The purpose of this study was to describe the perceptions of selected agricultural industry professionals regarding leadership concepts skills and traits. To achieve this purpose, the following research objectives were developed, (1) identify perceptions of agricultural industry professionals regarding selected leadership concepts, (2) identify leadership skills important for new agricultural employees to possess, (3) determine the extent to which selected traits influence leadership development in the agricultural industry, (4) identify selected demographic data and compare selected variables. The study was conducted using a descriptive survey method. A questionnaire consisting of four sections was e-mailed to (120) agricultural professionals who were exhibitors at the Iowa State University Agricultural Career Fair. The sections of the survey instrument all related to leadership perceptions, leadership skills, leadership traits and demographic information. Respondents were asked for such demographic information as gender, age, position with company, length of time with company, educational background, size of the company, if a leadership course was taken in high school or college and if the company provides leadership training. Response rate for the questionnaire was 40%. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software program. Statistical procedures used included descriptive, frequencies, means, standard deviations and analysis of variance. The major findings of this study indicate selected leadership concepts, skills and traits are important to agricultural professionals. Representatives of the companies, businesses and organizations surveyed in this study reported that their companies, businesses and organizations value training in leadership. Leadership education appears to be rare in higher education institutions attended by these respondents. A set of basic principles for leadership education could be developed using the findings from this study. Recommendations were to continue the focus on receiving feedback from industry professionals regarding leadership education. Their input should be used in developing curriculum and internship programs. Continuous focus needs to be placed on providing leadership training to high school and college students to enhance their professional skills. Education programs should be offered based on the highest rated leadership skills and traits identified by industry professionals.