AgLead Tennessee (formerly the Tennessee Agriculture and Forestry Leadership Program) is designed to develop Tennessee’s next generation of executive level agriculture and forestry leaders. The program strengthens participants leadership, advocacy, policy knowledge, strategic thinking, and industry engagement while building a lifelong network of influential leaders across Tennessee agriculture and forestry. This intensive 18-month program includes travel across the state, an out-of-state industry trip and a trip to Washington D.C.
Program at a Glance
- Cohort Size of 14 participants
- 18 months (January 2027-August 2028)
- 8 immersive leadership sessions, international experience, and graduation
- 1.5 day format for sessions
- Agriculture and Industry partners involved in each session
- Single- occupancy rooming arrangements
Signature Experiences
- Statewide learning tours across East, Middle, and West
- Washington, D.C. Experience
- 8-day International Agriculture & Trade Seminar
- Direct engagement with industry, business, and policy leaders throughout the program
Leadership Development
- Communications & Public Speaking
- Advocacy & Government Engagement
- Strategic Thinking & Decision-Making
- Conflict Resolutions
- Entrepreneurial Leadership
- Project Management & Accountability
- Civic Engagement & Industry Services
What Makes It Different?
- Advisory Board and Steering Committee Engagement
- Executive-Level Leadership Development
- Intentional Networking Opportunities for Agriculture and Related Industries
- Strengthen Government and Policy Experiences
- Long-term Tracking and Alumni Engagement
Eligibility
To be considered, 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 30 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 code of conduct. Failure to do so may result in dismissal from the program.
- Submit a completed application by December 10, 2026.
Ideal Candidates
- 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.
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: $3,500
This must be paid in full by February 1, 2027.
How to Apply
The application process has two steps:
- A nomination form must be submitted by the participant or on the participant’s behalf.
- Application forms are sent to qualifying nominated individuals and must be completed by December 10, 2026. A 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 Hannah Wright.
Proposed Agenda for 2027-2028
| Dates | Location |
|---|---|
| January 25, 2027 | Orientation via Zoom, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET |
| February 9–10, 2027 | Burns |
| March 9–10, 2027 | Nashville |
| July 26–28, 2027 | Knoxville |
| August 10–11, 2027 | Greeneville |
| September 13–15, 2027 | Memphis |
| December 2027 | International Trip to Brazil |
| January 25–26, 2028 | Columbia |
| February 8–9, 2028 | Jackson |
| March (in conjunction with Ag Day on the Hill) | Nashville |
| June 7–9, 2027 | Washington, D.C. |
| TBD (mid-August) | Lebanon at State Fair; Graduation |
A thriving Tennessee agriculture and forestry sector supported by a connected network of
confident, capable, and engaged leaders prepared to shape the future of the industry.