MARL Program accepting applications for next class of ag leaders
(MARL Class X learned about agriculture in Taiwan as part of its international seminar)
The MARL Program is now accepting applicants for its next class of ag professionals interested in developing the skills that will help them grow as leaders in agriculture and rural communities. Applications are being accepted through April 24.
Over the 18-month program, attendees will attend in-station seminars, a national study seminar and a seminar abroad. Each focuses on leadership study, personal skill-building and location-related subject matter.
Open to all in agriculture, the MARL educational experience is constantly refreshed as agriculture evolves. MARL Executive Director Olga Reuvekamp said participants in their latest class, for example, will leave better able to adapt to today’s challenging ag landscape.
“While it is easy to push back and resist, we push hard on the skills that will help our class face that challenge and not only adapt, but also have an open mind that will identify the opportunities in solutions,” Reuvekamp said.
Over the 20 years of MARL, Reuvekamp said the program also focuses on the evolving technologies in our ag sector and how MARL participants can use those resources to grow in their career. But technology is not the only aspect that has evolved over the years, according to Reuvekamp. Today’s young ag professionals have more of an opportunity to make a difference in their farm, business or organization.
“More than ever agriculture needs people with a growth mindset,” she said. “Early on in my career it was the leaders who have the power, but nowadays things are not that black and white. You have the power to make a difference outside of a leadership position.”
The goal of the MARL program is to ensure you can identify those opportunities and step up and make a difference when they arise, according to Reuvekamp.
Class X of MARL recently wrapped up their course with its international seminar in Cambodia and China. Each cohort finishes their course with an international trip to learn about agriculture abroad as an opportunity to see how it is and can be done differently.
“The goal with the trip is to broaden your horizons and challenge you to think differently,” she said. “By exposing you to these different experiences, we are not trying to change your mind, but rather see how there are different ways to do things well.”
MARL will be holding an “Ask the Expert” webinar this Friday, April 17. For those interested in applying, it will be opportunity to learn more about the program and have your questions answered. You can learn more here.
The application to be part of MARL Class XI can be found here through April 24.
