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Future ag leaders grow through Michigan Ag C.O.R.E. Program

A leadership program for Michigan farmers and agricultural professionals is approaching its fifth year.

Megan VandeGiessen tells Brownfield the MI AG C.O.R.E program is helpful for building confidence early in a career.

“Getting to meet and talk with other farmers in the area definitely provides exposure to diverse perspectives,” she shares. “We’re able to work together to kind of strengthen industry ties and then maybe meet some people to open doors in the future.”

VandeGiessen is a logistics analyst and food safety coordinator for Walther Farms, and joined more than a dozen future ag leaders in the 2025 cohort.

Participants spend a year focusing on communication, organization, relationships, and engagement with the support of the Michigan Soybean Committee, Michigan Wheat Program, and Michigan Potato Industry Commission.