Natalie Hilbig and Alexandra Stott represented Polk County at the Institute for Future Agricultural Leaders at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, N.C. The North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation sponsored the event.
Candidates for this leadership activity must pass a rigorous application process in order to be selected as a member of the institute.
The week-long institute is held on the campus of N.C. State University. Participants tour the facilities in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and meet with students and faculty to discuss current issues in the food, fiber and natural resources industries.
Each day ends with special leadership development sessions that focuses on effective communication, personal and professional goal setting, service learning and career planning.
“The institute draws out those leadership qualities in our young people, in order to help them be successful in their role as future leaders. We believe these students are destined to become great leaders in their communities and the agriculture industry” said Caroline Sheffield, student director of the institute.
Members of the institute visited with government leaders in the North Carolina General Assembly and Gov. Beverly Perdue’s office during the week.
– article submitted
by Barry Croom