Alabama farmers are encouraged to apply for Class XIV of the prestigious Peanut Leadership Academy by Oct. 15.
Eligible candidates for the two-year training program derive most of their income from farming, currently produce peanuts and are 22 to 45 years old. Class XIV will meet five times from January 2026 to July 2027.
The days away from the farm are time well spent, said Alabama Peanut Producers Association President Carl Sanders.
“It is critical that we raise up strong leaders in the peanut industry,” said Sanders, a Coffee County farmer. “The Peanut Leadership Academy has been life-changing for many of our young leaders, helping them better understand themselves, their peers and the scope of U.S. peanut production. We’re excited to see Alabama growers apply for this program.”
Members of Class XIV will spend approximately 20 days participating in field trips, meetings and training sessions — all concentrated around governmental affairs, international markets, policy development, professional development, research and the U.S. peanut industry.
Sessions will be held in Auburn, Alabama; Tifton, Georgia; Lubbock, Texas; Washington, D.C.; and Panama City Beach, Florida.
The Peanut Leadership Academy is coordinated by the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation and sponsored by Syngenta Crop Protection and the American Peanut Shellers Association.
Questions? Email Libbie Johnson at [email protected] or call (334) 792-6482.