Indiana Land Stewardship Leadership Academy Celebrates Graduation of First Class

The Indiana Land Stewardship Leadership Academy is celebrating the successful graduation of its first class. The LSLA presented its inaugural cohort of conservation practitioners with a curriculum that combined virtual meetings with agricultural experts and farmers, along with in-person instruction across 17 weeks of training.

Led by Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources Extension in partnership with The Nature Conservancy in Indiana, the program aims to deepen conservation practitioners’ understanding of agriculture, farmers and farm decision-making to improve conservation delivery on private lands. Attendees included soil and water conservation district staff, biologists from Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, land trust employees and state employees in agricultural conservation.

“LSLA is important to Indiana because it helps introduce conservation professionals who didn’t grow up on or around a farm to a basic understanding of agriculture and the complex realities of farming,” said Jarred Brooke, Purdue Extension wildlife specialist and LSLA leader. “This knowledge helps them have authentic conversations with farmers and build a shared understanding of agriculture, so they can work together to determine how conservation fits their farm.”

The initial cohort targeted early- to mid-career professionals, particularly those without experience in commercial agriculture or livestock production. The group of 15 individuals was composed of motivated and passionate individuals who desire to improve the lives of their clientele and neighbors.

“Working with the first cohort of 15 conservation professionals in LSLA was a thought-provoking and encouraging experience,” said Jessica Outcalt, Purdue Extension natural resources training specialist. “They were engaged, eager to learn and excited to get involved in their conservation areas. I’m excited to see them put their learning into practice across Indiana!”

All told, the group participated in 60 hours of education, including three in-person workshops and instruction from 30 instructors and panelists. The in-person sessions covered a range of topics, from explorations of Indiana agriculture to livestock and feed management to discussions with agricultural trade associations regarding their intersection with conservation.

Feedback from the cohort was positive. All 15 attendees stated that the LSLA made them a better conservation practitioner, while 13 of the 15 reported that the academy made them a better communicator. All participants stated that they would recommend the course to others, while 14 reported that they gained an expanded network and improved their knowledge of leadership skills.

Individual reviews included:

• “I had little knowledge of agriculture when I started my job, so having the opportunity to visit different operations was a very valuable experience for me.”
• “My favorite aspect of the program was having so many opportunities to have undivided attention from seasoned professionals and ask them anything I wanted.”
• “I already have recommended this course to others. It was super valuable in understanding the farm better and the diversity on all the farms, plus how people think based on their goals and values.”
• “I am very glad this program was offered. The level of material was amazing. The farmers, educators, speakers and presenters were so knowledgeable. I feel this was an excellent use of my time.”
• “This was extremely helpful for me to advance my professional development in conservation. I recommend any young Ag professional in an entry-level position (take this course) to supplement their journey.”

The Land Stewardship Leadership Academy was pioneered and developed by Iowa State University Extension. The Indiana LSLA cohort marks the fourth cohort in the academy’s history. The Indiana LSLA was facilitated by Purdue Extension specialists Jarred Brooke and Jessica Outcalt and Seth Harden, The Nature Conservancy’s Upper Wabash River Project director. Funding for LSLA was provided by a North Central Sustainable Agricultural Research and Education professional development grant and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. For more information about the Indiana LSLA, please visit the Purdue Extension Natural Resources Training Hub.