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
The goal is to start conversations and connect farmers with help when they need it.
Members from across the state will gather for competitions, workshops and leadership opportunities.
Student Katelyn Lindsay is traveling the country to support growers and connect consumers to the crop.
One student is working to help farmers protect livestock and property.
Turn This Love Around Is Out Now With Many Special Artist Features
Young anglers learn skills on the water while building a deeper connection to the outdoors.

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:

Union leaders warn many federal researchers may leave their jobs rather than move to regional hubs.
Economists say geopolitical headlines and concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz are driving volatility
A bipartisan Senate delegation recently traveled to China ahead of President Trump’s meeting in Beijing.
Reports say cattle industry groups raised concerns over a proposal that could increase beef imports.
USDA says planting progress remains strong nationwide, though some soybean fields are still slow to emerge.
Luke McCrea says his experiences in FFA and 4-H helped shape both his leadership skills and future career goals.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Mecum delivers the auction action to tractor fans everywhere, offering an unparalleled array of vintage and collectible tractors ranging from entry-level collector tractors that sell for a few thousand dollars to high-end, ultra-rare machines!
“Texas Our Texas” – a magical place. A place of land and legend. A place like no other. People come here to touch it, to feel the passion, to soak it in and be a part of it. Hosted by Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller. Let’s ride!
Follow Aumann Auctions coast to coast on a road trip adventure! Each episode of “Old Iron Adventures” highlights the challenges of hosting an auction. Plus, get behind-the-scenes looks, history lessons & meet a cast of very interesting characters along the way!
How do you define Texas? It starts with wide open spaces. It’s a beautiful, enchanted land full of amazing people and places. Then there are the cities and towns—big and small—each with its own culture and way of life. When you add these things together, you have an incredible mix of personalities that make Texas what it is today.
Join host Allen Treadwell and the Hayden Outdoors crew plus landowners across the country as we bring you exciting adventures on the land with the most amazing properties for sale and learn what it means to broker these magnificent properties.