Nebraska LEAD Program Opens Applications for Next Cohort

The two-year fellowship focuses on developing leadership and policy skills for the next generation of agriculture advocates.

LINCOLN, NE (RFD NEWS) — Applications are now open for the next class of Nebraska’s LEAD Program, a leadership development initiative focused on preparing the next generation of agriculture leaders. LEAD, which stands for Leadership, Education, Action, and Development, is a two-year fellowship designed for farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness professionals looking to strengthen leadership and policy skills.

Kurtis Harms from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln joined us on Tuesday’s Market Day Report to discuss the LEAD program and what participants can expect.

In his conversation with RFD News, Harms explained how the program extends beyond traditional classroom learning through seminars, travel, and hands-on experiences.

“We’re traveling throughout the state of Nebraska. We’re taking part in 12 seminars across the state because agriculture is very different from north, south, east, and west within the state of Nebraska,” Harms told RFD News. “During year one, we’ll take part in a 10-day national seminar, and then, in year two, you will actually go abroad to see different cultures, to see different customers, to understand our competition a little bit better, so we can be better leaders for agriculture into the future.”

Harms says the program is looking for individuals who demonstrate leadership potential and want to make a difference in agriculture.

More information about the LEAD Program application process is available on the program’s website.

Related Stories
As a part of the International Year of the Woman Farmer, women across the state are being recognized for shaping the future of agricutlure.
From barns to show rings, producers and students say that livestock events offer economic opportunity and life lessons. Let’s take a look at some shows across the southeast in Georgia, Virginia and Louisiana.
“We knew we were stepping into legendary territory with Chet and Dolly on this one,” said Keith. “It was important to honor the music and spirit, but in our own way.
Held each year in Mercedes, the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show remains a cornerstone event for the region — blending education, competition, and community, even during challenging times for agriculture.

Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Hemp growth is driven by floral demand, with mixed returns elsewhere.
Roger McEowen of the Washburn School of Law discusses the lack of legal expertise in rural areas and a new program in Kansas aimed at addressing the issue.
Transporting pollinator colonies—primarily honey bee hives—is a major logistical operation in U.S. agriculture. Costs can vary widely depending on distance, fuel prices, labor, and timing.
Kaleigh Backstrom says her early involvement in 4-H helped set her on that path and sparked her interest in veterinary medicine.
Workshops give international bakers hands-on training with U.S. wheat products
The 91st anniversary of Black Sunday highlights how the Dust Bowl disaster led to modern soil conservation programs still shaping U.S. agriculture today.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Join popular polka performer Mollie Busta as she hosts the weekly “Mollie B Polka Party” on RFD Network! The one-hour program features the nation’s top polka bands and a wide variety of ethnic styles, recorded on location at music festivals across the country.
Enjoy traditional country music from modern-day troubadours The Malpass Brothers. Each episode stars the brother duo of Chris & Taylor Malpass along with a featured celebrity guest– and loads of clever humor.
Brought to you by Gus Arrendale & Springer Mountain Farms, join dynamic bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent as they welcome scores of fabulous bluegrass, country, and gospel music acts as special guests. Loads of laughs, your favorite guests galore, and lots of good times are guaranteed. Don’t miss all the fun!
Twisted Skillet brings a straightforward, hands-on approach to kitchen television, rooted in food and fire. Hosted by Texas chef Sean Koehler, the series explores open-fire outdoor cooking techniques, regional ingredients, and the people who raise, prepare, and inspire the food found across America.
RFD-TV’s newest music series, “On the Record,” presented by John Deere, takes viewers on a journey through the heart of country music. Hosted by renowned broadcaster, Suzanne Alexander, the show features long-form interviews with today’s biggest artists and the veterans who inspired them. “On the Record” also gives viewers a front row seat to intimate performances and exclusive music video releases, highlighting the broad scope of Nashville’s talent.