Tennessee Agriculture and Forestry Leadership Program

Growing New Leaders


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.

TAFLP logo

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.

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 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.

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.

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 December 11, 2024, or participants may pay $1,500 by December 11, 2024 and $1,000 by January 15, 2025.

Black cattle graze on lush green grass.
How to

Apply to This Program

The application process has two steps.

  1. A nomination form must be submitted on behalf of the program participant.
  2. 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


For application questions, please reach out to Emalee Buttrey, training specialist for the Naifeh Center for Effective Leadership.

2025-2026 Program Agenda

Date Location*
February 24-26, 2025 Montgomery Bell State Park
March 17-19, 2025 Nashville
April 28-30, 2025 Greeneville
July 28-30, 2025 Paris
October 6-8, 2025 Franklin
December 1-3, 2025 Athens
January 5-7, 2026 Murfreesboro
February 9-11, 2026 Lone Oaks, Middleton
April 20-22, 2026 Oak Ridge
June 8-12, 2026 Washington D.C. & Richmond, Va.
August 16-17, 2026 Tennessee State Fair, Lebanon

*Location subject to change