BLOOMINGTON - Illinois Farm Bureau’s Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow (ALOT) program is seeking Farm Bureau members who want to enhance their leadership skills and gain knowledge for the 2019 program. The program, which begins Jan. 22 in Oglesby, is limited to 25 participants with applications now being accepted.

“Since 1979, more than 1,150 ALOT graduates have enhanced their communication and leadership skills, and learned more about the political process, agriculture economics and global issues affecting agriculture,” said Steve Gannaway, director of training and development, Illinois Farm Bureau. “Time and again, we hear from current and former class participants who say the nine-week course benefited them on so many levels. It really can be a game-changer.”

The nine 2019 classes will occur in northern and central Illinois locations including Ogelsby, Cambridge, Polo, Springfield and Bloomington. Overnight sessions will occur in Bloomington, Oglesby and Springfield.

“Over the course of the class, we bring in experts in a variety of fields to teach sessions which run the gamut,” Gannaway said. “The best part is, participants don’t have to fall into a certain age group or profession; we’re looking for anyone who is an Illinois Farm Bureau member actively engaged in agriculture.”

Participants must be willing to serve as a leader or spokesperson for agriculture and show past agricultural leadership, involvement and support. A $700 tuition fee includes meals, lodging and instructional materials.

Farm Bureau members interested in applying may contact their county Farm Bureau or call the Illinois Farm Bureau Training and Development Department at (309) 557-3943. Applications also may be found at www.ilfb.org under the “Get Involved” tab.