MANKATO – Minnesota farmer Parker Revier recently completed the American Soybean Association (ASA) Corteva Agriscience Young Leader program with his significant other, Gabrielle Carmichael. This two-phase, year-long program took them to Iowa and Texas to grow leadership skills within agriculture.
Along the way, the couple made countless connections with industry peers.
“It was absolutely a fantastic experience for both Gabby and myself,” Revier said. “It was nice to reconnect with the young leaders. The second phase focused on how we can use our experiences in our story as farmers and as individuals to better promote and bridge the gap between the consumer and the farmer. That was a great experience and good learning exercise.”
After completing the Young Leader program, which celebrated its 40th classic this year, Revier will remain on the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) board as an at-large director.
“I’m going to continue my engagement with the Renville County Corn & Soybean Growers and look for other opportunities locally to engage with,” Revier said. “As far as MSGA, we’ll see what the future brings.”
Revier added that he’s extremely excited to learn more about the industry and engage with Minnesota farmer leaders to find opportunities to promote soybeans.
“It’s our duty to help bridge that gap here locally and be active in our communities and be strong advocates,” said Revier, an Olivia native who works as an ag lender at HomeTown Bank.
Phase I took place in late November 2023 at Corteva’s Global Business Center in Johnston, Iowa. There, Revier and Carmichael networked and learned what it takes to be a leader. Phase II was in March 2024 in Houston, Texas, in conjunction with Commodity Classic.
Revier started farming in 2022 in Sibley, Renville and Stevens counties. He recalled his childhood and the memories of spending time with his grandpa in the field and wanting to continue that on his own farm. He hopes to inspire and help other young farmers start their own farming careers.
The Young Leader program works with ASA’s 26 state affiliates and the Grain Farmers of Ontario to identify the top producers to represent their states. The program, which is supported by Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) checkoff funding, is dedicated to training industry leaders to create a better future for farmers.
Revier said he highly recommends the Young Leader program to anyone who is interested. Details to apply for the 2024-25 Class will be announced later this summer.
“It’s an experience that Gabby and I will never forget,” he said.
Click here to learn more about the 2023-24 Young Leader Class.
About the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association
MSGA is a nonpartisan, farmer-led advocacy organization established in 1962. The organization represents the interests of Minnesota’s nearly 28,000 soybean farmers. MSGA’s goal is to ensure profitable soybean farming by influencing favorable farm legislation, monitoring government policies and supporting research and market development activities.
