Tag: leadership

Crops, Irrigation, Livestock

FSA County Committee Nomination Deadline

Brandy VanDeWalle

It is important for one to stand for what they believe in and takes an active role in one’s community. Effective leadership is crucial to any community or organization.  An effective leader understands the issues at-hand, is knowledgeable in his/her area, knows the proper ways to motivate others, embraces change, can work in a variety of settings and with a variety of personalities, and involves the group or followers in important decision-making. That being said, remember that a leader is not only a political figure or someone that is well known, but a leader can be a farmer, local businessmen/women, or anyone in a community or organization.  For those individuals desiring to take on leadership roles, consider serving on the FSA County Committee. Details for how to step into this role follow.

houses in farm against cloudy sky
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) encourages all farmers, ranchers, and FSA program participants to take part in the County Committee election nomination process.

FSA’s county committees are a critical component of the day-to-day operations of FSA and allow grassroots input and local administration of federal farm programs.

Committees are comprised of locally elected agricultural producers responsible for the fair and equitable administration of FSA farm programs in their counties. Committee members are accountable to the Secretary of Agriculture. If elected, members become part of a local decision making and farm program delivery process.

A county committee is composed of three elected members from local administrative areas (LAA). Each member serves a three-year term. One-third of the seats on these committees are open for election each year.

County committees may have an appointed advisor to further represent the local interests of underserved farmers and ranchers. Underserved producers are beginning, women and other minority farmers and ranchers and landowners and/or operators who have limited resources.

All nomination forms for the 2019 election must be postmarked or received in the local USDA service center by Aug. 1, 2019. For more information on FSA county committee elections and appointments, refer to the FSA fact sheet: Eligibility to Vote and Hold Office as a COC Member available online at: fsa.usda.gov/elections.

Uncategorized, Youth

Leadership Skills Top Ten

Brandy VanDeWalle

Recently I had the opportunity to help recognize 4-H Club Leaders from both Fillmore and Clay counties. With so many organizations, school activities, careers and many other items on parents’ plates, I hope leaders know how much I appreciate their help and commitment to the 4-H program. Without leaders to guide 4-H’ers and lead the meetings, 4-H clubs would not be as successful as they are today.leadership

To describe what a leader is, I’ve made up my own top ten skills that make a good leader.

#10. Flexibility – the ability to go with the flow when needed”

#9. Negotiation – ability to compromise and come up with a “win/win” situation

#8. Creativity – develop solutions and look towards the future

#7. Determination – possess “grit” even when projects don’t go as planned

#6. Mentoring – teaching and helping others

#5. Listening – actively listen to what others might need

#4. Integrity – doing things for the right reason and not self-seeking

#3. Teamwork – ability to bring people together and accomplish a common goal

#2. Compassion – desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others

#1. Communication – articulate ideas clearly to others and in an appropriate manner, most often conflict occurs because others are unaware of a situation

Many of our club leaders possess these skills and I would like to thank them for their years of service. While there is no such think as a perfect leader, whether in a volunteer or career-related position, a leader is able to work as a team, admit when he/she is wrong and work towards the greater good and move an organization forward.

Uncategorized

Agricultural Leadership – LEAD Program

Brandy VanDeWalle
As a LEAD 27 participant, our class traveled to China, South Korea & Hong Kong!

 LEAD Application Deadline is June 15

As the number of individuals involved in agriculture continues to decrease—and the challenges continue to increase—the need for highly trained, effective and articulate spokespersons and leaders in the agricultural industry becomes even more critical. If you would like to be a part of the leadership necessary to chart the course . . . now and in the future, and you are presently involved in production agriculture or agribusiness, there will never be a better time to make application to the Nebraska LEAD Program.

Fellowship applications for Nebraska LEAD (Leadership Education/Action Development) Group XXXI (31) are now available for men and women involved in production agriculture or agribusiness and are due on June 15. Up to 30 motivated men and women who are passionate about our industry will be selected from five geographic areas of the state.

In addition to monthly three-day seminars throughout Nebraska from mid-September through early April each year, Nebraska LEAD Fellows also participate in a 10-day National Study/Travel Seminar to Kansas City, Washington, D.C. and Chicago during the first year, and a two week International Study/Travel Seminar during the second year.

Seminar themes include leadership assessment and potential, natural resources and energy, agricultural policy, leadership through communication, our political process, global perspectives, nuclear energy, social issues, understanding and developing leadership skills, agribusiness and marketing, advances in health care, and the resources and people of Nebraska’s Panhandle.

The Nebraska LEAD Program is designed to prepare the spokespersons, problem-solvers and decision makers for Nebraska and its agricultural industry. In its 30th year, the program is operated by the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council, a nonprofit organization, in collaboration with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and in cooperation with Nebraska colleges and universities, business and industry, and individuals throughout the state.

Applications are due no later than June 15 and are available via e-mail from the Nebraska LEAD Program. Application materials can be requested by contacting Shana at sgerdes2@unl.edu, by calling (402) 472-6810, or by writing Room 318 Biochemistry Hall, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 68583-0763.

As a graduate of LEAD XXVII, I would highly recommend anyone even thinking about applying to visit with me and I’ll share more personal insights on this excellent program. I can attest to the high quality and how its helped improve my leadership skills and confidence and made me more aware of important issues and opportunities to continually improve myself and knowledge.