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Why I-LEAD?

Iowa’s agriculture leadership today is built on generationsof individuals who made agriculture their cause – not just a job.  The Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) and Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) recognize that the future of Iowa Agriculture depends on developing new leaders who share the same passion for generations to come.

That’s why the ICGA and ICPB created the Iowa CornLeadership Enhancement and Development (I-LEAD) program in 2002: to recruit menand women who are committed to agriculture and to provide them with the toolsthey need to succeed as leaders. 

I-LEAD is a resource for talented people who want tocontribute to a better future for Iowa’s communities and the long-termprofitability of agriculture in Iowa and is charged with the task of developing stronger leaders for Iowa agriculture (not strictly for Iowa Corn).  

An I-LEAD Graduate will be able to: 

• Describe the value of grassroots leadership, which include knowing how to get involved and having the personal skills to work effectively as a leader.

• Define their personal leadership style by also knowing the diversity of leadership styles, and how people with different leadership styles work together in group dynamics.

• Develop a working knowledge of Iowa Corn and other key organizations that agriculture can work with to broaden perspectives and build coalitions.  

• Create a working knowledge of the agriculture industry and economy in Iowa and Iowa’s place in the world agriculture economy.  

• Communicate messages about agriculture by locating evidence, formulating key points, and communicating agricultural messages through written or verbal communication.