These eighteen women who attended were from across the United States, each pursuing different types of agriculture. The gamut of agriculture spread from potatoes in Maine to dairy and vegetables in New York and sheep and agricultural banking in Ohio. There was also corn, soybean, cattle ranching, rodeo and cover crops from Kansas, Arizona, Wyoming and Colorado. There was also an ag banker from California, fruit grower from Oregon and a rice grower from Arkansas. Although our farming practices may be different, many of the agricultural issues we face are very similar. Some of the issues were weather, drought, water, immigration, land rights, pesticide use, transition on the family farm and estate planning. We had many heart to heart talks sharing our knowledge and experiences, as well as many laughs.
We had terrific leaders to guide us during the conference. We participated in workshops that dealt with personality traits, some of us agreed with what we learned about ourselves and some were surprised by the results. These personality tests helped us to understand what kind of leaders we were and identify areas for growth.
One workshop was about speech writing and delivery. We had ten minutes to write on an issue and then speak in front of an audience. I was all jitters and nerves, but learned I could do it. As it turns out, if you’re passionate enough about an issue, it comes pretty naturally, which makes it that much easier to share your thoughts with others. We also did a mock television interview on Ag. Issues and our leader asked us some tough questions. My topic was traditional farming vs. organic farming. This is a topic I felt very comfortable discussing, I can tell you I chocked at some points. I learned a lot from it and wished we had time to do it one more time. Watching others face the same types of challenging questions on different ag issues helped me as well.
- Minnesota Crop Land
Business Etiquette was also a very informative workshop. We learned what to wear, how to shake hands, where to place utensils at the table and we are allowed to tell a business associate if they have spinach in their teeth (in a nice way of course)! Our Social Media class was full of ideas on how to use your website, face book, and twitter.
The Syngenta leaders took very good care of us during our stay in Minnesota. The hotel was comfortable and the food was great! I especially enjoyed the skywalks to walk the city of Minneapolis. I also appreciated a visit to one of the Syngenta farms and seeing some of the Minnesota country side.
- Leadership Training
Within the four days together, we became a close group. We supported each other with the skills and tasks that were required during the leadership classes. There was always a kind word of recognition or appreciation. We left there as graduates of the “Syngenta Leadership at its Best Program”. I think we all felt a little stronger and more prepared for what the Ag. world in our state or communities will dish out to us. I for one knew that I left with a feeling of support and twenty new friends to exchange ideas with. It was a win, win, experience!
