July was a busy month for corn farmer leadership training and education programs. Class 5 of the CORE Farmer Program met after a COVID-induced hiatus of over a year. Classmates were glad to be reunited and to learn from each other in Session 6 of the seven-session curriculum. The silver lining for Class 5’s extended schedule is that they had two summer, on-farm seminars in crop growing weather to learn more practical, infield instruction and insight.
CORE Alumni opened their farms and showcased their strategies for crop and farm management, diversification, and collaboration to move their operations into the next generation. Special thanks to Willis Jepson, Bill Pearson and Joseph Sisk for hosting on their farms, and a very special thanks to Randy and Anne Mann for insisting on hosting the class on their farm for a reunion and dinner.
A special highlight of the program for this session was a panel discussion entitled “Agriculturalists Who Make Things Happen.” Wayne Hunt, Jimmy Tosh and Willis Jepson shared the stories and perspectives of their careers.
Brian Lacefield moderated the discussion that was filled with history of innovation and accomplishment. KyCorn was also honored to host the Kansas Corn Corps Leadership Program in early August. This group of 10 couples spent time with Walnut Grove Farms and Orlinda Melon Company on Sunday. They visited the Owensboro Riverport Authority and Green River Distilling Company on Monday. Then, Strode Farms and L. Hust Farms on Tuesday. It was a great chance to allow CORE alumni an opportunity to network with young leaders from another state.
