March 1, 2005:  St. Louis, Missouri . . . The Missouri Soybean Association, American Soybean Association and Pioneer, A DuPont Company, are pleased to announce Ryan & Rebecca Brit of Callao, Mo., have been named 2005 MSA/DuPont Young Leaders. The Britt’s were chosen from a group of nominees to represent Missouri in a program involving producer participants from 21 other states and Canada.

The MSA/DuPont Young Leader Program targets soybean farmers who are innovative, assertive, “young in leadership” and looking to make their mark in agriculture. Now entering its 22nd year, the program has a tremendous record of success. Hundreds of program alumni have assumed significant leadership responsibilities in state and national soybean associations and promotion boards as well as national, regional, and state agricultural organizations, including Farm Bureau, National Corn Growers Association and more. Nearly all are making a difference in agriculture by ensuring the voice of the American farmer is being heard.

The 2005 class of ASA/DuPont Young Leaders participated in a challenging and educational leadership experience February 22nd–February 25th, in Austin, Texas. This four-day seminar included leadership and media training, and provided an opportunity for participants to meet and learn from other Young Leaders from around the country. Class members also took part in the Commodity Classic, February 24-26, 2005, rounding out a full week of learning, networking, and personal growth. In December 2005, participants will travel to Pioneer’s offices in Johnston, Iowa, to complete their training.     ###

For more information contact:
Ryan & Rebecca Britt - Phone:  660/777-3538