Author Jennifer DeLashmutt is the Callaway County Farm Bureau president and is a participant in the 2025 MOFB IMPACT Leadership Academy

As 2025 comes to a close, I look back on the year and my participation in the Missouri Farm Bureau’s (MOFB) 2025 IMPACT Leadership Academy as a great experience.

The program kicked off in March at the home office, when class members met for the first time. In that initial gathering, we met several inspiring individuals over the course of two days, but the standout moment was undoubtedly the dinner we shared with guest speaker, Richard Fordyce. At the time, he had recently been appointed the USDA Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation. Our conversation with him was truly enlightening, especially since he already had federal experience, having served as administrator of the Farm Service Agency during the first Trump administration.

Following that meeting in March, subsequent meetings transitioned to Zoom, accommodating our diverse locations across Missouri. Unlike many leadership programs that require several in-person meetings, the remote set-up for MOFB’s IMPACT class is more flexible, which allowed us to join discussions from anywhere.

In April, we had the distinct honor of meeting American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall. That was a profound experience, as his deep insights and advocacy for American agriculture were incredibly impactful. His enthusiasm and knowledge convey a deep commitment to advancing the interests of farmers across the nation.

May brought another high point when we met with Mace Thornton. Known for his outstanding advocacy and extensive knowledge of agriculture, Thornton’s contributions to the field are well-recognized. His induction into the Agriculture Public Relations Hall of Fame in 2019 is a testament to his impressive achievements and lasting influence on agricultural communications.

In June, we met with Brent Haden, who shared his expertise in agricultural law. His deep understanding of the field is incredibly valuable, especially for those of us in the local area. Haden delivered an enlightening presentation on the Grain Belt Express, the high-powered transmission line slated to deliver power from western Kansas to Indiana.

Brian Klippenstein, who previously worked at USDA under the Trump administration, joined us in July. He provided a behind-the-scenes look at the workings of Washington D.C. His candid insight and willingness to share the unvarnished truth about D.C. politics were both refreshing and invigorating. It set the perfect tone as we geared up for our trip to the nation’s capital.

The trip to Washington D.C. began five days after the government shutdown. Despite some last-minute changes, I couldn’t imagine a more engaging experience with leaders inside the beltway, including a surprise visit from former Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, who now serves as the co-Deputy Director of the FBI.  He provided us with a brief yet insightful overview of current issues.

These experiences have helped us forge strong, lasting bonds that wouldn’t be possible otherwise. As our time in the IMPACT program comes to an end, I encourage others to participate in the 2026 class. The lessons gained through IMPACT will serve each of us in the years to come as we work, build and serve agriculture and our rural communities. It’s an opportunity you definitely won’t regret.

Applications for the 2026 IMPACT will be accepted through Friday, December 19 at mofb.org/impact.