MARL continues engaging ag and rural leaders
It was an active and eventful six months for the Minnesota Agriculture & Rural Leadership (MARL) program, the state’s dynamic leadership program for engaged adult agricultural and rural leaders. Since Class 13 was announced in August, class members have participated in classroom leadership training, taken ag industry tours, heard from guest speakers, and more. Through the corn checkoff, Minnesota Corn has been a proud supporter of MARL since the program’s inception and continues to support the program to help develop the skills of the state’s agricultural and rural leaders so they maximize their impact and effectiveness.
Class 13 held its first seminar at Itasca State Park in September, getting to know one another, building community, walking around the park, touring a wild rice farm, and more. The class had its second seminar in Austin in December, learning about effective communication, touring the SPAM Museum, a processing plant, an ethanol plant, and more.
In the coming months, Class 13 members will participate in seminars focused on other leadership topics and travel Washington, D.C., and a yet-to-be-announced international destination country before graduating in April 2026.
Class 13 member Rachel Arneson said she heard about MARL a few years back and had been interested for a while in participating. She said she’s hoping to develop her network and build her communication skills to become a more effective leader.
Arneson said the first seminar was great practice for her in trusting her gut, and she said the group is very supportive of one another. She said the program is already beyond what she expected and that she’s excited to learn more about herself and grow with her peers across the state.
Fellow class member Jennifer Athmann said she’d heard from past MARL participants that the program helps you learn more about yourself than you thought possible. She said the exposure will expand your personal knowledge and help with future growth.
“I am only in year one and I can tell you that what past participants have said is true. MARL pushes you out of your comfort zone and you will be amazed at what you can accomplish,” Athmann said.
Over 380 participants to date
Since MARL held its first class in 2000, 382 agriculture and rural leaders have participated in the program, including 199 farmers. Support from Minnesota Corn and other funding partners have supported those leaders in their development.
MARL won’t begin accepting applications for Class 14 until next January, but it’s not too early to begin thinking about it! More information about the program can be found at marlprogram.org.
