Lansing, Mich. – Fourteen individuals in the ag industry wanting to learn more and hone their personal skills in Communication, Organization, Relationships and Engagement just wrapped up one year of focused sessions ending with a final presentation. The third group of emerging Michigan leaders graduated the last week of November from the MI Ag CORE Leadership Program.  

The MI Ag CORE Leadership Program was developed by and is supported by the Michigan Potato Industry Commission, the Michigan Wheat Program, and the Michigan Soybean Committee. The idea for MI Ag CORE came from the lessons learned by these organizations’ leaders working in the agricultural “trenches” on a day-to-day basis. 

“I saw that agriculture was missing a well-rounded program for those looking to move directly into management or those who were heading in that direction,” said Kelly Turner with the Michigan Potato Industry Commission. “The MI Ag CORE came together as a collection of skills that the three of us thought would have been beneficial to us, as we grew into our positions.”

This third cohort of 14 ag professionals began in January 2024 with a two-part “DISC” talent/skill assessment. They applied that knowledge throughout the year as they also did work in the areas of communications, human resources, and governance. The 8-session program – part in-person and part online – wrapped up in November with in-person presentations.

“I was so pleased with the group, and to see their evolution over the past year,” added Jody Pollok-Newsom with Michigan Wheat Program. “I look forward to watching them grow in the future and see where their careers take them.  Agriculture needs continual infusions of fresh talent and a fresh view. This program allows for that while cohorts are building friendships that will last.”

Those graduating from the program include: Mark Austin (Edmore), Kali Bagley (Waterford), Ty Bodeis (Mayville), Leo Boeglin (Mecosta), Jay Eccleton (St. Johns), Jen Feenstra (Elkhart, IN), Todd Feenstra (Elkhart, IN), Blake Henderson (Gaylord), Johnathon Mark (DeWitt), Theo Medendorp (Sears), Michael Milligan (Cass City), Jordan Spackman (Cass City), Brice Walther (Three Rivers) and Melissa Williams (Perry). 

The three program developers thank the following sponsors for their financial support during MI Ag CORE’s second year. Those financially supporting the program were: GreenStone FCS, Walther Farms, TriEst Ag Group, Star of the West and Morgan Composting. 

“Our goal is to have a very affordable program for attendees,” said Ben Steyer, CEO of the Michigan Soybean Committee. “Support from industry has allowed us to do just that. We have started to secure sponsors for 2025, but there are still some spots available.” 

More information on sponsorship, as well as the overall MI AG CORE program is available at MIAGCORE.com. All attendee spots have been filled for the 2025 year, but registration will open again next fall for the 2026 program year.

The MI Ag CORE program was developed with financial and resources support from the Michigan Potato Industry Commission, the Michigan Soybean Committee, and the Michigan Wheat Program. Each of these organizations are nonprofit grower-funded commodity check-off organizations with a strong interest in an even better future for Michigan agriculture.