Young soybean farmers from Nashville recognized

Greg Manning, a soybean producer from Nashville, and his girlfriend, Jessica Smith, have been named ASA/DuPont Young Leaders for 2016-2017 by the N.C. Soybean Producers Association. Manning and Smith will represent the state in a leadership development program that includes participants from across the U.S. and Canada.

“The Young Leaders program provides training in key areas, including communication and leadership, while growing the leaders’ peer network,” said ASA Chairman Richard Wilkins. “The Young Leaders program continues to have an enormous impact on not only the soybean industry but all of agriculture. The class of 2017 is exceptional; they are engaged, talented and passionate about agriculture. We are grateful to DuPont Pioneer and DuPont Crop Protection for making this program possible.”

Manning, Smith and others in the 2016-2017 ASA/DuPont Young Leaders program participated in the first phase of their training at Pioneer headquarters in Johnston, Iowa. That phase is designed to identify new and aspiring leaders, and provide them with opportunities to enhance their skills and network with other growers.