Who it’s for?
INFB members who want to enhance leadership skills, build a professional network and better understand the socioeconomic forces shaping agriculture.
Status
The next application period opens November 2026 for the 2027 cohort. Submit your name or nominate someone to be the first to learn when applications open.
What You’ll Gain
- Leadership skills that stick – workshops, coaching and applied practice.
- Policy & advocacy fluency – understand how decisions get made and how to influence them.
- Professional network – expand your connections across Indiana agriculture.
- Broader ag knowledge – deepen your understanding of the industry and its impacts.
- Opportunity to travel - travel across Indiana along with a trip to another state.
Meet the 2025 L.E.A.D. Cohort
Shalyn Nelson
Putnam County
Eugenia Badger
Clark County
Michael Lash
Orange County
Kendall Eads
Harrison County
Sarah Froderman
Boone County
Jeff Whitehouse
Spencer County
Emma Swainston
Bartholomew County
2027 Session Calendar
Selected participants must attend all sessions.
Session | Dates (2027) | Focus |
| Session 1 – Leading through Advocacy | April 7-9 | Policy process, how to advocate, issue briefings, meetings with elected officials, ag tour |
| Session 2 – Leading Yourself | June 10-12 | INFB immersion, etiquette, Real Colors personality assessment, critical thinking, ag tour |
| Session 3 – Leading by Communicating | July 22-24 | Message development, media & presentation skills, ag tour |
| Session 4 – Leading by Exploring | Aug. 19-25 | Trip outside Indiana, national perspectives, agencies, partners and fun |
| Virtual Session - Leading our Communities | October TBD (virtual) | Capstone project preparation and practice |
| Graduation – Indiana Ag Gathering | Dec. 10-11 | Capstone presentations and recognition |
*Note: For those who work Monday-Friday, there will be about ten workdays where you will need to be away from work to fulfill your L.E.A.D. commitment.
Applications open in early November 2026 and close on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2027.
Notifications will be sent by Friday, Jan. 15, 2027.
Eligibility, Class Size & Expectations
- Membership & age: Paid INFB member in good standing and 21+ by the first session (April 2027 for the current class).
- Class size: Up to 10 participants per cohort.
- Attendance: Class attendance is a priority; missing a session disqualifies participants from the trip and graduation at the Indiana Ag Gathering. Work/school excusal letters available upon request.
- Role restrictions: Current YF&AP State Committee, Women’s Leadership Committee, INFB board of directors, or INFB staff must obtain prior approval from the leadership development coordinator to apply. Previous members of these groups are eligible and encouraged. Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance staff may apply with approval from their direct supervisor.
Cost & Support
- Covered by INFB: Hotels, meals, airline travel (when applicable) and program fees.
- Participant fee: $300 (covers materials and additional accommodations), due in full before Session 1. If this investment feels out of reach right now, get in touch with Dustin at dhoman@infb.org or 317-692-7183 to explore what's possible.
- Transportation: Participants must hold a valid driver’s license and provide their own transportation to all in-state sessions (mileage is not reimbursable).
Selection Process (Next cycle applications open November 2026)
- Applications are reviewed and scored by a panel after the close date.
- INFB staff share next steps and notify applicants of selection status within two weeks of the close date.
Contact
Questions about eligibility, timing, or the next cohort? Contact:
Dustin Homan, Leadership Development Coordinator
