Agricultural Supervisory
Leadership (ASL) Certificate program consists of six courses each of which include 6 weeks of content. Graduates will recruit, onboard, supervise, and lead employees for better business results, stronger employee engagement and retention, more positive public perception, and compliance with employment regulations. Our audience is farm supervisors, managers and those aspiring to fill those roles. We marketed the program through extension and industry email and newsletter outlets and using other commercial media. For each ASL course we assembled a class, averaging about 30, and participated with them in a series of online learning events.
The main activities of this program include the development and delivery of online courses focused on supervisory leadership in agricultural businesses. These courses were designed to address a significant gap in available training. The program has successfully developed and taught five out of six planned courses within the established timeframe, with the sixth course currently in development and production. The popularity of the program is evident in its broad reach, attracting participants not only from New York but also from across the United States.
Since its inception in 2021, the program has offered a total of 13 courses, with a notable 41 returning participants who have completed multiple courses. This initiative has made significant strides in equipping farm supervisors and managers with essential leadership skills, contributing to the development of a robust workforce in the agricultural sector both regionally and nationally.
Results
ASL is evaluated a er each course with a brief survey at completion. Participants have been enthusiastic. Participant comments include: "The content in the modules was very useful and overall presented in a very engaging way. I was pleased." "Giving examples of problems and discussing things like job descriptions and culture was very helpful. It is easy to know what we should do and why, but hearing of real stories and being forced to think about it as if I really was in that situation was helpful. I enjoyed having to think outside the box."
"The videos, take home tips and the printed-out presentations…helped a lot in studying for the quizzes. Also, the take home tips and presentations are a great resource to print out and keep on file for the future."
Public Value Statement
The Agricultural Supervisory Leadership (ASL) Certificate program fills a critical gap in the agricultural industry by providing farm supervisors and managers with essential leadership skills necessary for sustainable and successful farm operations. Through a rigorous online curriculum, participants develop the expertise needed to recruit, onboard, supervise, and lead employees effectively, resulting in improved business outcomes, heightened employee engagement and retention, and enhanced compliance with employment regulations.
The program's success is evidenced by its popularity among participants, with strong feedback highlighting the practical and engaging nature of the course content. By equipping agricultural leaders with the tools for success, this project bolsters the economic vitality of rural communities and helps ensure the continued provision of safe, locally sourced foods to the public, making a tangible impact on both the agricultural industry and broader society.
