Applications for the Gov. Dolph Briscoe Jr. Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership, TALL, program will be accepted through March 15.
This 2026-2028 cohort with be TALL XX, the 20th class to convene since the organization began in 1987.
“The two-year program includes 520 hours for each cohort through seminars, speakers, and domestic and international study trips,” said Jim Mazurkiewicz, Ph.D., program director and professor in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications, Bryan-College Station. “The class time is equivalent to obtaining a master’s degree in agriculture.”
The first session will begin July 21 in College Station. Applications are available on the program website.
Applications for the Gov. Dolph Briscoe Jr. Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership, TALL, program will be accepted through March 15.
This 2026-2028 cohort with be TALL XX, the 20th class to convene since the organization began in 1987. (Blair Fannin/Texas A&M AgriLife)
Past participants have represented a variety of professions including farmers, ranchers, politicians, government employees, bankers and agribusiness professionals, as well as those who work in agricultural corporations, horticultural industries, insurance and media. Participants come from all geographic regions of Texas.
Standing TALL with agriculture
TALL offers intensive agricultural studies across a wide range of topics and issues. The program helps cohorts further develop their leadership strengths and understanding of domestic and international agriculture.
Each TALL session has a different theme and delves into different issues impacting agriculture. Cohorts gather for anywhere from five to 14 days each session.
The sessions include seminars with experts, on-site tours, meetings with business and government leaders, international study and personal skills improvement.
Future leaders
Mazurkiewicz said 95% of TALL graduates remain in agriculture-related fields and all alumni have reported the program has helped them with job opportunities and with their leadership roles.
“The men and women of this program are the future of agricultural leadership,” he said. “The TALL program is something that benefits not only the participants but serves to better the entire agricultural industry for the good of all people in our state.”
