CORTEZ — The Colorado Agricultural Leadership Program (CALP) applications for Class 18 of its competitive two-year leadership fellowship are due September 1, 2026. The program develops and strengthens the leadership capabilities of men and women committed to the future of Colorado’s agricultural and rural communities.
Class 18 will begin in February 2027 and run through February 2029. Over the course of the program, fellows attend 11 seminars totaling 45 days of intensive training, hear from more than 135 speakers, and take part in on-site visits to agricultural operations across the state. Fellows travel throughout Colorado, to Washington, D.C., and internationally to study agricultural and rural issues, policy and political processes, leadership development, team building, fundraising, and communications. Graduates join a network of more than 340 alumni.
“CALP forges bold leaders to shape the future of agriculture,” said Dani Traweek, Executive Director of the Colorado Agricultural Leadership Program. “We’re looking for emerging leaders who are ready to invest in their communities and step into the next level of their careers.”
The program is open to enthusiastic Coloradans directly involved in agriculture, agribusiness, rural industries, agricultural and rural policy-making, rural communities, or natural resource management. While there is no age limit, applicants are typically in the early or middle phase of their careers and seeking the next level of training and experience.
The program curriculum spans a broad range of topics, from emotional intelligence, public speaking, and ethics in leadership to farm policy, water law, agricultural markets, board governance, and international trade. Seminars are held in communities across Colorado, including Pueblo, Palisade, Cortez, Fort Collins, Monte Vista, and Fort Morgan, along with a national trip to Washington, D.C. and another State, and an international seminar.
Each participant fundraises $3,500 in tuition, and CALP covers all food, travel, speaker fees, and lodging during seminars. The program also provides fundraising training to support participants.
Applications are open now at ColoAgLeaders.org and close September 1, 2026.
For more information, contact Dani Traweek, Executive Director, at (303) 547-5963 or .