> News Release

Farm Bureau Recognizes Graduates of Partners in Advocacy Leadership Class 10

Mike Tomko

Director, Communications

(L to R) Beth Hodge, New Hampshire; Matthew McClanahan, Tennessee; Jenny Holtermann, California; David Hafner, Florida; Sarah Ison, Ohio; Kyle Wilson, Utah; Derek Orth, Wisconsin; James Henderson, Colorado; and AFBF President Zippy Duvall.

photo credit: Wales Hunter

Mike Tomko

Director, Communications


The American Farm Bureau Federation recently honored eight outstanding young farm and ranch leaders as graduates of the organization’s 10th Partners in Advocacy Leadership class. PAL was designed to help agricultural leaders accelerate their engagement abilities and solidify their roles as advocates for agriculture.

“The work and commitment that PAL graduates put into this program is commendable,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said. “Their dedication to advocating on agricultural issues will benefit rural communities at the local, state and national level.”

Graduates of PAL Class 10 are: David Hafner, Florida; James Henderson, Colorado; Beth Hodge, New Hampshire; Jenny Holtermann, California; Sarah Ison, Ohio; Matthew McClanahan, Tennessee; Derek Orth, Wisconsin; and Kyle Wilson, Utah.

PAL training involves four learning modules designed to develop specific leadership 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.

The PAL program is sponsored by AFBF, Farm Credit and Bayer CropScience. To be eligible for the program, candidates must be between the ages of 30 and 45, with demonstrated leadership skills.

Press Contact

Mike Tomko
Director, Communications
(202) 406-3642
miket@fb.org

Bailey Corwine
Media Relations Specialist
(202) 406-3643
baileyc@fb.org