The bridge between emerging professionals and transformational leaders.

For nearly three decades, Agriculture Future of America has equipped thousands of emerging professionals with transformative leadership experiences. Today, as agriculture evolves faster than ever, one thing is clear: our industry needs leaders who can adapt, collaborate, and drive meaningful change.

Next Level Ag is AFA’s newest professional development experience—built specifically for early- to mid-career professionals who are ready to grow from strong contributors into influential leaders.This holistic, cohort-based program is designed to strengthen the leadership capacity of those shaping the future of agriculture every day. Each session is guided by expert facilitators and subject-matter specialists, ensuring an experience rooted in both research and real-world application.

Nominations Due January 29th.

Who Should Participate?

Next Level Ag is ideal for professionals who:

• Have 4–10 years of industry experience

• Are stepping into (or preparing for) people and team leadership

• Are recognized by their organizations as high-potential emerging leaders

• Participants must be nominated. AFA alumni status is not required.

What Participants Will Gain

Through hands-on curriculum and guidance from industry experts, participants will strengthen the capabilities needed to lead in today’s dynamic environment. Core focus areas include:

• Advanced Team & People Management
  Develop the leadership skills that empower others and unlock the full potential of your team.

• Team and Task Optimization
  Improve project execution capabilities to deliver measurable and meaningful results for your organization.

• Leading in a System
  Build the ability to think critically to contribute to both short- and long-term success within the global agriculture industry. 

• Breakout Topics
  Participants can customize their learning by selecting one of the following breakout topics during the experience.  

• Financial leadership - Become fluent in financial lingo and confident in contributing to budgetary and financial decisions. 

• Personal Time Management - Explore and apply various prioritization and time management tactics that support personal and professional applications  

• Executive Presence - Embrace proven effective skills in verbal, nonverbal and written communication that will help you elevate your presence and personal brand in any room.

  How the Program Works

  Participants will meet four times between April and July in Kansas City, Missouri. Each gathering features focused skill-building, practical application, and facilitated coaching that builds momentum from one session to the next.

  This structured, intentional cadence ensures participants can apply insights immediately—strengthening their teams and organizations in real time.

Meeting Schedule

Dates are not finalized and may be subject to change.

• Meeting #1 | March 31-April 1

• Meeting #2 | April 28-29

• Meeting #3 | May 26-27

• Meeting #4 | June 23-24