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Program Information

Program Purpose

The overall purpose of NJALDP is to provide leadership development opportunities designed specifically for farmers and others in ag-related businesses. As a result of participating in NJALDP participants will:

• Sharpen business management skills
• Establish an extensive agricultural network throughout the State
• Sharpen business and letter writing skills
• Enhance interpersonal communication skills
• Strengthen marketing skills
• Enhance public speaking skills
• Sharpen analytical and decision making skills
• Develop skills in conflict resolution and negotiation
• Enhance understanding of agricultural infrastructure, state and federal government, agricultural economics, and effects on globalism on agriculture and U.S. economy

Program Format

The NJALDP is organized into a series of 10 multi-day, in-state seminars which meet at various locations throughout the state over a two-year period. Two additional travel seminars, one to Washington, DC, and an International Study Institute, complete the program.

Seminar meeting dates vary. As part of the leadership experience, NJALDP participants help determine these seminar dates, identify meeting locations, and recommend appropriate farms and agri-businesses for study to further enhance their learning.

Learning/Training Methodology

Consistent with adult learning theory, NJALDP seminars are designed as highly interactive, experiential learning workshops. Participants explore the various seminar topics through group discussion, small and large group exercises, assessment tools, facilitator presentations, in-class exercises, participant presentations, and pre/post seminar assignments.

Through an on-going needs assessment process and seminar evaluations, NJALDP participants help shape their leadership program curriculum. As a result, "in-class" activities and pre/post seminar assignments are "issue driven" and relevant to participants' developmental needs and interests.

Agriculture Secretary Anne Veneman and members of NJALDP Class IV during the Washington Seminar.

"Learning projects by members of a society are a means to a better future for that society. When politicians, corporation presidents, and heads of state spend some time learning before making major decisions, their decisions are more likely to be sound." (Tough, 1979, Pg 4)