LEADelaware

06/12/2026

Cohort VIII just finished their 3rd session in their two year journey with LEADelaware!

Over 2 days, fellows met with leaders within the aquaculture and forestry communities, exploring facilities and engaging in academic discussions about the current issues facing the Delaware agriculture communities.

Monday - Fellows explored the hatchery at University of Delaware College of Earth, Ocean and Environment before discussing the aquaculture industry over a scenic lunch with Arrowhead Point Oysters, DE Center for the Inland Bays, and Delaware State University- Small Farms Program at Brittingham Farms. Of course they took a break to small the lavender fields and pet the lambs before heading to Lasher Lab to learn about biosafety poultry diagnostics.

Tuesday - Fellows hiked through Blackbird State Forest and Hardwood Mills while learning about the Delaware forestry industry from the Delaware Forest Service. They ended their 2 day adventure with an animated discussion with Delaware DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife about deer damage in Delaware.

06/03/2026

"Past employers supported her in starting the business along with other scouts and agronomists. Participating in the LEAD Delaware program was another boost, personally and professionally." Read more here:

Early in her high school years, Nichole Krambeck recalls carrying a jimsom w**d plant into her plant science class to show a teacher. While the teacher acknowledged her enthusiasm for the find, he promptly asked her to remove the odorous plant pest. She complied but kept looking at plants, turning h...

10/07/2025

******** Update ********
LEADelaware has extended its application period to October 15th at 11:59 PM.

09/22/2025

Cohort VII just wrapped up their final stateside session before heading abroad in December!

Over three days, Fellows explored science, community, and leadership in Delaware agriculture:

Tuesday — At UD’s College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, Fellows toured research labs, created their own ice cream flavors (60 quarts in total!), and donated the extras to the Odyssey Charter School food pantry. They also sampled insect-based foods, connecting to cultures we’ll experience on the international seminar.

Wednesday — Fellows dug into community and urban agriculture with visits to the Food Bank of Delaware, Bright Spot Farms, Penn Farm, and Odyssey Charter School, seeing firsthand how farming and food security intersect in our communities.

Thursday — The week closed at the Port of Wilmington, where Fellows learned how imported foods are inspected and protected. They then wrapped up with Corteva Agriscience, diving into conversations about science, leadership, and community impact.

This marks the last step of the two-year journey here at home. Next stop: the international seminar in December!

08/28/2025

******** Update ********

LEADelaware has extended its application period to October 15th at 11:59 PM.

Now Accepting Applications: LEADelaware Class VIII

Are you ready to take your leadership journey to the next level?
LEADelaware is Delaware’s premier agricultural leadership program designed to equip leaders across our state with the skills, networks, and vision to make a lasting impact in agriculture, food systems, and rural communities.

Over two years, Fellows gain:
~Advanced leadership training
~Hands-on experiences with agriculture and policy
~National and international study opportunities
~A powerful network of peers and mentors

Apply today: https://form.jotform.com/252103530828046

Join us and help shape the future of Delaware agriculture and beyond.

07/18/2025

LEADelaware Session 8 – July 9 & 10

What an incredible two days of learning and networking! A huge thank you to Lazy Boy Farms, InSight Ag, Drew Harris (Wildlife Biologist, Delaware DNREC), Michelle Walfred (Communications Specialist, of Delaware), and Fifer Orchards for graciously meeting with us and sharing their expertise. Your time and insights made the experience truly impactful!

Sessions like these continue to strengthen our leadership skills and broaden our understanding of Delaware’s agricultural industry, helping us grow as leaders in our communities.

06/18/2025

Farming is tough. Long days, isolation, and constant uncertainty can take a serious toll and too often, our farmers carry that weight alone.

That’s why we’re proud of this new campaign from Delaware Farm Bureau and the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA). They’re putting simple but powerful stickers in tractor cabs, barns, and farm offices that say: "It's okay to not be okay." And they include the 988 mental health hotline, a lifeline when someone needs it most.

These stickers are a small gesture, but they send a big message:

You are not alone. Help is just a call away.

It was a sunny afternoon but Steve Breeding was in a dark place. For weeks in the spring of last year, he had been cleaning up rubble that used to be a chicken house he converted to raise sheep on a Seaford, Del., farm he purchased a few years ago. When the fire broke out on Easter Sunday, there wer...

06/06/2025

05/15/2025

The Delaware Department of Agriculture is seeking a Chief of Community Relations to lead communications, marketing, and public engagement efforts. If you're passionate about storytelling, leadership, and supporting programs like LEADelaware, apply by May 21! 🌱📣

We are hiring a Chief of Community Relations here at the Department of Agriculture. This position oversees the Delaware Department of Agriculture's communications and marketing functions, including supervising staff, managing budgets, developing policy and recommendations, and formulating marketing initiatives and strategies. The position is also responsible for media relations, including developing press releases and other media materials, coordinating events with the Governor‘s Office, handling press inquiries, and responding to constituent questions and concerns.

This position closes on May 21, 2025. You can follow the link below to submit your application.
https://tinyurl.com/38dv8ujy

04/15/2025

It was great to host LEADelaware agricultural fellows in the Capitol last week. Thank you to this year’s fellows for communicating and promoting the importance of agriculture and natural resources in our state.