2026
CHS New Leaders Forum
Building tomorrow’s cooperative leaders
The CHS New Leaders Forum experience
Learn about CHS and cooperative ownership
Gain a deeper understanding of how cooperatives create value for their owners and communities and are shaping the future of agriculture.
Develop skills
Build the confidence, knowledge and perspective needed to lead effectively within your operation, cooperative and community.
Expand your network
Connect with peers from across the CHS system and build
relationships that extend beyond the forum and into the future.
Interested in attending?
Young farmers and ranchers are nominated by their local cooperatives to participate in the forum. If you are interested in attending, contact your cooperative CEO or general manager to learn more about the nomination process.
New Leaders Forum agenda
| 4-6 p.m. | Registration |
| 6-8 p.m. | Welcome reception |
| 7:30-8:20 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 8:30-9:15 a.m | Welcome and time with CHS CEO Jay Debertin |
| 9:15-10 a.m. | Co-op and CHS bootcamp: Power in partnership |
| 10-10:15 a.m. | Break |
| 10:15-11 a.m. | Finding your path to leadership |
| 11 a.m.- 12 p.m. | Interactive routable discussion with the CHS Board |
| 12-1 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1-1:45 p.m. | Advocacy in action: Raising your voice for agriculture |
| 1:45-2:20 p.m. | Real talk: Protecting your operation’s future |
| 2:20-2:30 p.m. | Break |
| 2:30-4 p.m. | Building influence across generations |
| 4-4:10 p.m. | Wrap up and adjourn |
| 6-9 p.m. | Evening social event |
New Leaders Forum attendees participate in a full day of CHS annual meeting education sessions, including market updates, AI use, fertilizer outlook, the co-op of the future and more, then are invited to a networking reception with all annual meeting participants.
New Leaders Forum participants are encouraged to attend their regional caucuses and the annual meeting general session and business meeting for a front-row seat to company updates and CHS governance.
Join the New Leaders Forum network
The New Leaders Forum experience continues beyond the program. Stay connected with fellow participants, expand your network and carry the conversation forward.