The overall objective of the Oklahoma Agricultural Leadership
Program (OALP) is to further develop future leaders for Oklahoma
agriculture.
The program objectives are:
1. To assist potential leaders develop a deeper
understanding of themselves and of people. This includes personal and
group study and interaction, improving skills in communications, and
developing a commitment to future leadership roles in Oklahoma
agriculture.
2. To help potential leaders develop a better
understanding of the various systems of economics and government.
3. To help program participants increase and
utilize their own knowledge and skills in order to solve problems and to
explore opportunities for Oklahoma agriculture.
OALP is open to Oklahoma men and women, 25 to 45 years
of age, who are engaged in production agriculture or a related agriculture
business. They must show a strong commitment to aspire to a leadership
role to benefit Oklahoma agriculture.
The Oklahoma Agricultural Leadership Program consists
of a series of seminars and study tours over a two-year period.
Funding
OALP Class I was funded from a grant from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation.
Beginning with Class II, private contributions from individuals and
organizations, support from the Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma State University
Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and participation fees
from class participants have been the source of funding.
Curriculum
A variety of subjects constitute the curriculum. These include leadership
development; communication; government operations and institutions;
economics, resource allocation, marketing and finance problems in agriculture;
sociology; and religious and cultural studies. The major issues that affect
Oklahoma and US agriculture will be studied. These include the political
process, international trade, water and energy.
Summary
Oklahoma agriculture has three areas from which new leadership can
be developed:
More people in production agriculture and agri-business could be induced to assume leadership responsibility.
Businesses allied with agriculture should provide leadership.
Agriculture educators who serve the agricultural communities can increase their leadership roles.
Agriculture in our state has a great need for people to carry out the leadership
roles. Potential leadership must be found and drawn to action.
