September 18, 2026
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Two Iowa Farmers Union Leaders Selected for Obama Foundation Leaders Program
Joshua Manske and Toby Cain Join 2026-2027 Cohort of Emerging Leaders
NEVADA, IA — Iowa Farmers Union is proud to announce that two of its leaders have been selected for the 2026-2027 Obama Foundation Leaders program, a rigorous eight-month virtual leadership development initiative for emerging changemakers committed to advancing the common good.
Joshua Manske, a fifth-generation farmer from Algona and current member of the Iowa Farmers Union Board, and Toby Cain, an organizing director from Decorah and former Iowa Farmers Union Board member, were among the selected participants nationally. Board service with Iowa Farmers Union early in their careers was important to both in developing their civic and agricultural leadership.
“We’re incredibly proud of Josh and Toby,” said Aaron Lehman, IFU President. “They’ve embodied what it means to be young rural leaders. They are thoughtful, engaged, and committed to making real change. Watching them move into these larger roles reminds us that investing in young leaders early is one of the most important things we can do.”
Joshua Manske works with congressional policymakers on corporate consolidation, trade policy, and right to repair. He also created an agricultural newsletter and podcast bringing rural issues into broader public discourse.
Toby Cain is Organizing Director of Civil Service Strong, building a national coalition of 120+ organizations to protect the public workforce. Previously, she served as chief of staff at the USDA’s Risk Management Agency and helped launch the $3 billion Partnership for Climate-Smart Commodities.
The Obama Foundation Leaders program equips leaders with the skills, frameworks, and relationships needed to advance positive change in their communities. Participants engage in weekly learning sessions, peer group coaching, and individualized leadership mentoring.
“Josh and Toby are exactly the kind of emerging leaders this program was designed for,” Lehman added. “Rural Iowa has so much to offer to national conversations about agriculture, environmental stewardship, and democratic renewal. We can’t wait to see what they accomplish next.”
Cain and Manske join Iowa State Representative J.D. Scholten of Sioux City as the only other Iowans selected to be in the Obama Foundation Leaders program. J.D. was in the 2025-2026 Leaders class. He is also an active IFU member who has partnered with Iowa’s oldest general farmer membership organization on numerous events and projects.
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