Our Goal: To develop a cadre of articulate, knowledgeable, skilled leaders who encourage positive action on key issues, policy, and economics to advance New Jersey's agricultural industry

The purpose of the NJ Agricultural Leadership Development Program (NJALDP) is to provide educational programming for individuals involved in farming and agribusiness, guiding them to become informed, articulate leaders. Every few years, we invite a new cohort of participants to join the program, taking the first step to becoming the leaders of tomorrow!

Program Objectives

The two-year program, hosted in collaboration with Rutgers University, consists of ten residential seminars in NJ (2-3 days each) and two out-of-state trips. Participants learn from experts in their fields, meet with government and business leaders at every level, and take field trips for a first-hand view of the issues at hand. Throughout the process, we provide opportunities for participants to hone their own leadership skills. In particular, the curriculum is designed to:
  • Sharpen business management skills
  • Establish an extensive agricultural network throughout the state
  • Strengthen writing & marketing skills
  • Enhance interpersonal communication & public speaking skills
  • Sharpen analytical & decision-making skills
  • Develop skills in conflict resolution & negotiation
  • Enhance understanding of the NJ agricultural infrastructure, state & federal government, agricultural economics, and effects of globalization on agriculture and the economy

By the end of the NJALDP program, graduates will:
  • Be recognized as skilled leaders
  • Be more effective managers of their businesses
  • Understand key emerging issues & their impacts on their business and the industry
  • Be actively & positively engaged in the New Jersey agriculture community​
Congratulations to our Class 11 Graduates!
James Abma Jr.
Peter Etsch
Erin Gale
Justine Gray
Shannon Higginbotham
Wesley Johnson
Miranda Oberly
Shannon Oiler
Ashley Reese
Michael Somma
Alexander Sommervel
Nicole Steward
Kyle Van Nuys
Timothy Von Thun​​
Comments from the Class:
“The more we stick together in the agricultural community, the more we will be able to succeed and inform people of the real issues affecting farms.”
“My experience in the leadership class is highlighted by the people I met and the networks I have created.”
 “I needed to find my voice and I think this program helped me do just that.”
NJALDP is a program of the
New Jersey Agricultural Society
 
Supported in part by:
New Jersey Department of Agriculture 
New Jersey Farm Bureau
American Agriculturist Foundation
Farm Credit East
Northeast Agricultural Education Foundation