Versailles Grower Participates In Missouri Corn Leadership Academy

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.)–Brian Lehman of Versailles, Mo., joined a select group of nine farmers in Jefferson City Dec. 14-15 as part of the inaugural class of the Missouri CornRoots Leadership Academy sponsored by the Missouri Corn Growers Association (MCGA) and Missouri Corn Merchandising Council (MCMC).

Designed to identify future grower-leaders and provide tools to increase grassroots involvement, the first CornRoots session kicked off Wednesday with growers from across the state.  Throughout the program, Lehman took part in sessions focused on the value of grassroots, effective leadership, public speaking, policy involvement and media training.  The class also visited the State Capitol to gain a better understanding of the policy process and how to effectively communicate with urban and rural legislators. 

“It’s vital farmers get out and tell their story,” said Lehman.  “Often agriculture gets a bad rap and if we don’t speak up with the accurate version of farming, we’re likely to lose the opportunity to continue providing our nation with food.  The tools presented during this program will help me share my story and hopefully encourage others to do the same.”

To complete the leadership academy, the group will take part in a second CornRoots session where they will meet with the Missouri Corn board of directors, visit with legislators at the State Capitol and join other growers for MCGA’s annual meeting Jan. 31 in Jefferson City.

Lehman was nominated to the CornRoots program by members of the Missouri Corn board.  He grows corn, soybeans, hay and also manages a cow-calf operation.  Lehman serves as Morgan County Farm Bureau president, sits on the Morgan County Soil and Water board, MFA Versailles board of directors and is a past member of the University of Missouri Extension Council.

To learn more about Missouri’s corn industry and the farmers involved, visit www.mocorn.org or call (800) 827-4181.