Class 15 - Seminar 2 Reflection
Class 15 - Seminar Reflection
Lexington
March 18-20, 2026
Conceptual Focus: Complexity
Complexity leadership theory recognizes the dynamic interactions that take place within organizations [and networks] as they change, create innovation, and evolve with a focus on complex relationships and network interaction rather than controlling, standardizing, and autocracy (Uhl-Bien & Marion, 2009).
Technical Focus: Food Systems
Kentucky agriculture operates as a complex adaptive system composed of producers, processors, lenders, policymakers, retailers, and consumers. No single actor controls outcomes. Ongoing interaction among stakeholders must respond to changing environmental, economic, and social conditions.
For agricultural leaders, the implication is significant: effectiveness depends less on positional authority and more on the ability to cultivate trust, strengthen networks, encourage experimentation, and create conditions that allow adaptive solutions to emerge. In complex food systems, leadership is about enabling the system to evolve - not controlling it.
- What conditions could you create in your sphere of influence to encourage experimentation and innovation rather than control?
- What do we do well managing in agriculture?
- What are some areas of opportunity?
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
From Hannah Sharp-Johnson:
KALP Class 15 kicked off Seminar 2 yesterday at West Sixth Brewing (Barrel Room), and it was a day full of meaningful conversations and insights! Dr. Snell welcomed us to Lexington and opened the second seminar by introducing the three C’s of our food system: complex, challenging, and competitive.
Dr. Jennifer Hunter, Associate Dean for Extension and Director of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service with the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment at the University of Kentucky. Joined the class and highlighted the importance of recognizing both challenges and opportunities—especially how immigration and diverse communities play a vital role in strengthening and coordinating our food systems. She also emphasized that producers must continue adapting to the ever-changing agriculture industry, leaving us with a powerful question: How can we shape our food system to make it better for everyone?
The class also had the opportunity to tour FoodChain, where we explored their aquaponics farm, commercial kitchen, and green grocer—an incredible example of innovation and community impact. We wrapped up the day with a panel discussion moderated by Class 14 KALP alum Dr. Ashton Potter, featuring five panelists who spoke on the importance of trust and transparency with consumers. From open communication and knowing your community to maintaining flexibility and an open-door mindset, the message was clear—relationships matter.
One key takeaway: organizations should focus on providing “heartbeat services”—consistent, reliable efforts—rather than one-time “pop-ups” to truly support and serve their communities.
Thursday, March 19, 2026
From Alayna Jacobs and Ben Lynch:
The theme of KALP session two was “Knowing Self, Leading Others.” A grand challenge in agriculture is bringing diverse people together to solve highly complex issues in food systems. To work well with others, it is necessary to understand one's personal leadership style. As psychologist Erik Erikson notes, “The more you know yourself, the more patience you have for what you see in others.”
Dr. Kimberly Anderson Heller of Vezeto Leadership Consulting facilitated a fantastic full-day session that gave participants information about their personal styles, activities that give them energy, and best practices for relating to others who differ in their problem-solving approaches. She explained the results of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator assessments for each participant. She also illustrated the practical applications of working in teams of different types. For example, how long did it take for members in a meeting to begin evaluating solutions to a problem? How long did it take for some members to finish gathering facts before evaluating solutions? Active learning was useful in discussing the future of agriculture (assembling Lego dioramas), discovering that we are all in this together (ball and block money game), and a variety of other hands-on activities.
Dr. Anderson Heller encouraged participants to examine themselves, appreciate their strengths, and consider the styles of others in all our activities. She did an amazing job engaging participants and reinforcing that solving the complex issues facing agriculture will require all our voices to be heard.
The evening brought a reception at the Rackhouse Tavern, where several alumni met and mingled with Class 15 and one another. Thanks to those who attended!
Friday, March 20, 2026
From Jacob Ball:
Friday morning featured two conversations that reinforced a central theme: agricultural leaders must be active participants in shaping the communities they serve. Brittany Roethemeier, Executive Director of Fayette Alliance, walked us through how her organization is working to balance growth and preservation in Lexington-Fayette County through three pillars: education, advocacy, and research. The challenge Brittany laid out is one every community faces: growth is coming whether we plan for it or not, and the question is whether agricultural voices are at the table when those decisions get made. The discussion challenged participants to think about how that model could be applied in their own communities, where development pressure and the need to protect productive farmland are rarely far apart.
Dr. Savannah Robin brought a complementary perspective as a farmer, educator, and entrepreneur. She shared how Robin Ridge Farms has continuously evolved its business model to meet changing consumer demand and offered candid insight into her work at UK, preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders. Her message was straightforward: farm success today requires a willingness to pivot, and the university must meet students where they are to build a strong leadership pipeline.
Both speakers emphasized that the agricultural leaders who will have the most impact are those engaged beyond the farm gate -- showing up at the table, telling the agricultural story, and ensuring that farmers and local agribusinesses have a voice in the decisions shaping their communities.