Leadership Program – NIAA website

Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders

Our Program

The Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders is a program developed by the National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) to empower animal agriculture leaders to positively affect the future of animal agriculture in the U.S. and around the world.

NIAA, with guidance from its members and stakeholders, designed this world-class leadership and experiential learning program to ensure today’s leaders fully appreciate the depth and breadth of animal agriculture and its role in today’s food system.

Learn More About Cohort 1 Learn More About Cohort 2 Learn More About Cohort 3 Learn More About Cohort 4

Application Process

Contact Jessie Wadle at Jessie.Wadle@animalagriculture.org if you are interested in applying or nominating for the program. The next application period will begin in Fall 2025.

Find more information about the program here.

Curriculum

Leaders selected for the program will grow and develop through experiential learning that is co-designed in conjunction with cohort members. Programming is based on four curriculum components along with areas of interests and growth identified by cohort members. The ultimate goal is to offer an engaging, dynamic curriculum with practical application that positions participants – leaders from the entire value chain – with advanced skills to lead animal agriculture into the future.

Qualifications

Candidates must demonstrate leadership in the agriculture industry and be committed to advancing animal agriculture’s role in today’s food system. Applicants must also have a track record of leadership in local, regional or national organizations and/or their place of employment.

Expectations

Accepted candidates are expected to actively participate in every session of the 16-month program. The five in-person seminars are approximately three days each. Monthly virtual meetings and virtual seminars (1-2 hours each) will be held between in-person sessions for additional programming and capstone project work time.

Investment

The value of the Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders program is estimated be over $10,000 per participant. Due to the support from members and partners, participants’ investment for the program is $2,500. Investment for employees of NIAA Platinum partners selected for the program is complementary. Room, board, and transportation during each seminar are covered. Cost of transportation to and from each seminar is the responsibility of the participant as are incidental expenses.

Learn More About Cohort 1 Learn More About Cohort 2 Learn More About Cohort 3 Learn More About Cohort 4

Testimonials

The Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders Program has helped me expand my network of passionate individuals within the agricultural space. Each individual has pushed and challenged my way of thinking and expanded my horizons outside of the beef genetic space. Through our sessions, I have gained valuable insights from top leaders in companies that will help me become a better leader in my personal and professional life.

Johnna Baller-GranvilleAcuFast

Part of NIAA’s mission is to foster collaboration and cooperation throughout the industry. This program was intentionally developed to build upon existing leadership experiences, so professionals advance their leadership and, specifically, collaboration skills. It was important to me to participate in the inaugural cohort and it has been an enriching experience for me and my fellow leaders.

Eric Moore, DVMNorbrook, Inc.

I’ve truly enjoyed this advanced leadership program and learning and growing with other people who are passionate about animal agriculture, just like I am, all from a variety of different backgrounds. One of my favorite parts about the cohort program is the critical thinking, the pushing beyond our comfort zone, and the skill-building journey that we’re all on together and we’ve co-created with J.J. and Emily. It’s been incredible to both develop as professionals and help with progress in the animal agriculture industry.
Kaitlyn Briggs

Kaitlyn Briggs, DVM, MBAFairLife

I’m a veterinarian in southwest Kansas. As a highly driven professional, I really appreciate the opportunity to come together with my cohort in the NIAA leadership class, so that I can be with like-minded, highly driven professionals in animal agriculture and learn from their experiences from around the country and their experiences with different workplaces and different expertise. I highly recommend this leadership cohort if you’re looking for leadership development in that space.
Tera Barnhardt

Tera Barnhardt, DVMConsulting Veterinarian

The NIAA Leadership Cohort is beyond what I imagined and has been a challenging and rewarding experience. You are able to plan your own experiences, have unique opportunities, network and travel. I have loved meeting likeminded individuals from all different sectors of animal agriculture, networking, learning together and helping each other along the way. Travelling to different areas of the country to see the various perspectives and practices of agriculture has been really enjoyable. NIAA’s cohort is one of the few that lets you plan your experiences and is geared towards what you are interested in growing in and highly recommend participating if you are looking to grow in your profession and in your understanding of agriculture.

Madison Simmons HopciaUpstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc.
Animal Well-Being Specialist