Contact us at agceptional@northeast.edu
Or contact AgCeptional at (402) 844-7180.
"Your Brand, Your Story"
Friday, November 21, 2025
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Norfolk Campus - Lifelong Learning Center
Be a part of this year's AgCeptional Conference.
Morning (Red Sessions)
Rural Nebraska faces some of the highest cancer rates in the country, and women—often the gatekeepers of health in their homes—play a powerful role in changing that story. Boots, Bales, and Biopsies is a down-to-earth, empowering session designed specifically for women in agriculture. We’ll cover what every rural woman needs to know about cancer prevention and early detection, including:
- When and how to get screened
- Understanding environmental exposures common in ag life
- The surprising connection between sleep, stress, and cancer risk
- Simple, realistic lifestyle changes that support long-term health
Blending both medical recommendations and holistic wellness strategies, this program equips women with the knowledge and tools to advocate for themselves and their families.
Farming isn’t just about working the land—it’s about making smart choices that keep the farm running for the next generation. In this down-to-earth session, we’ll talk through five things that can really help—or hurt—your operation. From knowing your numbers to making big decisions with confidence, you’ll walk away with practical tips to keep your family farm strong and sustainable.
From pasture to product, women across agriculture are building thriving businesses that blend grit, creativity, and innovation. In this panel-style breakout, you’ll hear from four inspiring women who have taken their agricultural roots and grown them into unique enterprises—two running direct-to-consumer beef and pork operations and two creating niche products through flower farming and handcrafted raw milk soap bars. They’ll share their journeys, lessons learned, and the strategies that helped them turn ideas into profitable, sustainable ventures. Whether you’re dreaming of diversifying your farm income or launching a new ag-based business, this session offers real-world insight and encouragement to build something of your own.
We’ve all heard of Quicken and QuickBooks—but what if there was an accounting tool built specifically for farmers and ranchers? Meet Ambrook, a next-generation platform that goes beyond bookkeeping to give you a clear picture of your operation’s financial health. In this session, you’ll see how Ambrook can simplify recordkeeping, track enterprise-level profitability, and help you make more informed business decisions. Whether you’re a spreadsheet veteran or still keeping receipts in a shoebox, this is your chance to discover an ag-focused tool designed to work the way you do.
Ever feel like feed test results are written in a foreign language? You’re not alone. In this hands-on session, we’ll cover the right way to sample feedstuffs and alfalfa so your results are accurate and meaningful. Then, we’ll break down lab reports step-by-step—turning confusing numbers and abbreviations into clear, actionable information you can actually use to make better feeding decisions. Whether you’re new to feed testing or just want a refresher, you’ll leave with practical tips, a better understanding of the science behind the numbers, and the confidence to make sense of any report that lands in your hands.
Afternoon (White Sessions)
Your farm is more than land and buildings—it’s your life’s work, your family’s history, and your legacy. But how do you ensure it continues in the right hands, with your values and vision intact? This breakout session will explore practical tools and strategies for successful farm transition planning. Whether you’re years away from retiring or in the middle of succession discussions, you’ll walk away with actionable ideas to protect your legacy and set the next generation up for success.
Life in rural communities comes with unique challenges—unpredictable markets, long hours, and isolation can take a toll on your mental well-being. This session will provide practical, easy-to-use tools for managing anxiety and stress, tailored to the realities of rural life. You’ll gain actionable strategies you can put into practice right away, along with a fresh perspective on why caring for your mental health is not just important—it’s essential. Whether you’re facing a busy season, navigating personal challenges, or simply wanting to build resilience, this session will help you take care of the most important part of your operation: you.
People don’t buy the best products; they buy the products they understand. Whether you’re selling farm-to-table beef, marketing a side business, or simply trying to communicate your value in your community, clarity is everything. In this session, participants will learn a story-driven framework for positioning their customer as the hero and themselves as the trusted guide.
Ever wonder what happens to livestock once they leave the farm? In this session, we’ll take a behind-the-scenes look at the journey meat takes before it ever lands on a consumer's plate. From how animals are processed, to the difference between inspection and grading, we’ll walk through the steps of slaughter, fabrication, and packaging at a commercial level. We will also cover food safety rules and regulations that protect consumers every day. Come curious and leave with a clearer picture of the meat industry and a new appreciation for the systems that keep food safe and accessible.
We’ve all heard of Quicken and QuickBooks—but what if there was an accounting tool built specifically for farmers and ranchers? Meet Ambrook, a next-generation platform that goes beyond bookkeeping to give you a clear picture of your operation’s financial health. In this session, you’ll see how Ambrook can simplify recordkeeping, track enterprise-level profitability, and help you make more informed business decisions. Whether you’re a spreadsheet veteran or still keeping receipts in a shoebox, this is your chance to discover an ag-focused tool designed to work the way you do.
The future of farming isn’t just about producing more—it’s about producing better. This session dives into regenerative agriculture practices that restore soil health, improve water retention, boost biodiversity, and build resilience for generations to come. We’ll explore real-world examples, practical techniques, and innovative ideas that you can start implementing right away—whether you manage 10 acres or 10,000. Designed for forward-thinking producers, landowners, and ag advocates, this conversation is about more than sustainability—it’s about leaving the land better than we found it.
Join us for a hands-on, creative experience designed just for AgCeptional Conference attendees. In this exclusive floral workshop, you’ll learn professional tips and techniques from Blossom + Birch as you design and build your very own fresh fall table centerpiece. Using seasonal blooms and natural elements, you’ll create a stunning arrangement perfect for your Thanksgiving gathering. Whether you’re looking to elevate your holiday table or simply enjoy a moment of creativity, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to unwind, connect, and take home a piece of autumn beauty you designed yourself. *This will be hosted downtown at Black Cow Fat Pig’s Event Space following the conclusion of the conference*
The success of this event is due to the contributions of our sponsors and the members of the conference committee:
2025 AgCeptional Committee Members
Logan Consbruck – Northeast Community College Agriculture Student
Liz Doerr – Pork Producer and Office Administrator, Retired Zoning Administrator
Roxanne Dusel – Farm Wife/Grain Producer
Traci Ebel – Substitute Teacher, Ag & FFA Supporter
Kimberly Fehringer – USDA Rural Development Loan Specialist Midwest Region
Karen Grant – Farmer/Livestock Producer
Karmen Hake – Farmer/Cattle Producer, Office Assistant at Columbus Sales Pavilion
Jill Heemstra – Ag Program Director, Northeast Community College
Peg Hintz – Livestock Producer/USDA FSA County Executive Director
Clare Hornung – Recruitment Specialist for UNL College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
Agnes Kurtzhals – Communications Associate - AMM Department at UNL's Haskell Ag Lab
Susan Littlefield – Farm Director KRVN/Rural Radio Network
Hilary Maricle – Farmer/Livestock Producer
Corinne Morris – Retired Dean of Agriculture, Math & Science, Northeast Community College
Deb Neidig – Producer
Kathy Neidig – Cattle Operation and Business Owner
Courtney Nelson – Precision Agriculture Trainer, Northeast Community College
Joan Ruskamp – Farmer/Cattle Feeder
Connie Sixta – Dean of Science, Technology, Agriculture & Math, Northeast Community College
Tara Smydra – Farmer/Real Estate Investor
Madisen Unseld – Randa Red Angus, USDA NRCS Soil Conservationist
Rylee Wagner - Director of Communications - AFAN
Ashley Weinrich – Executive Assistant of Science, Technology, Agriculture, and Math, Northeast Community College
Whitney Winter – Llama Producer/Ag Communication/Journalist