Programs
Cultivators
Where Emerging Researchers Join Agriculture’s Most Important Conversations
The next generation of agricultural leaders needs more than classroom experience—they need a seat at the table.
The Cultivators Program gives outstanding undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to participate in Farm Foundation’s Round Table, where they present their research, engage with industry leaders, and contribute to conversations shaping the future of agriculture.
Our Supporters
Program Overview
Research Meets Leadership
The best ideas don’t create change unless they’re shared with the people making decisions.
The Cultivators Program—Farm Foundation’s first Next Generation Program that began in 2013—connects exceptional undergraduate and graduate students with Farm Foundation’s Round Table, where leaders from across agriculture gather to discuss the industry’s biggest opportunities and challenges.
Selected twice each year, Cultivators present original research tied to the Round Table theme while participating alongside business leaders, policymakers, researchers, producers, and innovators. Through presentations, mentorship, networking, and immersive participation, students gain invaluable experience communicating research beyond academia.
Rather than simply attending a conference, Cultivators become active contributors to conversations that help shape agriculture’s future.
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Share Your Research
Present original work connected to timely issues facing food and agriculture.
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Learn From Industry Leaders
Participate alongside senior executives, researchers, policymakers, and agricultural innovators.
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Build Relationships That Last
Develop meaningful professional connections through networking and mentorship with Farm Foundation Round Table Fellows.
Why It Matters
Tomorrow's Agricultural Leaders Need a Seat at Today's Table
The future of agriculture depends on new ideas—and on creating opportunities for emerging leaders to share those ideas with experienced decision-makers.
Too often, students conduct meaningful research without opportunities to engage directly with the people who can apply it.
Cultivators bridges that gap by giving students a platform to present their work, receive feedback from leaders across agriculture, and experience firsthand how research informs business, policy, and industry decisions.
Participants leave with stronger communication skills, expanded professional networks, and a broader understanding of agriculture beyond the university setting.
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Leadership Begins With Participation
Cultivators transforms students from observers into contributors, giving them the confidence to engage in conversations that influence the future of agriculture.
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Mission Connection
The Cultivators Program advances Farm Foundation's mission by developing future leaders, connecting emerging researchers with experienced professionals, and turning new ideas into meaningful conversations.
Who It's For
Is Cultivators Right for You?
Cultivators is designed for exceptional undergraduate and graduate students whose research aligns with the current Farm Foundation Round Table theme and who are eager to share their work with leaders across agriculture.
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Audience Profile
- Undergraduate and graduate students in agriculture and related disciplines
- Students conducting agricultural research
- Emerging researchers
- Future leaders interested in agriculture, policy, business, or research
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Eligibility
- Nominated by a dean, department chair, or academic leader
- Enrolled at an accredited college or university
- Research aligns with the current Round Table theme
- Able to participate in the full Round Table experience
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Ideal Participants
- Passionate about agricultural research
- Comfortable presenting ideas to diverse audiences
- Strong communicator who can translate complex research into accessible, actionable insights that highlight real-world impact and implications
- Curious and collaborative
- Interested in learning from industry leaders
- Motivated to make an impact beyond academia
The Leadership Journey
What to Expect
Cultivators is an immersive leadership experience built around participation in Farm Foundation's Round Table.
The Cultivators Experience
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1
Prepare
Develop your poster and presentation, connect with fellow Cultivators, and prepare to share your research with agricultural leaders.
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2
Participate
Attend every Round Table session, engage in discussions, take part in the Agriculture Tour Day, present your research, share your poster, and network with leaders from across the industry while being paired with a Round Table Fellow mentor.
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3
Grow
Receive feedback from experienced leaders, expand your professional network, and leave with new perspectives that strengthen both your research and future career.
Learning Experiences
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Professional research presentation
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Science communication
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Networking with agricultural executives
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Cross-sector collaboration
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Connecting research with industry challenges
Participants Leave With
- Experience presenting research to executive audiences
- Feedback from leaders across agriculture
- A stronger professional network
- Greater confidence communicating complex ideas
- A deeper understanding of emerging issues shaping agriculture
Testimonials
Leadership That Changes Lives
Every Farm Foundation leadership program is built around people—their experiences, their growth, and the impact they create long after the program ends.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who can apply?
Outstanding undergraduate and graduate students nominated by a dean, department chair, or other eligible academic leader.
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Do I need to conduct research related to the Round Table theme?
Yes. Research presentations should align with the focus areas of the selected Round Table meeting.
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What costs are covered?
Hotel accommodations and registration are provided. Universities or students are responsible for transport and travel expenses. Additional travel support is available for eligible students, including fully funded opportunities for selected students from 1890 land-grant universities.
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What will I do during Round Table?
You’ll attend all sessions, present your research and poster, participate in networking opportunities, engage in the Agriculture Tour Day, and be paired with a Round Table Fellow mentor.
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How often are students selected?
Cultivators are selected twice each year to participate in Farm Foundation Round Table meetings that take place in January and June.
Contact
Get in Touch
Interested in becoming a Cultivator?
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