Tennessee Agriculture and Forestry Leadership Program
The Tennessee Agriculture and Forestry Leadership Program (TAFLP) works to advance agriculture and forestry in Tennessee by providing leadership and networking opportunities for farmers, foresters and the agriculture community. Participants enhance communication, leadership, critical thinking, entrepreneurial and strategic planning skills.
This intensive 18-month program includes travel across the state, an out-of-state industry trip and a trip to Washington D.C. It connects participants with others in the agriculture and forestry industry, and includes tours of farms, forests and businesses.
Program Goals
- Preparing participants for leadership in agriculture, forestry, agribusiness and rural communities.
- Enhancing participants’ ability to represent agriculture with effective communication.
- Broadening understanding of major challenges facing agriculture and forestry.
- Increasing national and international awareness of agriculture and forestry.
- Developing self-awareness and confidence for being an effective leader.
- Collaborating with others; growing and strengthening relationships in the industry.
- Fostering an entrepreneurial spirit in others and helping leaders adjust to an ever-changing market.
- Encouraging lifelong learning and development and inspiring the succession of future industry leaders.
Eligibility
To be considered for TAFLP, applicants must meet the following qualifications:
- U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident.
- Resident of Tennessee, actively involved in farming, ranching or a closely related business, including food and fiber industries.
- Ability and readiness to be away from their work, families and other activities for the time required by the program (totaling 35 days of travel over 18-month program), as well as the ability to travel to locations indicated in the program timeline.
- Leadership or emerging leadership experience in areas such as production agriculture, forestry, agribusiness, natural resources, rural or community subject areas.
- Personal goals for improving and applying leadership abilities.
- A commitment to applying learned skills to benefit agriculture or forestry in Tennessee.
- Applicants must agree to and abide by the TAFLP code of conduct. Failure to do so may result in dismissal from the program.
- Submit a completed application by November 1, 2024.
Ideal Candidates
Ideal candidates are:
- Actively involved in farming, ranching, forestry, food and/or fiber industries.
- Self-motivated and eager to take advantage of the learning opportunities provided by the program.
- Committed to participating, learning and growing.
- Interested in growing analytical and communication skills.
- Dedicated to advancing the future of agriculture, forestry, farming, ranching, food and/or fiber industries.
Selection Process
The selection committee will review application materials, interview eligible applicants and determine which applicants are selected to participate. All applications will be considered, regardless of gender, race, religion, creed, disability, age, marital status, veteran’s status, sexual orientation or national origin.
Application Timeline
| Date | Application Step |
|---|---|
| August 15, 2024 | Applications open |
| November 1, 2024 | Applications close |
| November 2-15, 2024 | Advisory board reviews and selects the inaugural class |
| November 15, 2024 | Selected candidates are notified and submit their acceptance |
| November 20, 2024 | Candidates submit program payment |
| December 1, 2024 | Candidates announced |
Application Process
Only nominated individuals are invited to apply to this program. A nomination form must be completed as the first step in the process.
Applications
Application forms are sent to qualifying nominated individuals. A Naifeh Center representative will notify applicants who qualify for an interview. Applicants should have the following information ready:
- Basic personal information
- Work experience
- Education and training
- Volunteer experience, memberships and service
- Personal goals
Questions? Please reach out to Kim Harmon, executive director of the Naifeh Center for Effective Leadership.
Financial Commitment
Most program costs are generously covered by industry partners and contributions from agribusinesses, farm organizations, program alumni and others supporting the program.
Participant cost: $2,500
This may be paid in full by November 20, 2024, or participants may pay $1,500 by November 20, 2024 and $1,000 by January 15, 2025.
Financial assistance can be arranged for those who qualify. Participants are also encouraged to seek sponsorship.
2025-2026 Program Agenda
| Date | Location | Seminar |
|---|---|---|
| February 24-26, 2025 | Montgomery Bell State Park | Telling Your Story (Political Savvy), Legislative Processes in Tennessee (Political Savvy), Defining Your Legacy (Strategic Agility) |
| March 17-19, 2025 | Nashville | Turning Conflict into Opportunities (Problem Solving), Ag Day on the Hill, State Budget Process, TN stats |
| April 28-30, 2025 | Greeneville | How to Effect Positive Change in an Ever-Changing World (Change Management), Working Genius model |
| July 28-30, 2025 | Paris | Paradigm (Influencing), How Food and Fiber Effect Worldwide Military Strategies (International Perspective) |
| October 6-8, 2025 | Franklin | Civility, Respect, and Engagement in the Workplace (CREW) |
| December 1-3, 2025 | Athens | Plowing a New Row (Innovation Management) |
| January 5-7, 2026 | Murfreesboro | Making Metrics Matter (Vision and Purpose) |
| February 9-11, 2026 | Lone Oaks, Middleton | Bridging the Generational Gap (Generational Appreciation), Public Presentations That Connect (Presentation Skills) |
| April 20-22, 2026 | Oak Ridge | Enterprise Leadership (Communication) |
| June 8-12, 2026* | Washington D.C. & Richmond, Va. | Gaining the National Perspective (Political Savvy) |
| August 16-17, 2026** | Tennessee State Fair, Lebanon | Graduation |