It’s been said that “Arizona Farm Bureau has a deep leadership bench!” A partner in building that bench since 1983 has been the Arizona Center for Rural Leadership and Project CENTRL, its flagship experiential-learning leadership development program.

Over the past two years, all four Vice Presidents of AZ Farm Bureau are Project CENTRL alumni: Ben Menges, Class 25; Shaw Wood, Class 20; Sharla Mortier and Richie Kennedy, both from Class 19. Are you going to be the next in the long line of leaders to strengthen our agricultural industry by applying for Project CENTRL’s Class 35 before March 15?

Project CENTRL is a competitively selected and tuition-free program for 16 people connected to rural Arizona. Over the course of nine seminars across seven Arizona counties, Washington, D.C., Gettysburg, PA, and Sonora, Mexico, participants build personal leadership skills, learn new perspectives on issues facing rural Arizona, and connect with leaders and experts.

“My Class 7 had so many perspectives from inside agriculture and out,” shares the Center’s Board Chair, Matt Eyrich a retired agricultural lender. “All those different viewpoints helped me not only in my profession but challenged me to grow personally and give back to my community. It’s been great to see that benefit alive today as I’ve traveled with current classes around the state.” 

As a public-private partnership between the non-profit Center and the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension participants and alumni are backed by organizations invested in and committed to rural Arizona.  

As fewer Arizona families are growing food and fiber for our state’s growing population, it’s more important than ever to gain allies and build connections beyond agriculture. Your voice and perspective are key to making a well-rounded Project CENTRL class. Apply for Class 35 by March 15. All the details and application materials are found at www.centrl.org/apply  

There are several opportunities to connect with the organization in person during events open to all to learn more from the people in the program now or some of the 750 graduates. Calendar and complimentary registration available at www.centrl.org/events