ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER MEMBER RELATIONS 27 TRUSTED GENETICS. PROVEN RESULTS. The American Soybean Association (ASA) Corteva Agriscience Young Leader Program is one of these opportunities. It focuses on leadership and communication, agriculture trends and information, and the development of a strong and connected network. Participants meet and learn from other soybean growers and industry leaders. The ASA has always championed the importance of spouses attending the program. Even if a spouse is employed off-farm or doesn’t have a role in primary production, they are still a valuable contributor to the success of a farm operation. “The Young Leader program has had a tremendous impact on the soybean industry by helping identify, train, and prepare farmers who are interested in leadership and advocacy,” said Kentucky soybean grower and ASA president Caleb Ragland in a media release encouraging farmers to apply for the program. “Through top-notch training, the Young Leader program has elevated industry success by providing us with strong, informed and connected soy leaders. Numerous past graduates of the program can be found in leadership positions throughout the industry, including members of ASA’s Executive Committee. We are grateful to Corteva for continually supporting this program for more than 40 years.” The Young Leader Program is held in two phases—the first will take place December 1-4, 2025, at Corteva’s Global Business Center in Johnston, Iowa; the second will take place February 24-27, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas, in conjunction with Commodity Classic. As an affiliate member of the ASA, Grain Farmers of Ontario is typically able to send one farmer or farming couple to attend the Young Leader Program each year. However, for the 2025-26 program year, Grain Farmers of Ontario is pleased to be able to have two couples represent Ontario. JAKE AND LINDSAY ELGERSMA Jake and Lindsay Elgersma own and operate Gralex Agronomy Inc., a Pioneer seed dealership they established in Dunnville five years ago. Jake was raised on a dairy farm but developed an interest in crops while attending the University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus, where he earned a diploma in agriculture. He is a certified crop advisor with a 4R Nutrient Management Specialist designation. As a field agronomist, he enjoys seeing how crops respond to various management practices. He grows a rotation of corn, soybeans, and wheat while helping other growers achieve the best yields from their own fields. Jake also works alongside Hessels Farm in Dunnville, where the focus is on implementing new varieties and traits, as well as new crop protection and fertilizer applications on about 200 acres of test plots. Lindsay keeps the books for their business and helps when and where needed on the family farm during the busy seasons. She is also a stay-at-home parent to their four young children, Grant, Alexandria, Davian, and Sara. “I’m looking forward to learning more about what innovations and resources are currently available to us and other farmers in Ontario,” says Lindsay. “I also enjoy networking with other young farmers, agronomists, and industry leaders.” Several people within the Elgersmas’ current network gave Jake the encouragement to make their application to the Young Leader Program. He had heard good things about the program from Aaron McQueen, the Ontario representative for the 2019 class of Young Leaders, as well as local Corteva leadership. “A big reason to take part in the program is the connections that you make within the industry—particularly those you make with people in the United States that you typically wouldn’t have the chance to meet,” says Jake. “I hope these relationships that I develop will help me with my business in the future and help me become a better leader.” Jake has already taken on leadership roles within his community, acting as past-president for his local soil and crop association, coaching soccer, serving as a youth leader at his church, and speaking to 4-H clubs. He also shares his passion for the future of the agriculture industry with high school students and is excited about the potential for technological advancements, such as the use of drones and biologicals, to draw more young people to the sector.
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