Farm Bureau Recognizes Graduates of Partners in Advocacy Leadership Class 11

The American Farm Bureau Federation recently honored 10 outstanding leaders in agriculture as graduates of the organization’s 11th Partners in Advocacy Leadership class. PAL was designed to help agricultural leaders accelerate their engagement abilities and solidify their roles as advocates for agriculture.

“We commend the PAL graduates for their hard work and commitment to this program, and congratulate them on a job well done,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said. “We look forward to seeing how their dedication to advocating on agricultural issues will continue to benefit rural communities at the local, state and national level.”

Graduates of PAL Class 11 are: Seth Earl, Michigan; Jason Fellows, Idaho; Laura Haffner, Kansas; Rachel Harmann, Wisconsin; Eileen Jensen, New York; Russ Kohler, Utah; Heather Lifsey, North Carolina; Ben Menges, Arizona; Megan Richner, Missouri; and Dana Stewart, Arkansas.

PAL training involves four learning modules designed to develop specific advocacy skills, including storytelling, policy development and stakeholder engagement. The modules build on one another over the two years of the program and include intense, in-person, hands-on training.

“The opportunities through PAL have helped me define and pursue my passion for agriculture,” said Fellows. “This program challenges you to grow outside your comfort zone and learn new perspectives and skills.”

PAL Class 11 was sponsored by AFBF, Farm Credit and Bayer CropScience.

Applications for PAL Class 12 will be accepted through March 25 and must be approved by the applicant’s state Farm Bureau president. To be eligible for the program, candidates must be between the ages of 30 and 45, with demonstrated leadership skills. Learn more here.