Applications are due Nov. 2, 2026.

2027 Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow Class

Apply to be a part of the next Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow Class.

The 2027 ALOT program will be held in Southern Illinois.

February 2-3: Mt. Vernon
February 9: Fairfield
February 16-17: Springfield
February 23: Carbondale
March 2-3: Edwardsville
March 9: Virtual
March 17-18: Bloomington

Participation in all sessions is required. Applicants should save the date for virtual applicant interviews on Nov. 17, 2026.

About ALOT

Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow (ALOT) was started in 1979 as an extensive leadership development program. It has offered more than 1200 participants an opportunity learn a broad range of process and content skills to enrich their leadership abilities and enhance agriculture's voice in Illinois.

Agribusiness professionals will face and embrace challenges and victories through the ALOT program.

Several men in suits, including one in a cowboy hat, shake hands in a grand hallway.

Class Benefits:

Improve communication skills
Develop creative solutions
Explore global issues
Join in the political process
Develop new relationships
Understand the changes in agriculture
Learn from experts
Exchange ideas
Gain confidence

Grow as an Ag Professional

AS AN ORGANIZATION, the Illinois Farm Bureau relies on our member leaders to not only promote the Farm Bureau but also to REPRESENT AGRICULTURE on a greater level.

AS AN EMPLOYEE, you want to help your employer succeed in their industry, as well as grow and flourish in daily activities and leadership roles. You are a reflection of your employer.

AS A FARMER OPERATOR, you are living and breathing your farm every day. You will gain more opportunities to network with other members about important issues and how to be stronger advocates for Agriculture.

What ALOT Graduates Have to Say:

Smiling woman's photo in polaroid on dark wood.

The comprehensive programming helped prepare me to be a better leader in my community and a stronger advocate for the Ag Industry at every level of government.

Aaron DeGroot - Class of 2026

ALOT has pushed me out of my comfort zone, and in doing so, has given me the desire to dream bigger and not put a cap on education, leadership and personal growth.

Hannah McKee, McHenry County - Class of 2025

Details

If you, or one of your members, want to improve yourself and your role in agriculture, ALOT is for you. Established in 1979, more than 1,200 participants have graduated from the program.

The five main areas of study include:

Communication & Engagement
Political Involvement
Agriculture Economics
Current Global Issues
Professional Leadership Development

Group portrait of business professionals, standing and sitting on a red carpet.

Who is Eligible

Any Illinois Farm Bureau member actively engaged in agriculture.
Any Illinois Farm Bureau member committed to serving as a leader and spokesperson for agriculture based upon their association on a day-to-day basis with production agriculture or agribusiness.
Demonstrated agricultural leadership, involvement, and support.
Commitment and potential to serve as an agriculture leader.
Must be 21+ to participate.
Spouses may not participate in the same program year.
Each class is limited to 25 participants.

Three men in suits speaking at a long table during a meeting, with other attendees in the background.

Tuition Fee

The $800 tuition fee covers meals, lodging, and program materials.

Contact Us or Contact Your County Farm Bureau

Questions?