Ritzville residents participate in leadership conference

In early December, Jason and Danielle Scrupps, Ritzville, Wash., participated in the CHS New Leader Institute in Minneapolis, Minn. The young producer program is organized by CHS Inc., the nation’s leading farmer-owned cooperative.

The Scrupps represented AgVentures NW, LLC in Odessa at the CHS New Leader Institute that was held in conjunction with the CHS Annual Meeting. The Scrupps were among 130 participants from 14 states. Participants were nominated by their local cooperative or a producer organization.

During the three-day institute participants examined issues and challenges facing cooperatives, agriculture and rural America. The program’s goal is to enhance critical thinking and leadership skills in individuals who show promise as leaders in their rural communities.

New Leader Institute participants heard from leading experts on agriculture and community development, including Mark Mayfield, former National FFA president, who discussed leadership in their cooperatives and communities.

The New Leader Institute featured an evening with the CHS Board of Directors and management and participation in the CHS Annual Meeting, including management and operations reports and the business session.