Agricultural News
Wanted- Applications for Class XV of the Oklahoma Ag Leadership Program
Thu, 29 Apr 2010 18:39:45 CDT
Oklahomans who are engaged in the agricultural industry and are looking for a way to enhance their leadership skills should consider applying for the Oklahoma Agricultural Leadership Program.
Since its inception in 1982, OALP has graduated more than 400 participants and continues to grow and offer class members new and exciting opportunities, said Edmond Bonjour, who was recently named OALP director.
"Our overall objective for the OALP is to further develop emerging leaders for Oklahoma agriculture," Bonjour said. "We develop our leaders through a series of seminars and study tours over a two-year period. We also expose participants to cutting-edge changes that are occurring in the agriculture industry and agri-business."
One of the graduates of Class 14 of the OALP is Scott Neufeld of Fairview. We recently talked with Scott about the program- and why someone should consider being a part of Class 15. Click on the Listen Bar at the bottom of this story to hear our conversation with Neufeld- who is in the picture here at one of the Seminar stops while in Kansas City- the Harley Davidson factory.
OALP has been recognized as one of Oklahoma's top leadership programs for emerging agricultural leaders. The program is open to Oklahoma men and women between the ages of 25 and 50 who are engaged in production agriculture or a related agricultural business.
Applications for OALP's Class XV are available online- click here to jump to their website.. The deadline for submitting an application and letters of reference is May 18. Those interested are encouraged to apply early. The class size is limited to 30 participants.
Bonjour said the two-year program consists of 11 three-day seminars and study tours within Oklahoma, a week-long seminar in Washington, D.C., and a two-week international experience near the end of the program.
Lisa Blubaugh, a member of Class XIV from Ponca City, said she will benefit from her participation for years to come.
"This was a very enlightening experience one I believe I will not know the full potential until years from now," Blubaugh said. "It's an education you can't get in any classroom. After my OALP experience I have gained the confidence to further my education."
Brandon Winters, who is from Edmond and also a member of Class XIV, is glad he had the opportunity to participate in OALP.
"I feel that the overall OALP experience was outstanding and I'm extremely fortunate to have been selected to participate in such a wonderful program," Winters said.
OALP's Class XIV recently returned from a two-week trip to Spain and Morocco. One of numerous educational stops on the trip was a visit to a cattle farm in the Atlas Mountains, about an hour's drive from Meknes. This particular farm was the first to introduce modern production of beef cattle for peat production on open rangeland. Another stop included a trip to the village of El Viso de Alco where they visited a co-op that produces and packs citrus for export.
"This was a trip that I will remember for expanding my horizons, helping me develop better friendships and offering me new insights at home and abroad," said class member Mary Steichen, Ponca City.
Thomas resident Kent Switzer also felt this trip and the whole OALP experience was worthwhile. "It thought it was incredible," Switzer said. "I saw and experienced things that will go with me for a lifetime."
There are three basic objectives in OALP. First, the program is designed to help potential leaders develop a deeper and fuller appreciation of people. While members of previous classes began the program with some leadership skills, they completed the class with an even broader understanding and appreciation of people throughout the United States and the world.
The second objective of the program is designed to help potential leaders develop a better understanding of basic systems of economics and government. Many of the opportunities and problems facing agriculture today are economic in nature. In addition, many of the solutions to economic problems and economic opportunities exist beyond the borders of Oklahoma and beyond the boundaries of the United States.
The third objective is to help OALP participants utilize their understanding of people and their knowledge of systems of economics and government to solve problems and exploit opportunities for the state's agricultural industry.
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