LINCOLN, Neb. – Members of Nebraska LEAD Program’s Class 43 recently embarked on a 10-day National Study/Travel Seminar, gaining firsthand exposure to national and regional agricultural systems, policymaking and advocacy.
The seminar, held Feb. 5-14, took Fellows to Kansas City, Washington, D.C., Chicago and Moline, Ill., for a series of immersive experiences.
“This seminar broadens the perspectives of Nebraska’s agricultural leaders by exposing them to key institutions, industry leaders and policymakers,” said Nebraska LEAD Program Director Kurtis Harms. “By seeing and engaging with agriculture beyond our state, Fellows gain knowledge that helps them advocate for the industry in new and meaningful ways.”
Among those attending was Courtney Nelson, Northeast Community College Precision Agriculture trainer.
The itinerary featured a visit to MyCo Planet, an urban mushroom farm in Chicago, and discussions with the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City, the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 7 Director. The Fellows also engaged with policymakers in Washington, D.C., including meetings with Nebraska Senators Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts, as well as representatives from the embassies of Canada and Spain.
A guided visit to the historic site of the Battle of Gettysburg provided valuable insights into leadership under pressure, while stops at the American Farm Bureau Federation and the U.S. Capitol deepened their understanding of national agricultural policy. The seminar concluded with a visit to the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences and a tour of John Deere in Moline, showcasing advancements in education and agricultural machinery.
“The opportunity to connect with leaders in agriculture and policy has been incredibly impactful,” said Courtney Nelson, a Nebraska LEAD 43 participant. “These experiences have given me a broader perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing our industry and how different organizations and trade associations work to support agriculture producers across the nation.”
Nelson said one of her favorite parts of the trip was touring the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences.
“I enjoyed seeing the interest in agriculture from students who grew up in Chicago,” Nelson said. “They understand how important agriculture is to everyone's lives. They have nice facilities at the high school to provide hands-on opportunities in pathways such as urban agriculture, ag business, animal science, food science, and ag mechanics.”
For more than four decades, the Nebraska LEAD Program has been committed to cultivating knowledgeable and engaged leaders in agriculture. Through hands-on learning and exposure to key decision-makers, Fellows graduate from the program equipped to drive positive change in their communities and beyond.
Area participants in LEAD Class 43 are: Tyler Morton, Howells, Eric Wemhoff, Humphrey, Jake Judge, Norfolk, Courtney Nelson, Norfolk, and Bobby Reifenrath, Wayne
Learn more about the Nebraska LEAD Program at lead.unl.edu.
About the Nebraska LEAD Program
The Nebraska LEAD Program was established in 1981 with the mission of developing agriculture leaders from Nebraska’s farming, ranching and agribusiness sectors. Over the past four decades, the program has graduated nearly 1,200 fellows who have gone on to serve in leadership roles at the local, state, national and international levels. The two-year program offers participants a unique blend of education, travel and personal development opportunities, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to lead in a rapidly changing world.
Moline
While in Illinois, Nebraska LEAD Class 43 stopped by John Deere and toured the Seeding Group, Harvester Works and the Parts Distribution Center. Courtney Nelson, Northeast Community College Precision Agriculture trainer, was among those selected for leadership training.
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