What is the purpose of the Ag Leadership Program?
In 1988, some agricultural leaders saw the need to develop more leaders to deal with issues facing the state’s agriculture. They asked Dr. Robert Soileau, an LSU AgCenter professor, to develop a curriculum and direct a program to accomplish three goals: 1) Develop leaders who understand and prepare for global influences and opportunities; 2) Develop leadership skills and awareness in participants so they become confident, effective communicators; and 3) Develop participant understanding and involvement in the social, economic and political systems in which people strive to improve their enterprises and communities. These goals remain the basis for the program.
How long is each class?
Each class lasts for two years, beginning in January of even-numbered years. During the two years, class members participate in seven two-and-a-half day seminars on the LSU campus (Jan., Feb., Oct. and Dec. the first year; Jan. Feb. and Oct. the second year). The other three seminars are study tours: an agricultural study tours either in-state or out-of-state (June); a study tour to Washington, D.C. (June), and an international study tour (Jan. following the second year). Previous classes have traveled to Europe, Southeast Asia, China and South America.
How much does the class cost?
The tuition is $1,500. Participants are responsible for transportation to and from the seminars and a few meals during the seminars and on some of the trips. The Ag Leadership Program pays for lodging (double occupancy) at the Lod Cook Hotel on campus during the seminars as well as breakfast and lunch for the days in Baton Rouge. On the trips, the program pays for transportation and lodging, except for the international study tour during which the program pays for transportation, lodging and most meals.
So, who pays the expenses above the tuition?
The LSU AgCenter pays the salaries of the director, his assistant and the office expenses. Cost incurred for the class are paid by earnings from endowments: The Chalkley Chair, established by the Chalkley Family of Lake Charles; The H. Rouse Caffey Endowment, established upon the retirement of Chancellor Emeritus H. Rouse Caffey; The Ag Leaders of Louisiana Endowment, established by the alumni of the program; and the Robert Soileau Scholarship, established upon the retirement of and named for the first director of the program. The program is also sustained by financial gifts to each class by the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation.
What do the classroom seminars cover?
Seminars are intense, lecture-oriented programs generally built around a theme such as the environment, technology, communications and critical issues in Louisiana. These sessions expose participants to a wide range of speakers and ideas including experts in leadership, ethics, government, the environment, biotechnology, communication, commodities, economics, trade, state government, demographics and other areas important to understanding the issues of the day. Occasionally, the seminars include short trips to a local agricultural enterprise such as a sugar mill or a cotton gin. A critical element of the seminars is the participants’ interaction with the speakers.
What are the attendance requirements?
To be accepted into the program, participants must commit to attending every seminar. Permission for absences is rare and only for extreme emergencies. Unexcused absences and excessive excused absences jeopardize the class member’s continued participation the program.
Who is accepted into the program?
First, participants must be working in some part of the agribusiness community in Louisiana. This may include farming, livestock, forestry, nurseries, aquaculture and commercial fisheries. In addition, classes may include individuals working in allied industries such as farm equipment sales, seed and fertilizer sales, agricultural consulting, commodity sales and marketing, banking and even media and law if the work is closely related to agriculture.
Participants should be committed to learning about and engaging in the issues confronting their industries and their communities. While there are no age limitations, it is hoped the participants will be old enough and have enough world experience to get the full benefit of the program, yet be young enough to use what they learn for several years.
Where can I learn more about the Ag Leadership Program?
The best way to learn more about the program is to call the Ag Leadership office and talk to either the associate director, Dr. Bobby Soileau, or his assistant, Ms. Jodie Whiddon. Here is their contact information.
Dr. Bobby Soileau, Director
Ag Leadership Program
P.O. Box 25100
Baton Rouge, LA
70894-5100
(225) 578-5670 (voice)
(225) 578-4225 (fax)bsoileau@agcenter.lsu.edu |
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Ms. Jodie Whiddon
Ag Leadership Program
P.O. Box 25100
Baton Rouge, LA
70894-5100
(225) 578-3659 (voice)
(225) 578-4225 (fax) jwhiddon@agcenter.lsu.edu |