Casten Fellows
Read about the first cohort's international experience.
Overview
The Casten Fellows program was developed to honor the life of Kansas Farm Bureau staffer Jill Casten-Downing and continue her rich legacy. Jill’s love for Kansas, agriculture, leadership development and international travel forms the foundation for the program. Ideal participants demonstrate a commitment to intentional life-long growth and active engagement in Kansas Farm Bureau. The Casten Fellows program is focused on developing individuals who can engage at the highest levels to enact change through meaningful relationships, innovation in ideas and processes, and effective leadership. The program is offered every other year and will:
- Encourage thought and innovation around agriculture and rural communities
- Expose individuals to new philosophies, systems and experiences in agriculture
- Challenge participants to evaluate and, possibly, enlarge their perspectives and worldview
- Enhance leadership skills and styles
- Expand individuals’ networks
Share this opportunity with others by using this program flyer.
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The program illuminated the interconnectedness of agriculture globally, highlighting diverse approaches, challenges, and opportunities across different regions. This broader perspective enriched my understanding of the industry’s future, including its impact on Kansas. It emphasized the need for collaboration and shared learning to navigate future challenges and capitalize on emerging trends. - Myndi Krafft, Cohort 1 (Phillips County) |
Eligibility
- Applicants shall be voting members in good standing with their county Farm Bureau.
- Applicants shall have significant prior leadership development experience (e.g. Leadership KFB, KARL, Leadership Kansas, etc.).
- Applicants shall complete an application form and video interview and be willing to meet all time commitments associated with the program, listed in the program overview (see below).
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Casten Fellows provided an opportunity to connect with other agricultural leaders in our state and on the other side of the world. Our international experience was a case study in cultural differences and systems change that broadened my understanding of issues facing our industry. I am better equipped to anticipate and adapt to challenges that our operation and community will face in the future. - Jackie Mundt, Cohort 1 (Pratt County) |
Application
Applications must be submitted through the online form by August 15, 2024.
Review the application requirements and questions prior to applying here.
Click here to apply online|
Casten Fellows has really solidified in my idea that all of us in rural Kansas face similar issues. We have to come about them in different ways, but bringing everyone to a single table, regardless of your background to talk through those issues, the pros, the cons, the benefits to the communities, the way that we could impact everyone really plays a beneficial part in how we address these problems going forward in the future. - Kyler Langvardt, Cohort 2 (Geary County) |
Selection Process
- A review panel will select finalists based upon applications submitted by August 15.
- Finalists will be contacted for an interview, via video-based technology.
- Up to ten selected candidates will be notified and named as program participants no later than mid- October.
Program Fees
This program is funded through a combination of funds from the Jill Casten-Downing memorial fund in the Kansas Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, annual KFB budget dollars, partner support and participant fees. If selected, the individual will be responsible for a $2,500 participant fee, which can be derived from personal finances, support from the individual’s county Farm Bureau and/or other local supporters. Fees must be paid as follows:
- $500 deposit due by November 1
- $2,000 balance due by May 1
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The Casten Fellows program has brought together leaders from across the state of Kansas. And coming to East Africa we were able to meet with folks who were change leaders and community oriented in their own part of the world. It was really motivating to see the work they were doing. I think all of us are going home knowing the impact we have in agriculture, but also the role we play in the success of our rural communities. - Shanda Mattix, Cohort 2 (Thomas County) |
Program Overview
| 2024-2025 Dates | Session | Location/Time* |
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December 9, 2:00 p.m. – December 10, 4:00 p.m. (CST)
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Orientation
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Manhattan (KFB Annual Meeting) Pre-Work: 8 Hours In-Person: 1.5 Days |
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January 7, 8:00-9:30 a.m. January 23, 7:00-8:30 p.m. (CST)
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Leadership & Innovation
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Individual Work (~10 Hours) 2 Zoom Meeting (3 Hours) |
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February 4, 8:00-9:30 a.m. February 20, 7:00-8:30 p.m. (CST)
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Leading Change
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Individual Work (~10 Hours) 2 Zoom Meeting (3 Hours) |
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March 4, 8:00-9:30 a.m. March 14, 5:30 p.m. – March 16, 2:00 p.m. (CST)
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Understanding Bias
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Individual Work (~7 Hours) Zoom Meeting (1.5 Hours) In-Person (2 Days) |
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April 8, 8:00-9:30 a.m. April 22, 7:00-8:30 p.m. (CST)
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Cultural Intelligence
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Individual Work (~5 Hours) 2 Zoom Meeting (3 Hours) |
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May 6, 8:00-9:30 a.m. June 12, 7:00-8:30 p.m. (CST)
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International Government & Agriculture Systems
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Individual Work (~3 Hours) 2 Zoom Meeting (3 Hours) |
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July 15, 7:00-8:30 p.m. (CST)
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Pre-Travel Briefing
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Individual Work (~3 Hours) 1 Zoom Meeting (1.5 Hours) |
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August 2-15 (tentatively based on flight schedules)
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International Experience
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To be announced with cohort selection information. |
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September-November December 2, 7:00-8:30 p.m. (CST) |
Program Impact & Leadership Legacy
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Individual Work (10-15 Hours) 3 Community Presentations 1 Zoom Meeting (1.5 Hours) Zoom One-on-One Interview (up to 1 Hour) |
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December 6-7 |
Graduation
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Manhattan (KFB Annual Meeting) |
*Most sessions will require pre-meeting assignments that include reading, watching videos, worksheets and assessments and/or online interaction. The time required will vary each month and is approximated in the chart above. Attendance with active engagement is required at all sessions to be eligible for international travel.
Contact
Contact Edie Doane at doanee@kfb.org or 785-587-6102 for questions about the program.