Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Animal Institute, presented by Merck Animal Health, brought together over 100 college students from across the country for an immersive, career-shaping experience in the animal agriculture industry.

Three new industry leaders were appointed to the National AFA Alliance Advisory Council (NAAAC) – a dynamic group of alumni leaders who help strengthen and expand the Agriculture Future of America (AFA) network. Joining the team is Kate Jaeger, Michael Carlson and Luke Altermatt.

High achievers are trained to climb. Get the internship. Land the offer. Earn the promotion. Move up fast. But Jonathan Chase, Vice President of Turf & Utility at John Deere, thinks that mindset is flawed.

n a world that rewards speed, noise and instant answers, silence can feel uncomfortable — even risky. But what if sitting in that silence could be one of the most powerful leadership tools in your lineup?

From posture and hand placement to eye contact and virtual cues, the smallest signals shape whether people trust you, listen to you or dismiss you.

The Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Ambassador Program equips ambitious students to shape the future of the agriculture industry. This year, 41 student leaders representing campuses nationwide were selected to serve as a bridge between AFA and the next generation of agricultural professionals.

Good grades. Important titles. Respected internships. Numerous awards. The recognition is prevalent. Somewhere between chasing the next milestone and preparing for the future, it is easy to loose sight of what is truly important.

The first year of your career is one of the most formative seasons of your life. But can also be one of the most challenging. You just spent the last four years planning around syllabi, striving for high grades and follow clear rubrics.

In food and agriculture, these moments happen unexpectedly and all too often. Once it starts, there’s no pause button. What leaders do in the first hours of a crisis often shapes trust, credibility and outcomes for years to come.

Agriculture Future of America (AFA) selected 12 college students from across the country to serve on the 2026 Student Advisory Team. They are dedicating a year to supporting their peers, creating safe environments and empowering industry growth to ensures AFA continues developing the kind of talent agriculture needs to thrive.

Jarrod Gillig proved his humanity when he found himself navigating one of the hardest decisions a leader can face: the shutdown of Cargill’s Plainview beef plant. Overnight, his role became telling thousands of people that their world was about to change.

The leaders who thrive are up to speed with the newest technology, industry trends and latest challenges. They’re the ones who are curious enough to ask better questions and truly understand the situation.

Learning how to navigate crucial conversations is a leadership superpower.

Authenticity isn’t just a buzzword. It’s what fuels trust, innovation and retention. Because when people feel accepted for who they are, they stop performing and start contributing.

A more sustainable future of agriculture will be shaped by systems thinking, collaboration and relationship development.

Great leaders build a bridge for future leaders and agriculturists. The Agriculture of America (AFA) Bridge Builder Award recognizes alumni committed to strengthening the future of food and agriculture through connection, collaboration and mentorship.

In a fast-evolving industry like agriculture where technology, sustainability and consumer demands are constantly reshaping the landscape, staying ahead of the curve isn’t just a bonus—it’s a necessity. For ag professionals, investing in intentional professional development is one of the smartest moves you can make for your career.

A masterclass in staying human when conversations get heated. A lesson rooted in listening, clarity of intent and a refusal to dehumanize the people on the other side of the conflict.

When most people dream of a career in agriculture, they picture tractors, barns and fields of corn. But as Dr. Michelle Schack reminds us, agriculture is more than plows and sows.

Organizational health is the balance between the smart and healthy sides of a company.