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.

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).

Application

Applications must be submitted through the online form by August 15, 2022. Review the application requirements and questions prior to applying here.

Click here to apply online


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

Program Overview

2022-2023 Dates Session Location/Time*

December 5, 2:00 p.m. –

December 6, 4:00 p.m. (CST)

Orientation
Meet your cohort, share your story and discover what the next year has in store.

Manhattan (KFB Annual Meeting)

Pre-Work: 8 Hours 

In-Person: 1.5 Days

January 3, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

January 17, 8:00-9:30 a.m. (CST)

Leadership & Innovation
Everyone has the capacity for creativity and leadership. Learn about your strengths and how to leverage them to lead agriculture into the future.

Individual Work (~10 Hours)

2 Zoom Meeting (3 Hours)

February 7, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

February 21, 8:00-9:30 a.m. (CST)

Leading Change
Discover the ways systems function and the opportunities and methods to disrupt them for positive and lasting change in agriculture and rural communities.

Individual Work (~10 Hours)

2 Zoom Meeting (3 Hours)

March 7, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

March 17, 5:00 p.m. –

March 18, 5:00 p.m. (CST)

Understanding Bias
Leading and engaging effectively requires taking intentional steps to understand and relate to others’ lives and perspectives. Confront the conscious and unconscious biases holding you back.

Individual Work (~7 Hours)

Zoom Meeting (1.5 Hours)

In-Person (1.5 Days)

April 4, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

April 18, 8:00-9:30 a.m. (CST)

Cultural Intelligence
Culture informs the way we live our lives, from daily routines to our worldview. Learn to be aware and curious about cultural differences, show respect for others, and, ultimately, find common ground.

Individual Work (~5 Hours)

2 Zoom Meeting (3 Hours)

May 2 7:00-8:30 p.m.

May 16 8:00-9:30 a.m. (CST)

International Government & Agriculture Systems
Learn about the basic structures, regulations, systems and philosophies that guide agriculture in the country or region of our travels.

Individual Work (~3 Hours)

2 Zoom Meeting (3 Hours)

July 11, 8:00-9:30 a.m.

July 25, 7:00-8:30 p.m. (CST)

Pre-Travel Briefing
Ensure you’re ready to go with final preparation information, tips for packing, a language crash course and more.

Individual Work (~3 Hours)

2 Zoom Meeting (1.5 Hours)

August 6-20

(tentatively based on flight schedules)

International Experience
See agriculture, heritage and the daily lives of people from another part of the world first-hand as we visit farms, meet locals, go sightseeing, experience traditional culture and explore a different country or region.

To be announced with cohort selection information.

September-November

Program Impact & Leadership Legacy
Reflect on your time abroad, share your experience with others and consider the long-term impact this program will have on your future as a leader in Farm Bureau and your community.

Individual Work (10-15 Hours)

3 Community Presentations 

Zoom One-on-One Interview (up to 1 Hour)

December 2-4

Graduation
Share insights from the program with KFB members, celebrate your accomplishments and enjoy a final time together with your cohort.

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.