A new group of 12 Mississippi agricultural professionals has been selected for the second class of the Thad Cochran Agricultural Leadership Program.
The Mississippi State University Extension Service, in partnership with the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation, established the two-year, nine-seminar program to help emerging leaders in the state’s agricultural industry develop leadership skills and policy knowledge while visiting agricultural systems in Mississippi and abroad. They will also visit legislators in Jackson and Washington.
The second class includes Cala Tabb of Eupora, co-owner of Old Walthall Farms.
The first Cochran leadership class finished its sessions with a trip to Germany in July.
“The first class spent the past two years improving their leadership and communication skills, increasing their knowledge of agricultural enterprises and issues and networking with leaders in government and industry,” said Michael Newman, director of the leadership program and the MSU School of Human Sciences. “They were a great inaugural class — one we hope to build on going forward.”
Newman said the new class members represent Mississippi’s diverse agricultural sectors, geography and commodities.
“I am extremely excited about their potential as leaders,” he said. “Agriculture is the backbone of our nation’s economy and local communities. We need strong leadership to ensure it continues. I’m sure the second class will be up to the task.”
