A select group of seven farmers graduated from the Missouri CornRoots Leadership Academy July 21.Tom Vehige of Wentzville was among the select group.This was the fifth Missouri CornRoots Leadership Academy class culminated with visits to Missouri’s congressional offices.Participants began the program in December, taking part in sessions focused on the value of grassroots, effective leadership, public speaking, policy involvement and media training.The growers also visited the Missouri State Capitol in January to gain a better understanding of the policy process and how to effectively communicate with urban and rural legislators.“Strong grassroots involvement is and always has been the foundation of our success,” said Missouri Corn Growers Association President Morris Heitman, a corn farmer from Mound City.“The CornRoots program provides individuals with the tools and techniques to strengthen grassroots efforts and ensure their voice is heard on issues impacting our industry.”Sponsored by MCGA and Missouri Corn Merchandising Council (MCMC), the program is designed to identify future grower-leaders and provide them tools to increase grassroots involvement.Other graduates of the 2015-16 Missouri CornRoots Leadership Academy are: Doug Ludwig of Jackson, Nathan White of Norborne, Donnie Hays of Monroe City, Brad Arnold of Drexel, Joshlin Yoder of Leonard and Tyler Wehde of Winfield.Missouri Corn