The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is partnering with the Farm Credit Council for the launch of a new mentorship program called On Deck. The program connects seasoned grower leaders with young and beginning agriculturalists to build NCGA’s roster of champions.
Anne Thompson, with Farm Credit Council, shared her enthusiasm for the new program.
“Farm Credit is excited to partner with the National Corn Growers Association on this effort to build the bench of future industry leaders,” Thompson said. “We hope that through this program young producers can gain exposure to all the association has to offer earlier than they might have otherwise.”
The mentees for this program were nominated and selected by NCGA state partners to participate in three months of programming with their mentors. The mentees are Nathan Behrends (Iowa), Jeff Hazlewood (Iowa), Maggie Holub (Neb.), Devin Lansing (Iowa), and Kate Voisinet (Mich.).
Leaders at NCGA say the program will help young farmers overcome the obstacles they may face in what can be a tough profession.
“Young growers are entering farming during a challenging time,” said Illinois farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Kenneth Hartman Jr. “By facilitating cross-generational conversations, this program provides new farmers with the tools and well-worn advice they will need to succeed and thrive.”
