PRINCETON, Ky. — Bryan Bickett of Union County and Grant Ziliak of Marion County have been selected as Kentucky’s American Soybean Association (ASA) Corteva Agriscience Young Leaders. Now in its 40th year, this national program allows young soybean farmers from around the country to gather for a challenging leadership experience. The Young Leaders program offers the opportunity for participants to enhance their leadership skills as well as meet and learn from other young leaders.
The Young Leaders program is unique among the leadership opportunities that exist for soybean growers, as it is designed to include partners in the role of “significant other” in the training. Bryan’s wife, Lauren, will join him in the program so that both parties understand the importance of helping to shape national policy and advocate for agriculture, and both have the tools to do so. This program trains leaders with the hope that they will, at some point, serve in a leadership capacity in the soybean organization.
The Bicketts farm with Bryan’s family in Union County, where they raise soybeans, corn, wheat, cattle, and hogs. Bryan said they have worked to incorporate wheat into the rotation to help with erosion, and that they use precision tools – both equipment and data – to help maximize their acreage. When asked his thoughts on the biggest problems facing farmers, Bryan responded that the freedom to operate is a big concern, as is legislation that opposes agriculture.
Grant Ziliak serves as operations manager for Peterson Farms in Loretto, and said that he is interested in learning more about shaping policy. He identified as a top concern for the future the increasing problems farmers are experiencing with weed control, along with, as Bickett said, freedom to operate. Ziliak also said that he is concerned with the U.S. maintaining its status as the preferred supplier for China and Japan. He noted that Peterson Farms is making strides in the use of cover crops and improved soil health.
As part of their status as Kentucky’s ASA Corteva Agriscience Young Leaders, Bryan and Grant will serve as ex-officio members on the board of the Kentucky Soybean Association. Young Leader duties begin at the end of November when Young Leaders will travel to Corteva corporate headquarters in Johnston, Iowa, for part one of a two-part training session. Part two will take place in late February during Commodity Classic in Houston, Texas. Classic is the national annual meeting of the American Soybean Association, the National Corn Growers Association, the National Association of Wheat Growers and the National Sorghum Producers.
— Kentucky Soybean Association
