The program concept aligns with Kentucky Corn Growers Association’s mission to “develop and enhance a sustainable environment for Kentucky corn growers’. Its two-year curriculum is designed to achieve three main objectives:

1.

Deliver classroom-style instructional learning — we tap into our local experts and bring experts from around the country to present on topics that matter for a farm’s bottom line. The educational goal of the program is to sharpen participants’ ability to make decisions in the field, in the office, in the machine shed, and elsewhere on the farm.

2.

Expand participants’ peer network — in most situations, the best way to get better is to be challenged. Perhaps, more importantly, the best way to avoid a mistake is to receive advice from trusted colleagues. Both of these concepts require strong, trusted, competent peers. We fold a strong networking component into the CORE Farmer Program because career-lasting relationships are where the real learning comes into play. We want this program to foster healthy professional relationships, and it makes the learning sessions more fun!

3.

Gain perspective from other business endeavors and learn by seeing — we know that learning expands outside of classrooms, especially in farming. So, travel is part of this program, although we are careful not to overdo the travel to respect the time you need to spend on the farm. Previous classes have traveled to Illinois to visit with Gregg Sauder, to Georgia to visit Randy Dowdy, and to Missouri to see Greenseeker in its infancy. Some classes chose to travel to areas outside of corn production to learn cropping systems and processing/marketing processes for other crops: cotton, sugar cane, blueberries, olives, peanuts, and many others around the country — the visits created more great opportunities to compare notes and apply tactics to their operations.

After completing the program, opportunities for professional growth continue. Graduates have enjoyed international travel through CORE’s alumni program, primarily on a self-pay basis. The program has organized learning expeditions to Europe and Panama and multiple visits to Argentina. These travels have opened their eyes to global competition, introduced new learning partners, expanded their scope of contacts, and made many close friends. CORE alums have hosted the international farmers who hosted us in return.