Tag: Nebraska LEAD program

As we close out other year and set new goals for 2015, remember it is important to “agvocate” for agriculture, even if its simply informing others what you do and how you are an environmental steward of the land, etc. One program which empowers individuals to become more educated on agricultural issues and improve their leadership skills is the Nebraska LEAD program.

Several years ago I met twenty-nine talented individuals with a passion of agriculture through the Nebraska LEAD program. To date, I remain friends with many of them and the networking opportunities have been tremendous. The in-state seminars challenged me to think outside of the box and remain an advocate for agriculture. I could go on and on about the excellent opportunities the LEAD program has provided, but I challenge you to experience it yourself!

Today’s pressing issues demand strong, able, informed leaders who not only excel in their chosen professions, but also in the areas of communications, political savvy and issues management. The Nebraska LEAD Program prepares leaders to face challenges with confidence. If you would like to be a part of the leadership necessary to chart the course now and in the future, and you are presently involved in production agriculture or agribusiness, there will never be a better time to apply to participate in the Nebraska LEAD Program.

Fellowship applications for Nebraska LEAD (Leadership Education/Action Development) Group 35 are now available for men and women involved in production agriculture or agribusiness and will be accepted until June 15. “Up to 30 motivated men and women with demonstrated leadership potential will be selected from five geographic regions across our state,” said Terry Hejny, Nebraska LEAD Program director.

In addition to monthly three-day seminars throughout Nebraska from mid-September through late March each year, Nebraska LEAD Fellows also participate in a 10-day National Study/Travel Seminar during the first year and a two week International Study/Travel Seminar during the second year. Content essential to leadership focuses on public policy, natural resources, community and economic development, communications, education, economics, and social and cultural understanding.

Soon beginning its 35th year, the program is operated by the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council, a nonprofit organization in collaboration with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and in cooperation with Nebraska colleges and universities, business and industry, and individuals throughout the state.

Applications will be accepted until June 15 and are available via e-mail from the Nebraska LEAD Program office by contacting Lauren at lszalkiewicz2@unl.edu   You may also request application materials by writing to Room 318 Biochemistry Hall, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 68583-0763 or by calling (402) 472-6810.

Nebraska LEAD Program offices are in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

As the number of individuals involved in agriculture continues to decrease, the need for highly trained, effective and articulate spokespersons and leaders in the agricultural industry becomes even more critical. 

As Terry Hejny, LEAD Program director said,  “Often people wait until their lives appear to slow down before contact them about LEAD, but waiting sometimes means the no longer fall into our preferred range of 25-55 years of age!  In other words now is the time to complete an application.

Nebraska LEAD (Leadership Education/Action Development) applications are now available for men and women involved in production agriculture or agribusiness and are due on June 15.  If you are passionate about our industry I’d encourage you to apply.

The program will include monthly three-day seminars throughout Nebraska from mid-September through early April each year, LEAD Fellows also participate in a 10-day National Study/Travel Seminar to Kansas City, Washington, D.C. and Chicago during the first year, and a two week International Study/Travel Seminar during the second year.

Seminar themes include leadership assessment and potential, natural resources and energy, agricultural policy, leadership through communication, our political process, global perspectives, nuclear energy, social issues, understanding and developing leadership skills, agribusiness and marketing, advances in health care, and the resources and people of Nebraska’s Panhandle.

Applications are due no later than June 15 and are available via e-mail from the Nebraska LEAD Program. Application materials can be requested by contacting Shana at sgerdes2@unl.edu, by calling (402) 472-6810.