Fifteen individuals in the ag industry wanting to learn more and hone their personal skills in Communication, Organization, Relationships and Engagement just wrapped up one year of focused sessions ending with a final presentation. The fourth group of emerging Michigan leaders just graduated last week from the MI Ag CORE Leadership Program.
The MI Ag CORE Leadership Program was developed by and is supported by the Michigan Potato Industry Commission, the Michigan Wheat Program, and the Michigan Soybean Committee. The idea for MI Ag CORE came from the lessons learned by these organizations’ leaders working in the agricultural “trenches” on a day-to-day basis.
“I saw that agriculture was missing a well-rounded program for those looking to move directly into management or those who were heading in that direction,” said Turner. “The MI Ag CORE came together as a collection of skills that the three of us thought would have been beneficial to us, as we grew into our positions.”
This fourth cohort of 15 ag professionals began in January 2025 with a two-part “DISC” talent/skill assessment. They applied that knowledge throughout the year as they also did work in the areas of communications, human resources, social media and governance. The seven-session [KT1] program – part in-person and part online – wrapped up last week with in-person presentations.
“I was so pleased with the group, and to see their evolution over the past year,” added Pollok-Newsom. “I look forward to watching them grow in the future and see where their careers take them. Agriculture needs continual infusions of fresh talent and a fresh view. This program allows for that while cohorts are building friendships that will last.”
Those graduating from the program include:
Joe Clark (DeWitt), Ryan Gilmore (Birch Run), Grant Hart (Dowagiac), Joe Hassle (Dowagiac), Scott Hassle (Dowagiac), Bryan Heffron (Ada), Quinten Hunsberger (Elkhart, Ind.), Tammy Karpuk (Saginaw), Phabian Makokha (Okemos), Jordan Moeggenborg (Ithaca), Lindy Richards (Fairgrove), Cassie Sneller (Sebewaing), Maria Sweringin (Elkhart, Ind.), Megan VandeGiessen (Vicksburg), and Michael Walther (Newberry).
The three program developers thank the following sponsors for their financial support during MI Ag CORE’s fourth year. Those financially supporting the program were: GreenStone FCS, Walther Farms, TriEst Ag Group, Star of the West, Tritium/Midwest Water Stewards, and Morgan Composting.
“Our goal is to have a very affordable program for attendees,” said Ben Steyer, CEO of the Michigan Soybean Committee. “Support from industry has allowed us to do just that. We have started to secure sponsors for 2026, but there are still some spots available.”
More information on sponsorship, as well as the overall MI AG CORE program is available at MIAGCORE.com. All attendee spots have been filled for the 2026 year, but registration will open again next fall for the 2027 program year.
Pictured Above:
Back row, left to right, Michael Walther, Quinten Hunsberger, Jordan Moeggenborg, Bryan Heffron, Scott Hassle, Joe Clark, Grant Hart, and Ryan Gilman
Front row, left to right, Lindy Richards, Maria Sweringin, Megan VandeGiessen, Joe Hassle, Cassie Sneller, Phabian Makokha (not pictured: Tammy Karpuk)
The MI Ag CORE program was developed with financial and resources support from the Michigan Potato Industry Commission, the Michigan Soybean Committee, and the Michigan Wheat Program. Each of these organizations are nonprofit grower-funded commodity check-off organizations with a strong interest in an even better future for Michigan agriculture.