LUBBOCK, Texas – The United Sorghum Checkoff Program (USCP) announces the members of Leadership Sorghum Class VII. This program, hosted by the USCP, is designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders and advocates for the sorghum industry.
“The strength of the sorghum industry depends on developing leaders who can advocate for its future,” said Kendall Hodgson, USCP Chairman. “With growing demand and evolving challenges in agriculture, Leadership Sorghum plays a vital role in preparing producers to represent and promote our industry with knowledge and confidence.”
Seventeen farmers from nine states have been selected to participate in the program’s seventh class:
Nicholas Bridgeforth – Tanner, Alabama
Dylan J. Moyer – Irvington, Illinois
Jared Stegman – Dodge City, Kansas
Lesley Schmidt – Spearville, Kansas
Sydney Bacon – Salina, Kansas
Weston Schmidt – Syracuse, Kansas
Bryan Thomas – St. Charles, Missouri
Camden Liska – Verdigre, Nebraska
Brian Null – Hobart, Oklahoma
Kyle Supplee – Thompsontown, Pennsylvania
David Gunter – Lexington, South Carolina
Carson Polasek – Tynan, Texas
Daniel Sell – Booker, Texas
Heath Heinrich – Slaton, Texas
Matthew Bartek – La Grange, Texas
Reagan Ivey – Robstown, Texas
Will Braack – Hereford, Texas
“Leadership Sorghum is instrumental in shaping the future of our industry by equipping producers with the skills and knowledge needed to lead and advocate at every level,” said Shelee Padgett, Leadership Sorghum program director. “The leaders we develop today are vital to ensuring the success and growth of the sorghum industry tomorrow. We are excited to work with Class VII as they embark on this journey to strengthen both their operations and our collective voice.”
Through a combination of hands-on experiences and classroom-style learning, participants will gain insight into the sorghum value chain, the role of checkoffs and advocacy groups in supporting the industry and the future outlook for the crop. Leadership Sorghum also offers opportunities for professional development and networking. The first session will take place Dec. 10-12, 2024, in Lubbock, Texas, during the USCP Board meeting. For more details about the Leadership Sorghum program, visit www.LeadSorghum.com.
The United Sorghum Checkoff Program is a producer-funded organization dedicated to improving the sorghum industry through research, promotion and education. For more information about the USCP and other research projects, please visit www.sorghumcheckoff.com.
