Hadrick Graduates from PAL Program

Troy Hadrick, Vale, is among ten young farmers and ranchers nationwide to recently graduate from the Partners in Agricultural Leadership (PAL) honors program.  The program is designed to identify elite young agricultural leaders and equip them with the necessary skills to speak out on behalf of agriculture. 

“Agriculture is represented best when farmers and ranchers speak for the industry,” said Hadrick.  “The PAL honors program gives graduates the ability to stand up and effectively communicate agriculture’s story to consumers and the media.”

By participating in PAL, young leaders enrich their leadership skills in problem solving, persuasion, consensus building and public communication. They also deepen their knowledge of specific agricultural and public policy issues.

Upon completion of the PAL program, participants may represent agriculture in the media, on speaking circuits or in legislative activities. PAL graduates serve as “advocates for agriculture,” promoting awareness on issues important to those in the farm-to-consumer food chain.

According to AFBF President Bob Stallman, “The PAL program provides opportunities for young farmers and rancher to be even more actively involved as leaders in agriculture once they are identified through their participation in AFBF Young Farmers and Ranchers activities.” The program now has provided top tier leadership training to 30 young leaders, including three from South Dakota.  Several graduates of the program have gone on to elected public office and state Farm Bureau leadership. 

Other graduates of the 2006 program are:  Steve Anderegg, Iowa; Brian Dunn, Kansas; Keith Dunn, Virginia; Paul Fugate, Tennessee; Regan Kucera, Nebraska; Bryan Lawrence, Minnesota; Hope Pjesky, Oklahoma; Nathan Russell, Minnesota; and Stefanie Smallhouse, Arizona.

PAL was initiated three years ago as a partnership between Altria through its Shared Solutions Agricultural Initiative program and the American Farm Bureau Federation.

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