Hosted in Richmond, Virginia, by the VALOR program, (Virginia Agriculture Leaders Obtaining Results), the Oct. 23-26, 2023, IAPAL Conference was an outstanding leadership and learning opportunity.

SDARL was represented by CEO Janelle Booth and Program Director Jennifer Henrie, joining 55 colleagues representing 33 U.S. state and international agricultural leadership development organizations. IAPAL, the International Association of Programs for Agriculture Leaders, offers an annual professional development conference for its membership of over 50 agricultural leadership programs in the United States, Canada, Scotland, and Australia.

Virginia provided a look at its agriculture, government, and history, with sessions featuring:

• Dr. Dave Kohl, Professor Emeritus, Virginia Tech

• Todd Van Hoose, President and CEO, Farm Credit Council

• Philip J. (P.J.) Haynie III, Chairman of the National Black Growers Council

• Virginia Governor’s Mansion Tour

• Matt Lohr, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry

• Thomas Jefferson (historical interpreter)

• Wine Education with Sommelier Jason Tesauro

• Port of Norfolk Boat Tour of military, business, and agribusiness operations

• Jamestown Colony Tour and historical leadership perspectives

• Shannon Tignor Ellis, United Soybean Board

• Young Farmers Panel Discussion

• IAPAL professional development, business meeting, and awards