California Ag TODAY: DAIRY LEADER PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS UNTIL APRIL 4

April 4, 2014 is the deadline to apply for Western United Dairymen's highly successful California Dairy Leaders Program. Designed to train the next generation of California's dairy leaders, the leadership program consists of several sessions to develop a better understanding of the economic, legislative, marketing, and environmental issues facing the industry.

Eligible participants must be actively involved in milk production, able to spend the necessary time in class, study resource materials, and commit to visiting locations such as Sacramento and Washington DC.

The program application process this year is open to individuals in allied industries. Allied member applications and industry member applications can be downloaded at www.westernuniteddairymen.com.

The yearlong program kicks off in the spring, covering such topics as environmental issues, the state and federal legislative process, dairy pricing and economics, biotechnology developments, marketing and promotion, and public relations skills. Participants will develop and enhance their leadership skills through communication, business etiquette, negotiation skills, time management, and team building workshops. Recognized experts in their field will provide instruction to the class; enrollment will be limited to ensure one-on-one instruction.

The program enrollment fee of $750 should be submitted with letters of recommendation. Further in-formation is available by contacting WUD at (209) 527-6453.