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The Young Producers Leadership Conference, sponsored by Accelerated Genetics, gave attendees plenty of educational opportunities and time to work together.

The producers that attended this year’s conference included:
Troy & Leigh Allen, Reedsburg, WI
Diane Bovee, Oakfield, WI
Tim Bowers, Marion, WI
Tod & Sondra Brancel, Endeavor, WI
Gary Depies & Julie Bores, Adell, WI
Todd & Jessica Ertl, Unity, WI
Mike Kelley, Fennimore, WI
Steve & Amanda Killian, Blair, WI
Brian Koch, Waunakee, WI
Ken & Theresa Kohlmeyer, Reedsburg, WI
Steve & Patty Kvigne, Ferryville, WI
Ed & Katie Lawver, Hillpoint, WI
Erika Lepeska, Monfort, WI
Tim Maier, Jim Falls, WI
Thomas & Emily Martin, Shullsburg, WI
Chad & Lisa Pethke, Suring, WI
Benjamin Raasch, Goodhue, MN
Katie Reichling, Darlington, WI
Matt Scott & Juliann Balistreri, Blanchardville, WI
Steve & Kristi Thomas, Greenwood, WI
Jerry & Jennifer Volenec, Highland, WI
Phillip Waldera, Whitehall, WI
Donald R. Jr. & Renee Wendlandt, Randolph, WI
Matt & Janine Wipperfurth, Dane, WI

Accelerated Genetics’ Young Producer Program is open to any producer, individuals or couples, who are interested in expanding their horizons, meeting other producers, and having fun doing it. Anyone interested in becoming involved is encouraged to attend any or all of the Young Producer activities throughout the year! Upcoming Young Producer events include a Summer Meltdown to be held June 24th in Fond du Lac, WI and a Fall Conference slated for November in Stevens Point, WI. For more information on any of these programs contact Kari Stanek – 1.800.451.9275 or kstanek@accelgen.com.

‘Piecing It Together—Excellence In Leadership’ was the theme for the 2006 Young Producer Leadership Conference sponsored by Accelerated Genetics. The picture shows that they worked on the piecing it together part.

Roger Ripley, Accelerated Genetics President & CEO, comments about the program, “Accelerated Genetics’ Young Producer Program is the foundation of our cooperative’s future. Our priority is to develop future leadership by listening to the needs of the next generation, enlisting input and encouraging involvement. Our hope is that life-long friendships will be created that will help participants be more successful in their own farm operations as well as in their contributions to the agricultural sector.”

In addition to Ripley, Dan Weisenbeck, Chair of Accelerated Genetics Board of Directors; Janet Keller, Vice President of Advertising, Communication and Public Relations and Kari Stanek, Communications & Public Relations Coordinator were on hand for the producers throughout the entire weekend.

Tom Jadin was another speaker at the Accelerated Genetics Young Producer Leadership Conference. It sounds like he got to go last.

Jadin ended the conference by motivating the group, sharing some more life-lesson stories and of course using humor. He answered the question “Why do some people and some farm operations look enthused, dedicated, and vigorous as they take on new changes, challenges, and choices while others look frazzled and worn out?”

Another speaker at the Accelerated Genetics Young Producer Leadership Conference was farm broadcaster, Don Wick.

Wick challenged the producers to tell agriculture’s amazing story. As a journalist himself, he offered practical hands-on advice in communicating agriculture’s message. Producers learned tips about how to communicate with their neighbors, community and the media.

Our sponsor, Accelerated Genetics, just held their Young Producer Leadership Conference and we’ve got pictures and information for you. I’m going to put it into several posts. The Conference was held March 25-26 at the Voyageur Inn Conference Center in Reedsburg, WI.

The Leadership Conference’s program was specifically tailored for persons who wanted to improve their leadership skills, participate in educational activities, network with other producers and have fun doing it. Speakers Jolene Brown, Don Wick and Tom Jadin were featured at the Leadership Conference, along with other educational and fun sessions designed to help producers manage and lead their family, farm and cooperative in the future.

Brown (pictured) shared with the group the benefits of a positive sense of humor and how they extend to better health, understanding rural issues, and positive farm family relationships. In addition, she offered information and tools to improve communication, foster farm-family and inter-generational relationships, and increase the farm business’ bottom line.