Developing future agriculture leaders is essential to our industry’s success. Seventeen members recently graduated from the Tennessee Agriculture and Forestry Leadership Program (TAFLP), completing 18 months of leadership development and networking across the state as members of the inaugural class.
TAFLP is a leadership development initiative that prepares participants with communication, leadership, critical thinking, entrepreneurial and strategic planning skills in agriculture and forestry. The graduating class traveled across Tennessee, had an out-of-state industry trip and a trip to Washington, D.C. to speak with elected officials. They developed a deeper understanding of the agriculture industry, collaborated with industry professionals and peers, and enhanced leadership skills through nine unique sessions. Session themes were impactful and educational, ranging from leadership to crisis communication.
Colton McClanahan, a White County Farm Bureau member and State YF&R Committee Chair, was one of the 17 graduates of the program. He credits the program’s sessions and opportunities with helping him grow both personally and professionally. This growth gave McClanahan a newfound confidence, encouraging him to run for and be elected as the state Young Farmers & Ranchers chair, while also helping him grow in his career.
“I work at Farm Credit Mid-America as a farm loan officer, and I can say that I feel like I’m better able to serve my farmers because of the skills and knowledge that I’ve gained through this program,” said McClanahan. “I’ve grown in just general ag knowledge and also my ability to communicate with farmers through different generations.”
Robertson County Farm Bureau member Julie Head reflects on how much this program pushed her out of her comfort zone and how she was able to build her confidence and grow as a person.
“Over the last 18 months, I have grown so much as a person and as an agriculture leader. I said yes to a lot of opportunities I would have never said yes to before,” said Head. “This program has built confidence in me to build the potential I have in myself.”
2026 graduates of TAFLP include Jeremy Burnett, Benjie Daniel, Andy Davis, Jason Doggett, Julie Head, Robert Hill, Aaron Loy, Robert Thompson, Shane Williams, Colton McClanahan, Matthew Miller, Nick Patterson, Mark Powell, Allie Richman, Kary Robinson, Pamela Stoutt and Laura Vaught.
