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50 Best Leadership Speakers for Agriculture (2026)

  • Writer: Jonno White
    Jonno White
  • Mar 25
  • 20 min read

The agriculture industry is facing a period of transformation unlike anything in its history. From climate volatility and supply chain disruption to workforce shortages and rapid technology adoption, agricultural organisations need leaders who can navigate complexity, inspire teams, and drive sustainable growth.


Whether you are planning a farming conference, an agribusiness summit, or an internal leadership development day, the right keynote speaker can shift mindsets, spark innovation, and leave a lasting impact on your people.


This guide brings together 50 of the best leadership speakers for agriculture in 2026. These are real people with real expertise, from certified coaches and bestselling authors to fourth-generation farmers and global food systems strategists. Many of them specialise in the unique leadership challenges that agriculture presents: managing seasonal workforces, leading family businesses through succession, building resilient teams in remote regions, and driving cultural change across traditional industries.


If you are looking for a speaker who understands both leadership and the land, this list is your starting point.



How to Choose the Right Leadership Speaker for Your Agriculture Event


Selecting a keynote speaker for an agricultural audience requires more than scanning a speaker bureau website. Here are seven criteria to guide your decision.


1. Industry Understanding: The best agriculture leadership speakers know the difference between a cropping operation and a feedlot. Look for speakers who have worked directly with agricultural organisations, rural communities, or food systems, not someone who simply applies generic corporate advice to a farming audience.


2. Proven Speaking Track Record: Ask for video samples, client testimonials, and references from similar events. A speaker who has delivered 200 keynotes to agricultural audiences will connect differently than one giving their first farming talk.


3. Relevant Leadership Framework: Whether it is Working Genius, DISC, StrengthsFinder, or adaptive leadership, the speaker should bring a structured approach that your audience can apply immediately, not just motivational platitudes.


4. Customisation Willingness: Agriculture is diverse. A dairy conference in Wisconsin has different concerns than a grain growers summit in Western Australia. The right speaker will tailor their content to your specific audience, not deliver a cookie-cutter presentation.


5. Practical Takeaways: Your audience members are busy operators. They need actionable strategies they can implement on Monday morning, not abstract theories.


6. Cultural Fit: Agriculture audiences tend to value authenticity, humility, and practical wisdom. Speakers who are down-to-earth and willing to engage with the audience during breaks and meals will always outperform those who deliver and depart.


7. Post-Event Value: Consider speakers who offer follow-up resources, workshops, or coaching. A single keynote can inspire, but sustained development creates real change.



The 50 Best Leadership Speakers for Agriculture (2026)



1. Jonno White, Consult Clarity (Brisbane, Australia)


Jonno White is a Brisbane-based leadership consultant, keynote speaker, and Certified Working Genius Facilitator who works with organisations across agriculture, education, healthcare, and the corporate sector. His approach centres on helping teams discover their natural areas of genius and build cultures where people thrive, not just survive.


Jonno is the bestselling author of Step Up or Step Out (10,000+ copies sold), which tackles the difficult conversations leaders need to have but often avoid. He hosts the Leadership Conversations Podcast (230+ episodes, listeners in 150+ countries) and leads the 7 Questions Movement, connecting over 6,000 leaders globally.


His work with agricultural organisations focuses on team alignment, conflict resolution, and building leadership capacity in regional and remote settings. He brings Working Genius (created by Patrick Lencioni, completed by over 1.3 million people) to farming organisations, helping leaders understand why some tasks drain their energy and others fuel it.


Jonno achieved a 93.75% satisfaction rating at the ASBA 2025 Conference and regularly facilitates executive offsites, half-day workshops, and full-day leadership intensives. He also offers DISC profiling, StrengthsFinder facilitation, and MC/emcee services.


Best for: Agricultural organisations seeking team alignment, leadership development workshops, and Working Genius facilitation.





2. Cynthia Mahoney, Cultivate Leadership (Australia)


Cynthia Mahoney specialises in leadership workshops and coaching for agriculture, rural, and regional Australia. She is the author of Cultivate: How Neuroscience and Well-being Support Rural Leaders to Thrive, which draws on neuroscience research to help agricultural leaders sustain high performance without burnout.


Her keynote presentations address the unique pressures facing rural leaders, from isolation and drought stress to managing multi-generational family businesses. She delivers both in-person workshops and virtual coaching programs tailored to the agricultural sector.


Best for: Australian agricultural organisations wanting neuroscience-backed leadership development for rural leaders.




3. Damian Mason, Damian Mason Enterprises (Indiana, USA)


Damian Mason is an agriculturist, entrepreneur, farm owner, author, and podcaster who has been speaking to agribusiness audiences for almost 30 years. He hosts The Business of Agriculture podcast (330+ episodes) and delivers fast-paced, humour-infused keynotes that connect consumer trends, regulatory changes, and market forces to the business of farming.


His presentations typically run 60 to 90 minutes and are known for blending sharp agricultural insight with engaging storytelling. He also leads The Business of Ag Success Group alongside international swine management consultant Todd Thurman.


Best for: Agribusiness conferences and farming expos seeking an entertaining, insight-rich keynote on the business side of agriculture.




4. Sarah Bohnenkamp, Sarah J. Bohnenkamp Coaching & Consulting (Colorado, USA)


Sarah Bohnenkamp is a leadership coach, communication strategist, and keynote speaker with deep roots in the agriculture industry. With over two decades of experience developing individuals and organisations, she rose from training coordinator to Chief Operating Officer in the beef industry before launching her own coaching practice in 2015.


She serves as a key facilitator for Montana Farm Bureau's premier leadership development program and has worked with organisations including Nebraska Corn, Colorado Corn, and Montana Grain Growers Association on strategic planning and leadership branding.


Best for: Agricultural associations and commodity groups wanting leadership coaching, strategic planning facilitation, and communication training.




5. Charlie Arnot, Center for Food Integrity (USA)


Charlie Arnot is the CEO of the Center for Food Integrity, an international non-profit dedicated to building consumer trust in the food system. With more than 25 years in communications, public relations, and issues management within the food system, he is a trusted advisor to CEOs, government leaders, and industry executives.


He helped found the Center for Food Integrity in 2007 and is a sought-after speaker who helps agricultural leaders understand how to communicate transparently and earn the trust of consumers, regulators, and the broader public.


Best for: Agricultural industry events focused on trust, social licence, consumer engagement, and reputation management.




6. Mark Jewell, The Momentum Company (Minnesota, USA)


Mark Jewell is a leadership and mindset coach for agribusiness, host of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast, and Chief Evangelist at The Momentum Company. Originally from a small farm in central Minnesota, he has delivered over 150 events and logged more than 12,000 coaching hours.


His mission is to help agribusiness leaders and their teams "survive less and thrive more." He provides keynote speaking, workshop facilitation, and one-on-one coaching services specifically for the agriculture sector.


Best for: Agribusiness organisations seeking ongoing leadership coaching and development, not just a one-off keynote.




7. Dr Anika Molesworth, Climate Wise Agriculture (Australia)


Dr Anika Molesworth is a thought leader in food systems resilience, a researcher in international agricultural development, and an award-winning author. Her interest in agricultural resilience was sparked by witnessing a decade-long drought on her family's sheep farm in New South Wales.


She established Climate Wise Agriculture as a knowledge-sharing platform and is a Founding Director of Farmers for Climate Action. Her keynotes inspire agricultural leaders to build resilient operations while adapting to a changing climate.


Best for: Agricultural conferences focused on climate adaptation, sustainability, and building resilient farming communities.




8. Mary Shelman, Global Agribusiness Strategist (USA)


Mary Shelman is an internationally recognised thought leader, strategist, author, and speaker on global agribusiness, AgTech, and food system trends. She is the former Director of Harvard Business School's Agribusiness Program and works with companies, governments, and industry organisations as a board member and strategic adviser.


Her keynotes draw on decades of research into how the world's leading agribusinesses create competitive advantage, build talent pipelines, and navigate global disruption.


Best for: Executive audiences and industry summits seeking high-level strategic insight on the future of global agribusiness.




9. Elaine Froese, Elaine Froese & Associates (Manitoba, Canada)


Elaine Froese is a Certified Professional Speaker, coach, and author known as "Canada's Farm Whisperer." For nearly 25 years, she has helped farming families navigate succession planning, intergenerational communication, and the emotional complexities of passing a farm business from one generation to the next.


Her practical, empathetic approach has made her one of the most trusted voices in Canadian agriculture leadership. She speaks at farm conferences, industry summits, and agricultural association events across North America.


Best for: Family farming operations and agricultural organisations dealing with succession planning and intergenerational leadership transitions.




10. Dean Heffta, Heffta Leadership (USA)


Dean Heffta speaks and trains on helping leaders grow beyond technical competency into leadership mastery. He has worked with hundreds of international leaders ranging from Fortune 100 companies to family farms and is the co-author of the 2023 book How We Connect.


His programs focus on the transition that many agricultural professionals face: moving from being a great technician or operator to becoming an effective people leader. He delivers keynotes, workshops, and leadership intensives for farming and agribusiness audiences.


Best for: Agricultural leaders transitioning from technical roles into people management and executive leadership.




11. Steve Groff, Cover Crop Coaching (Pennsylvania, USA)


Steve Groff is an author, thought leader, and media influencer who is a trusted voice for regenerative agriculture and plant-based wellness. He speaks at agricultural events worldwide on topics including cover cropping, soil health, and the business case for regenerative practices.


His leadership message centres on the courage required to challenge conventional farming wisdom and adopt innovative practices that improve both profitability and environmental outcomes.


Best for: Farming conferences focused on regenerative agriculture, innovation adoption, and leading change in traditional farming operations.




Agribusiness Strategy and Innovation Speakers



12. Sylvain Charlebois, Dalhousie University (Nova Scotia, Canada)


Known as "The Food Professor," Sylvain Charlebois is one of the world's most cited scholars in food supply chain management, food value chains, and traceability. He has authored numerous books on global food systems and brings decades of research into agriculture, food policy, and consumer behaviour.


Best for: Industry summits and policy events seeking data-driven insights into food systems and agricultural economics.




13. Jesse Hirsh, Metaviews (Ontario, Canada)


Jesse Hirsh is a critical futurist who brings a unique lens to agricultural innovation. He explores digital agroecology from his rural Eastern Ontario farm and speaks on topics including artificial intelligence in farming, data sovereignty for farmers, and the future of agricultural technology.


Best for: AgTech conferences and forward-thinking agricultural organisations exploring digital transformation.




14. Jeff Havens, Jeff Havens and Company (USA)


Jeff Havens is one of the most in-demand keynote speakers in the agricultural sector, known for delivering high-quality leadership content in a uniquely engaging and humorous way. He speaks on topics including leadership development, managing change, and building high-performing teams, all customised for agricultural audiences.


Best for: Agricultural events wanting a high-energy, entertaining keynote that delivers serious leadership lessons with humour.




15. Kelly Dobson, Farm Management Canada (Canada)


Kelly Dobson is a Certified Executive Coach and fourth-generation farmer who leads Canada's National Farm Leadership Program. She combines adult learning research with neuroscience and information technology to enable leader development at any age and stage of a farming career.


Best for: Farm leadership development programs and agricultural organisations seeking evidence-based coaching approaches.




16. John Kempf, Advancing Eco Agriculture (Ohio, USA)


John Kempf is an entrepreneur, speaker, podcast host, and teacher who is passionate about the potential of well-managed agricultural ecosystems to reverse ecological degradation. He hosts the Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, interviewing top growers and scientists about implementing regenerative practices at scale.


Best for: Farming conferences focused on regenerative agriculture, soil health, and building profitable ecological farming systems.




17. Michelle Miller, The Farm Babe (USA)


Michelle Miller, known as The Farm Babe, is a speaker, author, and agricultural advocate who delivers presentations that leave audiences smarter, energised, and ready to share the facts about modern farming. She focuses on agricultural literacy, consumer trust, and the leadership required to advocate effectively for the industry.


Best for: Agricultural events focused on industry advocacy, consumer communication, and building public trust in farming.




18. Matthew Lohr, Lohr Leadership (Virginia, USA)


Matthew Lohr operates Lohr Leadership, a motivational speaking and leadership development company specialising in energetic and engaging keynotes and workshops. He has particular expertise in working with agricultural and educational organisations and has served in senior agricultural policy roles.


Best for: Agricultural associations and educational institutions seeking motivational leadership development.




19. Pierrette Desrosiers, Agricultural Work Psychologist (Quebec, Canada)


Pierrette Desrosiers is the first work psychologist and specialised coach to serve the agricultural sector in Canada. She brings a unique combination of psychological expertise and agricultural understanding to her work with farm leaders, addressing topics including stress management, team dynamics, and the mental health challenges unique to farming.


Best for: Agricultural organisations seeking expertise in farmer wellbeing, stress management, and psychological resilience.




20. Rich Tiller, Agricultural Speakers Network (USA)


Rich Tiller has delivered close to 1,000 keynotes in seven years through the Agricultural Speakers Network and is one of the most experienced agriculture-focused speakers in North America. He brings energy, humour, and practical wisdom to farming and agribusiness audiences.


Best for: Agricultural events seeking a seasoned, high-energy keynote speaker with deep industry knowledge.




Women in Agricultural Leadership



21. Carrie Vollmer-Sanders, Field to Market (USA)


Carrie Vollmer-Sanders serves as President of Field to Market and is a sixth-generation farmer passionate about collaborating with forward-thinking farmers to address environmental challenges. She speaks on sustainable agriculture, supply chain leadership, and the role of farmers in driving climate solutions.


Best for: Sustainability-focused agricultural events and supply chain leadership conferences.




22. Keri Carstens, Jord BioScience (USA)


Keri Carstens is CEO of Jord BioScience, raised on a farm, and has dedicated her career to advancing safe, sustainable agricultural solutions. Under her leadership, Jord was awarded the Feike Sijbesma Sustainable Innovation Award. She speaks on innovation leadership, sustainability, and building purpose-driven agribusinesses.


Best for: AgTech and innovation events seeking leaders who have scaled sustainable agriculture businesses.




23. Alex Lowery, Keynote Speaker and Brand Coach (USA)


Alex Lowery is an entrepreneur, keynote speaker, brand and business coach, marketing strategist, and podcast host who helps purpose-driven entrepreneurs and leaders in rural and agricultural communities. She focuses on rural entrepreneurship, community leadership, navigating growth and change, and purpose-driven branding.


Best for: Agricultural entrepreneurship events, rural business conferences, and women in agriculture summits.




24. Cathy McGowan AO, Rural Consultant and Academic (Australia)


Cathy McGowan AO is a rural consultant, farmer, and academic with extensive experience designing and presenting leadership and change management programs for agricultural industries. A former Member of Parliament, she brings a unique perspective on advocacy, community leadership, and driving change from the grassroots level.


Best for: Australian agricultural events focused on advocacy, community leadership, and regional development.




25. Ashley Boren, Sustainable Conservation (California, USA)


Ashley Boren has served as CEO of Sustainable Conservation since 1997, forging uncommon partnerships between agriculture, business, conservationists, communities, and public agencies. She speaks on collaborative leadership, bridging divides between industry and environmental groups, and creating win-win solutions for farmers and the environment.


Best for: Agricultural events focused on sustainability partnerships, environmental collaboration, and cross-sector leadership.




Farm Business and Succession Speakers



26. Paul Harris, Happy Team Happy Farm (United Kingdom)


Paul Harris is a farming leadership speaker and author whose book Happy Team, Happy Farm was a finalist in the Business Book of the Year 2024 Awards. He speaks at major farming industry events and writes for agricultural publications, focusing on how farm leaders can build engaged, high-performing teams.


Best for: Farming events in the UK, Europe, and internationally seeking practical advice on team leadership in farm businesses.




27. Curtis Stone, The Urban Farmer (British Columbia, Canada)


Curtis Stone is a public speaker, teacher, consultant, and author of The Urban Farmer. He shares his story to inspire a new generation of farmers and speaks on entrepreneurial agriculture, small-scale farming profitability, and the leadership mindset required to build a successful farming business from scratch.


Best for: Agricultural entrepreneurship events, young farmer conferences, and urban agriculture summits.




28. Dale Strickler, Regenerative Agriculture Consultant (Kansas, USA)


Dale Strickler is an internationally recognised agroecologist, speaker, and consultant with more than 30 years of experience as a farmer and rancher. His articles appear in publications including Mother Earth News, Acres USA, and Stockman Grass Farmer. He speaks on soil health, cover cropping systems, and the business case for regenerative practices.


Best for: Farming conferences focused on soil health, regenerative agriculture, and practical on-farm innovation.




29. Michael Kilpatrick, Thriving Farmer Podcast (USA)


Michael Kilpatrick hosts the Thriving Farmer Podcast and has over 15 years of farming background. He provides practical advice on building profitable, sustainable farms and speaks on farm business strategy, financial management, and the leadership habits that separate thriving farmers from struggling ones.


Best for: Young farmer events and farm business conferences seeking practical, real-world advice from an active farmer.




30. Kip Tom, Former US Ambassador for Food and Agriculture (Indiana, USA)


Kip Tom served as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture from 2019 to 2021 and was previously CEO of Indiana-based Tom Farms. He brings a unique perspective on agricultural leadership at the intersection of policy, diplomacy, and practical farming operations.


Best for: Agricultural industry summits and policy conferences focused on global food security and agricultural diplomacy.




Agricultural Technology and Innovation Leaders



31. Henry Gordon-Smith, Agritecture (New York, USA)


Henry Gordon-Smith is acknowledged as a global thought leader in the vertical and urban agriculture industry. He is the founder of Agritecture, a global consulting firm specialising in climate-smart agriculture, controlled environment agriculture, and AgTech strategy. He has spoken at sustainability-driven forums worldwide.


Best for: AgTech and innovation conferences focused on urban agriculture, controlled environment farming, and climate-smart solutions.




32. Deepak Pareek, Digi Agri (India)


Deepak Pareek was recognised as a Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum and leads Digi Agri, employing cutting-edge technologies including machine learning, blockchain, and IoT to enhance farmer productivity globally. He speaks on digital agriculture, technology adoption in farming, and leading innovation in emerging markets.


Best for: International agricultural technology conferences and digital farming summits.




33. Anastasia Volkova, Regrow Ag (USA)


Anastasia Volkova is CEO and Co-Founder of Regrow Ag, an award-winning SaaS provider that enables organisations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across their agricultural supply chains by incentivising regenerative farming practices. She speaks on agricultural technology, data-driven sustainability, and scaling climate solutions through farming.


Best for: AgTech events, sustainability conferences, and corporate agribusiness summits focused on emissions reduction.




34. Mirjana Prica, Food Innovation Australia (Australia)


Mirjana Prica is the Managing Director of Food Innovation Australia and speaks on building national food and AgTech ecosystems. She brings expertise in scaling agricultural innovation, connecting startups with industry, and creating the policy frameworks needed to support agricultural technology adoption.


Best for: AgTech ecosystem events, innovation summits, and government-industry agriculture forums.




35. Andy Cato, Wildfarmed (United Kingdom)


Andy Cato is a regenerative agriculture pioneer, sustainability innovator, and co-founder of Wildfarmed. He speaks on the business of regenerative farming, building consumer-facing brands around sustainable agriculture, and the leadership required to challenge industrial farming norms.


Best for: Sustainability summits, regenerative agriculture conferences, and agricultural innovation events.




Agricultural Policy and Industry Leaders



36. Zippy Duvall, American Farm Bureau Federation (Georgia, USA)


Zippy Duvall has served as president of the American Farm Bureau Federation since 2016 and is a third-generation farmer from Georgia. He speaks on agricultural policy, farmer advocacy, and the leadership challenges facing the farming community at state and national levels.


Best for: Agricultural policy events, farmer advocacy conferences, and industry leadership summits in the United States.




37. Terry Branstad, World Food Prize Foundation (Iowa, USA)


Terry Branstad assumed leadership of the World Food Prize Foundation in January 2023 and brings decades of experience in government, diplomacy, and agricultural policy. He speaks on global food security, agricultural leadership on the world stage, and the role of innovation in feeding a growing population.


Best for: International food security events, agricultural award ceremonies, and policy leadership conferences.




38. Debbie Reed, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (USA)


Debbie Reed is the Executive Director of the Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC), working at the intersection of agriculture, sustainability, and market-based solutions. She speaks on creating economic incentives for farmers to adopt sustainable practices and the policy frameworks that support agricultural environmental stewardship.


Best for: Agricultural sustainability conferences and policy events focused on ecosystem services and carbon markets.




39. John Newton, American Farm Bureau Federation (USA)


John Newton serves in a senior economics role at the American Farm Bureau Federation and is an agricultural economist who speaks on farm policy, agricultural economics, market analysis, and the financial pressures facing modern farming operations. He brings data-driven insights to complex agricultural issues.


Best for: Agricultural economics conferences, farm policy events, and agribusiness financial planning summits.




40. David Widmar, Agricultural Economic Insights (USA)


David Widmar is an agricultural economist, writer, speaker, and researcher who supports farmers and agribusinesses in their strategic marketing and planning efforts. He co-founded Agricultural Economic Insights, providing data-driven analysis of agricultural trends and decision-making frameworks.


Best for: Farm business conferences, agricultural economics events, and strategic planning workshops for agribusiness.




Rural Leadership and Community Speakers



41. Monte Bottens, AgEmerge Podcast (USA)


Monte Bottens hosts the AgEmerge Podcast, focusing on soil health, regenerative practices, and emerging technology in agriculture. He engages guests from diverse agricultural backgrounds and speaks on the intersection of innovation, leadership, and ecological farming.


Best for: Soil health summits, regenerative agriculture conferences, and agricultural innovation events.




42. Oli Le Lievre, evokeAG (Australia)


Oli Le Lievre served as emcee for evokeAG 2025 and hosts a podcast telling untold stories of individuals in the agricultural community. He focuses on connecting, informing, and inspiring while building community across the agricultural innovation ecosystem in Australia and beyond.


Best for: AgTech events, agricultural community forums, and innovation showcases in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.




43. Larry Weaver, Professional Speaker (USA)


Larry Weaver is a professional comedian and keynote speaker who uses clean humour, funny anecdotes, and heartfelt stories to illustrate the importance of energy, team, and attitude. His topics cover leadership, teamwork, customer service, safety, and stress reduction, all customised for agricultural audiences.


Best for: Agricultural banquets, association meetings, and farm safety events seeking a speaker who combines humour with leadership lessons.




44. Quinault Childs, Food Futurist (USA)


Quinault Childs is a food futurist and strategic foresight researcher whose work helps organisations understand evolving changes in the global food system. She speaks on future food trends, consumer behaviour shifts, and the leadership strategies needed to position agricultural organisations for long-term success.


Best for: Forward-looking agricultural conferences, food industry events, and agribusiness strategy summits.




45. Philip Ackerman-Leist, UpTunket Farm (Vermont, USA)


Philip Ackerman-Leist is based at UpTunket Farm in Vermont and keynoted the 2025 National Farm Stop Conference. His current work focuses on models of food systems transformation at regional, national, and international scales. He speaks on community food systems, agricultural education, and the leadership needed to build local food economies.


Best for: Community food systems events, agricultural education conferences, and regional food security summits.




46. Keni Thomas, Keynote Speaker (USA)


Keni Thomas keynoted the 2026 Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Leadership Conference, sharing personal experiences of overcoming challenges and leading through adversity. A former US Army Ranger and country music artist, he brings powerful lessons about leadership under pressure that resonate with agricultural audiences.


Best for: Young farmer conferences, agricultural leadership summits, and motivational events for farming communities.




47. Peter Zeihan, Geopolitical Strategist (Colorado, USA)


Peter Zeihan helps organisations understand the structural forces reshaping agricultural markets. He speaks on geopolitics, demographic trends, and global trade dynamics that directly impact farming, food security, and agribusiness strategy. His presentations help agricultural leaders anticipate and prepare for major market shifts.


Best for: Agricultural industry summits, commodity conferences, and agribusiness strategy events seeking macro-level market insight.




48. Evan Shout, Agricultural Risk Management Expert (Canada)


Evan Shout is a leading expert in business risk management, data analytics, and financial strategies for agriculture. He speaks on helping agricultural leaders make better financial decisions, manage risk effectively, and build resilient farm businesses in volatile markets.


Best for: Farm financial management events, agricultural risk management conferences, and agribusiness planning workshops.




49. Steve Cook, Cook Cattle LLC (Texas, USA)


Steve Cook is a first-generation rancher, Chief Bovine Officer of Cook Cattle LLC in Lampasas County, Texas, and a speaker at the Honor the Harvest Forum. He brings the perspective of a working rancher to discussions about sustainable agriculture, cattle management, and the leadership mindset required to build a farming operation from the ground up.


Best for: Cattle and livestock events, ranching conferences, and agricultural sustainability forums.




50. Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (National, Australia)


The Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) is Australia's pre-eminent non-profit provider of leadership development for rural Australia. With more than 3,000 alumni over 30 years, ARLF delivers transformational programs including the Australian Rural Leadership Program (ARLP) and the Australian Agribusiness Leadership Program (AALP).


ARLF does not provide a single speaker but rather connects organisations with its vast alumni network of rural leaders who speak on topics ranging from agricultural innovation and community resilience to Indigenous leadership and climate adaptation.


Best for: Australian agricultural organisations seeking leadership development programs, conference speakers from a curated alumni network, or partnerships with a trusted leadership institution.





What to Expect When You Book a Leadership Speaker for Agriculture


Booking a leadership speaker for an agricultural event typically involves several stages. First, you will have a discovery call where the speaker learns about your audience, your event goals, and the specific challenges your attendees face. Good agriculture speakers will ask about the makeup of your audience: Are they broadacre croppers, dairy farmers, agribusiness executives, or a mix?


Next, the speaker will customise their presentation to align with your event theme and audience needs. This might involve incorporating case studies from your specific sector, referencing local conditions or market dynamics, or building interactive exercises that relate directly to your attendees' daily work.


On the day, most keynotes run between 45 and 90 minutes, though many speakers also offer half-day or full-day workshop options. Some speakers, like Jonno White, also provide MC/emcee services for the full event, which creates continuity and helps weave the leadership themes throughout the day.


After the event, the best speakers provide follow-up resources, whether that is a book, a set of discussion guides, access to an online course, or coaching sessions for your leadership team.



Pricing and Cost Guide for Agriculture Leadership Speakers


Speaker fees for agricultural events vary widely depending on the speaker's profile, travel requirements, and the format of the engagement. Here is a general guide to help you budget.


Emerging and regional speakers typically charge between $2,000 and $7,000 AUD for a keynote, with some willing to negotiate for agricultural association events.


Established industry speakers with national profiles and published books generally charge between $7,000 and $20,000 AUD for a keynote.


High-profile international speakers with global reputations and bestselling books can charge between $20,000 and $75,000 AUD or more, plus travel and accommodation.


Many speakers offer package deals that include a keynote plus a workshop, or a keynote plus coaching sessions for your leadership team. If your budget is limited, consider partnering with neighbouring organisations or industry associations to share the cost.


Always ask about inclusions. Some speakers provide complimentary books for attendees, pre-event questionnaires to tailor their content, or post-event follow-up materials.



Frequently Asked Questions



What makes a leadership speaker effective for agricultural audiences?


The most effective agriculture leadership speakers combine genuine industry understanding with proven leadership frameworks. They know the unique pressures of farming, from weather dependency and thin margins to remote workforce management and family business dynamics. They deliver practical strategies that attendees can implement immediately, rather than generic motivational content that does not translate to the paddock or the boardroom.



How far in advance should I book a leadership speaker for my agriculture event?


For popular speakers, six to twelve months in advance is ideal. High-demand speakers like those featured in this list may book out even further in advance, particularly during peak conference seasons (typically February to May and August to November in Australia). If you have a specific speaker in mind, reach out early and have backup options ready.



Can a leadership speaker who is not from the agriculture industry still be effective?


Yes, provided they are willing to customise their content and take the time to understand your audience. Some of the most impactful conference moments come from speakers who bring fresh perspectives from outside the industry. The key is that they must respect the agricultural context and avoid generic corporate advice that does not translate to farming operations.



What format works best for agricultural leadership events?


A combination of keynote presentations and interactive workshops tends to be most effective. A keynote sets the tone and inspires, while a workshop allows attendees to apply the concepts to their own situations. Consider building in time for informal networking and Q&A, as agricultural audiences often value the opportunity to speak directly with the presenter.



How do I measure the impact of a leadership speaker at my event?


Use post-event surveys to measure both satisfaction and intended behaviour change. Ask attendees what they plan to do differently as a result of the presentation. Follow up three to six months later to see if those intentions translated into action. The best speakers will help you design these evaluation frameworks.



Conclusion: Investing in Leadership for Agriculture's Future


The agriculture industry's challenges are growing in complexity, but so are the opportunities. Whether your organisation is navigating technology adoption, managing a multi-generational workforce, building sustainability credentials, or simply trying to keep good people on the land, strong leadership is the common thread that ties success together.


The 50 speakers and organisations listed in this guide represent some of the best leadership minds working in and around agriculture today. From Certified Working Genius Facilitators and farm succession specialists to AgTech innovators and global food systems strategists, there is someone on this list who can help your organisation take its next step.


If you are looking for a speaker who combines practical leadership frameworks with genuine care for people and teams, consider reaching out to Jonno White at consultclarity.org. Whether it is a Working Genius workshop for your executive team, a keynote at your annual conference, or facilitation of a leadership offsite, Jonno works with agricultural organisations across Australia and globally to build teams that operate in their genius zones.




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