Vylor Joins ASA to Continue Legacy of Young Leader Program

The American Soybean Association today announced Vylor will become the official sponsor of ASA's Young Leader program, continuing decades of support from its heritage companies for the association's longest-running leadership development program as it enters its 43rd year.

The newly renamed ASA Vylor Young Leader Program builds on a longstanding commitment to identifying and developing the next generation of agricultural leaders who will serve as voices for American farmers. The program equips soybean farmers and aspiring leaders with the training, skills, and connections needed to pursue leadership opportunities across agriculture. Vylor assumes the partnership following its separation from Corteva Agriscience.

"Developing strong farmer leaders is critical to the future of our industry, and the Young Leader program has been doing that work for more than four decades," said ASA President Scott Metzger, an Ohio soybean farmer and member of the 2012 Young Leader class. "I have seen the impact of this program both as a participant and now as ASA president. Young Leader alumni are leading soybean organizations, advocating for farmers, and helping shape the future of our industry. We appreciate Vylor's commitment to carrying that legacy forward."

Through hands-on leadership and communications training, participants deepen their knowledge of the soybean industry while building lasting connections with growers from across the country. The program's impact is reflected in its alumni who have gone on to lead state soybean associations, serve on the ASA board and executive committee, and represent soybean farmers in some of the industry's key policy and advocacy discussions.

"The Young Leader program has prepared multiple generations of soybean farmers to become effective leaders and advocates for our industry, and we are proud to carry this legacy forward through our new partnership with ASA and the Young Leader program," said Paul Fariss, U.S. Industry Affairs Lead with Vylor. "We have a shared commitment to supporting farmers and investing in the future of agriculture, and this program will help ensure that the next generation of leaders have the knowledge, skills and opportunities to make a lasting impact on our industry."

The 2026-2027 class will be the first to participate in the Young Leader program under the new partnership with Vylor. Phase I will take place Nov. 30-Dec. 3 in Johnston, Iowa, where participants will begin their leadership training and build new relationships with other members of the 2026-27 class.