Nine outstanding young farm and ranch leaders have been selected by the American Farm Bureau Federation for the ninth Partners in Advocacy Leadership class.
AFBF created the PAL curriculum as a high-level, executive training program that prepares participants to represent agriculture in the media, in public speaking, in congressional testimony, and other advocacy arenas. Program graduates are given opportunities to step forward and promote awareness about issues important to farmers and consumers.
“Effective engagement across the board drives agriculture’s success, and equipping young leaders for that mission is vital,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Each member of the new PAL class is a leader among leaders, and we look forward to seeing each progress to the highest levels of agricultural advocacy.”
Members of PAL Class 9 are: Angi Bailey, Oregon; John Boelts, Arizona; April Clayton, Washington; Becca Ferry, Utah; Amy France, Kansas; Amelia Kent, Louisiana; Matt Niswander, Tennessee; James O’Brien, Texas; Tyson Roberts, Utah; and Jamie Tiralla, Maryland.
PAL training involves four learning modules designed to develop specific advocacy skills while exploring components of leadership and its theories and philosophies. The modules build on one another over the two years of the program and include intense, in-person, hands-on training.
PAL graduates emerge with the experience and confidence—in everything from legislative policy-making and issues management to social media and media relations—to effectively engage all critical stakeholders.
To be eligible for the PAL program, candidates must be between the ages of 30 and 45, with demonstrated leadership skills. The program is sponsored by AFBF, Farm Credit, and Monsanto Company.
