Besides certification programs the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers also has a Leadership Institute. Let’s learn all about it from Merrill W. Swanson, ARA of Dugger, Canaday, Grafe, Inc, in San Antonio, TX. Merrill has moved into the role of First Vice President of the ASFMRA. He also serves as the Co-Chair of the Government Relations Committee which has been conducting this annual leadership program for about 20 years. The program is sponsored by Dupont Pioneer. Merrill has attended four of the institutes.

Approximately 30 members are selected each year to go to Washington, DC for the program where they learn about how to navigate and communicate with the politicians and regulators making decisions about policies that affect their business. Attendees range in age and experience across all members of ASFMRA. It’s a week long program.

You can listen to my interview with Merrill here: Interview with Merrill Swanson

Agronomics Vision 2014 Photo Album

AgWired coverage of the ASFMRA Agronomics Conference is sponsored by Halderman Farm Management.