Ian and Val Plagge Named 2012 ASA/DuPont Young Leaders

The Iowa Soybean Association is pleased to announce that Ian and Val Plagge of Latimer, Iowa, have been named 2012 American Soybean Association (ASA)/Pioneer Young Leaders. They were chosen to represent Iowa in a program involving producer participants from 23 other states and Canada.

The Plagges are both fourth generation farmers and raise corn, beans and pigs. Val keeps the farm records and assists with field work, and she and Ian also partner with Ian’s father, Roy, in crop production and manage a seed dealership together.

Val says they applied for the program because they had spoken with members of the program at past Commodity Classics, who always spoke highly of the program.

“This program is different from other leadership programs we have been a part of since there is one representative from each state,” Val says. “It has been great learning about agriculture all across the United States and Canada. We hope to gain some new knowledge and new friends.”

The ASA/DuPont Young Leader Program targets soybean farmers who are innovative, assertive, “young in leadership” and are looking to make a positive mark in agriculture. Now in its 29th year, the program has a tremendous record of success. Program alumni have assumed significant leadership responsibilities in state and national soybean associations and promotion boards as well as national, regional and state agricultural organizations. Nearly all are making a difference in agriculture by ensuring the voice of the American farmer is being heard.

The 2012 class of ASA/DuPont Young Leaders participated in a challenging and educational leadership experience November 29 through December 2, 2011 at Pioneer headquarters in Johnston, Iowa. This four-day seminar included advocacy and media training, group casework on soybean industry policy issues, communication style analysis, presentations on the economy, biotechnology, soybean traits and product development and tours of Pioneer’s research facilities. Participants also gave presentations on their farm operation, and networked with the other producers and their spouses. Class members will complete Phase II of their training Feb. 28-March 3, 2012 in Nashville, Tenn., in conjunction with the annual Commodity Classic Convention and Trade Show. Young Leaders will receive leadership recognition awards at the ASA Awards Banquet on Friday, March 2, rounding out a full week of learning, networking and personal growth.