Advancing Leadership. Strengthening Agriculture. Inspiring the Future.
December 4, 2026 | Bloomington–Normal, IL Illinois State University Alumni Center
Questions or need more information? Contact Jenna at jenna@agleadership.org
Agenda
8:00 – 8:30 a.m. Check-In & Coffee Chats
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8:30 – 8:50 a.m. Opening Keynote Speaker
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8:50 – 9:15 a.m. Welcome & Greetings
Remarks from IALF Founding President & CEO Joyce Watson and current IALF leadership
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9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Breakout Sessions #1
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10:45 – 11:45 a.m. Breakout Sessions #2
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12:00 – 1:30 p.m. Networking Lunch
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1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Breakout Sessions #3
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2:30 – 3:00 p.m. Closing Session
What is the Master Class?
The future of agriculture will be shaped by leaders who are willing to step up, engage, and take action.
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The Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation (IALF) is proud to launch its inaugural One-Day Master Class, a premier professional development conference designed to bring together Illinois Agricultural Leadership Program (IALP) alumni, current fellows, agricultural professionals, and community leaders for a day of learning, connection, and inspiration.
This unique event will showcase the power of the IALF network by engaging alumni leaders, fostering meaningful cross-generational conversations, and exploring the critical issues shaping the future of agriculture and rural communities. Whether you are a seasoned alumni leader, a member of the incoming class, or a champion of agricultural leadership, we invite you to be part of this inaugural event and invest in the continued growth of Illinois agriculture.
This is not a traditional conference.
The Master Class is built for conversation, collaboration, and real-world application.
Keynote Speakers
Ray LaHood
16th U.S. Secretary of Transportation
Joyce Watson
IALF President/ CEO Emeritus
Philip Nelson
President, Illinois Farm Bureau
Thank You to our Sponsors
Lunch Sponsor
Breakout Presenters
Rodney Connor
IALF Class of 2018
Breakout Session #1
"Stop Waiting for Software: How AI Lets Agricultural Professionals Build the Tools They Need"
Mathew Heberling
IALF Class of 2023​
Breakout Session #1
"Effective Advocacy: Telling Our Story to the Legislator and Consumer"
Heather Hampton Knodle
IALF Class of 1998
Breakout Session #1
"Reviving Rural Leadership"
Lance Muirheid
IALF Class of 2027
Breakout Session #2
"The Real Dirt on Farmer John"
Colleen Callahan
IALF Board Member
Breakout Session #2
"Communicate, Collaborate, Connect"
Daniel Carmichael
IALF Class of 2014
Breakout Session #2
"What It Takes to Make Machines See the Real World"
Ethan Ax
IALF Class of 2027
Breakout Session #3
"Presenting Like a Pro: Storytelling, Design, and Delivery"
Norbert Soltwedel
IALF Class of 1984
Breakout Session #3
"Civic Engagement as a County Board Member"
Douglas Wetzel
Breakout Session #3
"Agriculture’s Workforce Crisis: A Leadership Problem, Not Just a Labor Problem"
Purpose
The IALF One-Day Master Class was created to:
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Provide advanced leadership education focused on emerging challenges and opportunities in agriculture and rural communities.
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Engage IALF alumni as subject matter experts, presenters, mentors, and facilitators.
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Create intentional interaction between Illinois agricultural leaders, IALP alumni, and the incoming IALP class.
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Strengthen alumni engagement and foster long-term involvement with the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation.
Who Should Attend?
The Master Class is designed for:
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IALF Alumni
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Incoming IALP Class Participants
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Current IALP Class Participants
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IALF Board Members and Supporters
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Agricultural and Community Leaders
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IALF Stakeholders