Anna Leigh Peek is the North America Talent Programs Manager for Nutrien, a global provider of crop inputs and services. Anna Leigh’s love and passion for agriculture sprouted while growing up on her family’s cotton and grain farm in Elkmont, Alabama. She completed a degree in agricultural communications from Auburn University in 2014 with the goal of being a voice for agriculture.

She began her professional career as an intern at Monsanto, working in the Dakotas, which led to a full-time role in consumer engagement at their St. Louis headquarters. During her time at Monsanto, Anna Leigh worked with consumers and farmers to deepen their understanding of biotechnology and plant breeding. She also collaborated with social influencers to enhance awareness of agriculture.

After her time at Monsanto, Anna Leigh joined the US Poultry and Egg Association in Atlanta, Georgia, where she focused on communications work within the poultry industry.

Anna Leigh joined Nutrien Ag Solutions in 2018 as a recruiter and trainer in the southern US. Since then, she has continued to grow her own career while helping others grow in the learning and development space. Today she works supporting employees at Nutrien and Nutrien Ag Solutions. She and her team lead Nutrien’s New Graduate Program, student programs, and mentoring programs. She is based out of Nutrien’s Loveland, Colorado office.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Anna Leigh remains deeply connected to agriculture and her local communities. She is an active member of Farm Bureau and is passionate about supporting agricultural education and community engagement. She volunteers with organizations including United Way, AFA, FFA, and Ag in the Classroom, along with other causes that are close to her heart.

Describe your AFA experience as a student.

Looking back, my AFA experience as a student is not what I wish it would have been. I didn’t realize until my junior year of college that AFA was offering great programs and experiences that I could learn and benefit from. I applied to go to Leader’s Conference my senior year, but ultimately was not selected to attend.

I did not get discouraged by that and applied to attend the Animal Institute in Kansas City the spring of my senior year. The institute came at a good time when I was still weighing some job opportunities after graduation and the connection with peers and industry leaders was very timely. The one institute I attended was a very impactful experience and fueled my fire for this organization and the work they are doing to provide beneficial programming for college students wanting to be in agriculture.

Since that time I have found ways to be an advocate for AFA by encouraging college students to apply for any and all AFA programs that are of interest to them. In my professional career I’ve also had the opportunity to participate in leader’s conference on behalf of Nutrien and the Sustainability institute. When needs arise for volunteers to review applications for institutes, Leader’s Conference and other AFA activities I help in that way as well.

At the time, what did AFA help you understand about yourself, your leadership style or your place in agriculture?

As mentioned my only AFA institute experience was the Animal Health Institute in the spring of my senior year of college. I was in the middle of interviewing for full-time roles in different parts of the industry and in different parts of the county.

I remember distinctly wishing that the “best” option could be just spelled out in the clouds for me. Attending the institute at that time allowed me to connect with other students at that time also in similar situations which was a great reminder that I was not alone the things I was navigating.

That week at the institute I also appreciated the exposure we got to many different levels of the animal industry. Hearing from the various leaders that spoke to us during the programming also helped re-emphasize that where your career starts is usually not where it ends. Careers take many different paths and you get to be in the drivers seat.

The exposure to real people working in the agriculture industry each and every day is such valuable component to AFA programming. There are so many roles and parts of the industry that you often don’t realize are there, but that’s where the focused institutes and the diverse industry professionals that take part in programming are so beneficial to the student experience.

What skill, mindset or lesson from AFA has been most useful in your professional life?

One of the most valuable lessons I've taken from AFA, both as a student and now as an industry professional, is the importance of collaboration and solution-oriented thinking. At AFA events, you don't just show up to listen. You engage in discussions, collaborate with others, challenge perspectives, and work together to solve real-world problems.

The 2026 Leaders Conference will be my second year facilitating a Track 2 session called Solutions You Should Care About. I love this session because it encourages participants to think about their personal "why" and the issues they are passionate about, many of which influence their professional goals and aspirations.

Much like many AFA experiences, the session focuses on understanding different perspectives and working together to identify potential solutions to challenges facing agriculture and our communities. One of the biggest takeaways I've carried into my professional career is the importance of having a strong sense of purpose that fuels your work. Equally important is bringing ideas and potential solutions to the table rather than simply focusing on the problems that exist.

AFA taught me that some of the best solutions come from engaging with people who have different experiences and viewpoints. Whether you're tackling a small challenge or a complex industry issue, being open to collaboration and committed to finding solutions is a mindset that will serve you throughout your career.

In what ways do you stay connected or involved with AFA in your professional life? Why is that important to you?

In my role at Nutrien, I work with hundreds of students each year, which gives me many opportunities to stay connected to AFA. I regularly encourage students to apply for AFA programs that align with their interests and career goals because I know firsthand the impact those experiences can have on personal and professional development.

I've also had the opportunity to participate in Leaders Conference on behalf of Nutrien and the Sustainability Institute, allowing me to continue contributing to experiences that help develop the next generation of agricultural leaders. In addition, I volunteer as an application reviewer for institutes, Leaders Conference, and other AFA programs when opportunities arise.

Beyond direct involvement, I work to be an advocate for AFA within my company by supporting funding and sponsorship opportunities that align with Nutrien's commitment to developing and supporting the agricultural workforce of today and tomorrow.

Staying involved with AFA is important to me because the organization played a significant role in my own leadership and career development. It provided opportunities to grow my network, expand my perspective, and build skills that I continue to use today. Supporting AFA is a way to help create those same opportunities for current and future students while strengthening the future of the agriculture industry.