The future of the agriculture industry needs strong voices who will stand up and tell the stories of farmers and ranchers all across the country, especially to government leaders. A great way to gain that confidence is through experience. The Ag Voices of the Future program is for students interested in improving their understanding of major agricultural policy issues, the importance of advocacy and careers that can impact agricultural policy.
The U.S. agriculture industry needs more leaders in Washington, D.C., who understand the needs of farmers and the agriculture industry, especially as it relates to the development of policies and regulations that impact farm productivity. The proportion of rural congressional districts is at its lowest point in history. Ag Voices of the Future program encourages students to consider careers within agriculture associations and industry, as well as government regulatory and legislative positions.
The American Soybean Association is now accepting applications for the Valent Ag Voices of the Future program. Which will be held July 11-14, 2022, in conjunction with the summer ASA Board meeting and Soy Issues Forum in Washington, D.C. Class size is limited, and students must be at least 18 years old by July 11 to apply.
Bonus Opportunity through Agriculture Future of America
Through a partnership ASA and Valent have with collegiate organization Agriculture Future of America (AFA), two students from the 2022 Ag Voices of the Future program will also have the opportunity to win the following:
- $1,600 academic scholarship
- Complimentary registration (includes hotel stay) for the Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Leaders Conference, Nov. 10-13, 2022, in Kansas City, Missouri.
- Up to $500 for reimbursement of travel expenses to the AFA Leaders Conference
Application Process
To apply for the ASA and Valent Ag Voices of the Future program, and be considered for a scholarship to the AFA Leaders Conference, students should visit the Ag Voices of the Future webpage of the ASA website, click on the green “Apply Now” button, and submit their online application by March 9.
To make sure students are considered for the Ag Voices of the Future program, they should check the box that reads, “I have an interest in agriculture policy and would like to be considered for the ASA and Valent Ag Voices of the Future Program (July 11-14, in Washington, D.C.), as well as receiving an AFA Leader and Academic Scholarship.” If a student has already applied for the AFA Leaders Conference, they can still modify their application to include checking the box for the Ag Voices of the Future program.
