Published: October 02, 2008 08:20 am      

Area resident taking part in agricultural leadership program

Stillwater — A Roff resident is putting his agricultural background to good use as he participates in the Oklahoma Agricultural Leadership Program.

Charles Rohla is one of the 27 members of OALP’s Class XIV. OALP is an intensive two-year program that combines study and travel in an effort to develop leaders in the agriculture and agribusiness world, said OALP Director Joe Williams.

“Through their participation in OALP, the class members are exposed to the cutting edge of changes in agriculture and agribusiness,” Williams said.

In addition to taking part in educational seminars throughout Oklahoma, Kansas City and Washington, D.C., the group will make an international trip at the end of their class in 2010.

Rohla said he learned about the program from his wife while she was working on her master’s degree in agricultural education at Oklahoma State University.

Rohla, who is an agriculture consultant with the Sam Noble Foundation, said that while both he and his wife wanted to be a part of OALP, they felt he would be the best candidate because of his direct interaction with agriculture.

“I wanted to be part of OALP so I could learn more about the diverse agriculture enterprises throughout Oklahoma,” Rohla said. “I believe the knowledge I gain will assist me when consulting with individuals about agricultural enterprises. I will have a broader knowledge of potential enterprises.”

He said that although the group has had just one seminar so far, he is enjoying OALP even more than he thought he would.

“After seeing the enthusiasm of some of the other participants and the diversity, I’m very excited about this whole experience,” Rohla said.