Corn, soybeans and livestock may define much of Nebraska’s landscape — but in December, Nebraska LEAD Fellows will explore a different side of the state’s agriculture. A new partnership between the Nebraska LEAD Program and the Richard P. Kimmel and Laurine Kimmel Charitable Foundation is making possible the first Resilient Rural Systems seminar in Nebraska City, showcasing the innovation, diversity and entrepreneurial spirit of southeastern Nebraska agriculture.
The seminar, Dec. 7-9, will allow current Nebraska LEAD Fellows to explore alternative agricultural systems and community development in that part of the state. Fellows will engage with experts and local leaders on topics such as fruit and apple orchards, floriculture, pollinator research, aquaculture and hydroponics, direct-to-consumer local food systems, and innovative rural and community development strategies.
The Catalyst Grants were established in 2024 by the Kimmel Foundation to advance education and innovation by fostering strategic partnerships between the Kimmel Orchard and Vineyard Educational Foundation and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. IANR encompasses Nebraska Extension, the Agricultural Research Division and the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.
“This new seminar represents an exciting opportunity for Nebraska LEAD Fellows to expand their perspectives on the state’s agriculture and natural resources systems while highlighting the creativity and innovation that make Nebraska City and southeastern Nebraska so unique,” said Tiffany Heng-Moss, interim vice chancellor of IANR. “We’re grateful for the Kimmel Foundation’s partnership and commitment to developing Nebraska’s agricultural leaders.”
Len Weyeneth, president of the Kimmel Foundation, said the partnership reflects the mission of the Catalyst Grants program.
“Our foundation is dedicated to advancing education and fostering innovation,” he said. “The Nebraska LEAD Program has a long-standing reputation for preparing leaders who will shape the future of agriculture, and we’re proud to help bring that mission to Nebraska City.”
Kurtis Harms, Nebraska LEAD program director, said the partnership is a milestone for the program.
“For more than 40 years, the Nebraska LEAD Program has helped develop leaders who are not only grounded in Nebraska’s agricultural strengths, but prepared to navigate future challenges and opportunities,” he said. “Hosting this reimagined seminar in Nebraska City with the support of the Kimmel Foundation allows us to shine a spotlight on the diversity and resilience of southeastern Nebraska agriculture.”
Troy Kane, a farmer from Carleton, Nebraska, LEAD 43 Fellow and participant in this year’s program, shared his enthusiasm for the experience ahead.
“When I think of Nebraska agriculture, I often think of row crops and cattle production,” he said. “This upcoming seminar will really help me get a better idea of how diverse Nebraska agriculture can be and what kinds of value-added strategies producers in the region are utilizing. I’m looking forward to learning more about the history, current innovations and entrepreneurial spirit that define this part of the state.”
The Nebraska LEAD (Leadership Education/Action Development) Program is a two-year leadership development program for Nebraska’s future agricultural leaders. Administered by the nonprofit Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council, in cooperation with the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the program engages fellows through 12 seminars across Nebraska, a national study/travel experience and an international study/travel opportunity. More than 1,200 people have graduated from the program since its inception in 1981.
The mission of the Nebraska LEAD Program is “to prepare and motivate men and women in agriculture for more effective leadership.” For more information on the program and its mission, click here.
