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 LeadAg Institute is open to Farm Bureau members of all ages who are involved in agriculture and demonstrate the potential to provide exceptional leadership in their community, county, and state.

2025 LeadAg Institute Application

Eligibility
  • Up to eight (8) participants will be selected.
  • Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation will support the majority of the LeadAg Institute, including hotel stays and meals for all in-state sessions. The airfare, hotels, meals, and fees associated with the Washington, D.C., trip will be covered by MFBF.
  • Participants are expected to be dedicated to personal development by actively engaging in all LeadAg Institute sessions.
Participation Cost

Each participant must secure $750 to participate in the LeadAg Institute either individually, through their county Farm Bureau or other entities. Participants may seek local sponsorship, pay the enrollment fee themselves, or a combination of both. The participation fee contributes to all hotel and meal costs, class materials and travel fees associated with the trip to Washington D.C.

Following successful completion of the program, participants will receive a full reimbursement of their $750 participation fee. More information on reimbursement will be shared with accepted participants. 

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.  

2025 LeadAg Institute Application