Leadership is a Key to Agriculture’s Future Success

The future success of agriculture in this province will depend on many factors. There are some factors that are far beyond our control, like the weather in the Midwestern United States, but there are some where we can take pro-active steps. As a sector, we often consider the physical factors that impact our businesses, but we do not always consider other factors including developing quality leadership for the future.

Agriculture needs a variety of leaders that can look at a broad range of issues from a number of perspectives. The modern world we live, with its ever-changing technology, ever-changing consumer demands, the demand of climate and weather pattern change, and the pressure of international competition requires strong leadership if Ontario agriculture is to succeed. The way we farm today is not the same as twenty years ago and it will change at least as much in the next twenty years.

The sector will need a wide variety of leadership styles to meet these challenges. The sector needs people with a caretaker mentality, looking out for the well-being of their industry. The sector needs innovators that are willing to push the limits of our current practices. The sector needs visionaries that can lead the way towards future opportunities. The sector needs facilitators that can forge these divergent views into a coherent strategic direction as a whole.

Many of the men and women that work within agriculture have the potential to be these leaders, but may lack either the skills or the confidence to step up to the plate. The Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program stands at the forefront of developing the next generation of leaders. Fourteen classes have been completed over the years and many graduates have taken on significant roles within the sector. Recruiting for class 15 has begun. If you have the desire to step up to the plate and lead your industry or the sector, this may be the next step on your journey.

The challenges of the future need to be met with strong leadership. For every anticipated challenge agriculture faces, another completely unexpected issue will arise. With strong leaders at the helm, agriculture in Ontario will prosper in our ever-changing world.