Welcome to The Dairy Hour Podcast, where rural charm meets personal growth! Join us as we milk every moment for wisdom, self-improvement, and mental wellness. In this episode of The Dairy Hour Podcast, Paul, a leader in ag development, discusses his journey from growing up on a small Iowa farm to becoming a key figure at Land O’Lakes, where he focuses on nurturing future agricultural leaders. As a leader in ag development, Paul emphasizes the importance of leadership in agriculture and shares his experience in helping young farmers build the skills and confidence necessary for success in the evolving ag industry. He highlights mentorship, education, and real-world experience as critical components in preparing the next generation of farmers and agribusiness professionals. The episode underscores how developing leadership skills in agriculture can drive growth and innovation in rural communities.
I’m your host, Val Lavigne, a rural dairy farming mom with a passion for filling hearts while never forgetting to fill my own cup. Get ready for insightful conversations, empowering tips, and a splash of fun and laughs, of course!
Posted on 04 Feb 2025 · 58 minutes
Watch Dairy Gal Val talk to her guest Paul Hansen about being a leader in Ag Development
Paul Hansen: A Leader in Ag Development
Growing up in a small town in Iowa, Paul developed a deep appreciation for agriculture and rural communities. His journey has taken him from hands-on farm work to corporate leadership training, where he now focuses on developing future agricultural leaders. As part of his role at Land O’Lakes, Paul works to engage young farmers, helping them build the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the evolving agriculture industry.
Throughout the episode, Paul shares insights into the importance of leadership development in agriculture, highlighting how mentorship, education, and real-world experiences can prepare the next wave of farmers and agribusiness professionals.
Key Takeaways from the Episode
- The Power of Leadership Development – Investing in leadership within agricultural cooperatives ensures a thriving future.
- Engaging Young Farmers – The industry needs to attract, educate, and support young farmers to sustain growth.
- Work-Life Balance Matters – Successful leaders must learn to balance career demands with personal life.
- Education & Internships Are Key – Hands-on experience plays a crucial role in preparing future ag professionals.
- Advocacy in Agriculture – Farmers must take an active role in educating the public about their work.
Beyond Leadership: Personal Growth, Fun Moments & Life Lessons
Beyond leadership, Paul and Val dive into personal experiences, including favorite holiday traditions, travel memories, and reflections on career growth. Paul shares what he would tell his younger self, emphasizing patience, seizing opportunities, and learning from failure.
He also discusses the importance of having strong allies and mentors—whether in farming, business, or personal life. The episode is filled with motivational insights and lighthearted moments, making it both an educational and enjoyable listen.
Tune in now for an insightful and inspiring conversation on leadership, agriculture, and personal growth.
Follow Paul Hansen on LinkedIn: @Paul Hansen
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Let’s cultivate growth, nourish our minds, and embrace the journey together. This is the Dairy Hour Podcast – where every episode is a breath of fresh air and the inspiration you need to be your best self! If you love this podcast, please leave a review and share with a friend! To be considered as a guest on the show, please email Val or inquire on www.dairygalval.com.
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