication shop in Mora. “Participating in the LeadAg Institute will give the opportunity to grow myself as a leader and build valuable connections within the agriculture industry.” 







LeadAg Institute Schedule 
  • Application deadline - November 1, 2025
  • Class Selection Notification to Participants - November 10, 2025
  • Session 1 - December 17-18, 2025, Brainerd, MN
    • Participants will meet to kick-off the program, complete media training and set goals for the remainder of the program.
  • Session 2 - March 23-24, 2026, St. Paul, MN
    • Participants will build their advocacy portfolio, practice giving testimonials, debrief on priority issues and meet with elected officials.
  • Session 3 - June 22, 2026, Marshall, MN
    • Participants will network with industry professionals, tour ag companies, and continue building leadership skills through hands-on trainings.  
  • Session 4 - September 2026 dates TBD, Washington, DC
    • Participants will travel to Washington, DC to meet with elected officials, connect with national agriculture groups and embassies visits.
  • Session 5 - November 19-21, 2026, Minnetonka, MN
    • Participants will graduate from the program during the Minnesota Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and engage in the organizations business meeting.