The United Sorghum Checkoff Program (USCP) has selected 15 participants for Leadership Sorghum Class VIII, a premier program designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the sorghum industry.
“As agriculture continues to evolve, developing informed and forward-thinking leaders is essential to the long-term success of the sorghum industry,” said Kim Baldwin, USCP Chair. “Leadership Sorghum gives participants a broader view of the industry and equips them with the knowledge, relationships and experiences needed to help advance sorghum’s future as they grow into leaders at every level.”
Members of Leadership Sorghum Class VIII include:
Brock Billings, Braymer, Missouri
Todd Borland, Levelland, Texas
Ana Copeland, Raymondville, Texas
Morgan Crabtree, Dalhart, Texas
Chris Jewett, Amarillo, Texas
Raphiel Jolliffe, Seibert, Coloradoi
Colin Kirchhoff, Prairie View, Kansas
Matthew McMillen, Dighton, Kansas
Mark Nall, Lubbock, Texas
Cole Novak, Canyon, Texas
Job Rendel, Miami, Oklahoma
Tobin Randolph, Perryton, Texas
Lisa Schemm, Sharon Springs, Kansas
Michael Taylor, Weatherby, Missouri
Creason Young, Riviera, Texas
“Each class of Leadership Sorghum represents the future voice of our industry,” said Shelee Padgett, USCP director of emerging markets and grower leader development. “These producers and industry professionals bring valuable perspectives from across the sorghum-growing region, and this program helps them build the skills and connections necessary to strengthen both their operations and the broader industry.”
Over the 14-month program, participants will take part in educational seminars, industry tours and professional development opportunities. Through hands-on learning, industry engagement and direct exposure to key sectors of the value chain, participants gain a clearer understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing sorghum today.
Leadership Sorghum Class VIII will launch in September with its first session at the Global Sorghum Conference in Lubbock, Texas. For more information about the Leadership Sorghum program, visit LeadSorghum.com.
