Nebraska LEAD Program

For Sally Welsh, one of the greatest benefits of Nebraska LEAD has been building genuine connections with fellow agricultural leaders that will last well beyond the program.

For Kyle Phillips, one of the biggest takeaways from Nebraska LEAD was gaining a deeper understanding of how advocacy groups and lobbyists shape policy—and why it matters for those in agriculture to be engaged. Nebraska LEAD helps Fellows better understand the issues, organizations and leadership needed to make a difference in their communities, industries and beyond. It’s about building informed...

For Lily Ziehmer, the Nebraska LEAD Program has been about more than learning—it’s been about broadening her perspective, building confidence, and connecting with a network of ambitious agricultural leaders who challenge and support one another. Through in-state seminars, national and international travel, and meaningful conversations with leaders across industries, Nebraska LEAD helps Fellows dev...

“The LEAD experience has been nothing but remarkable.” For Chandler Maly, Nebraska LEAD reinforced the value of curiosity, connection and bringing a positive attitude into every room. From meaningful conversations with classmates to learning from presenters across the country, the experience left a lasting impact. One of Chandler’s biggest takeaways? The power of asking questions — and the differe...

You never know exactly what to expect when you begin the Nebraska LEAD Program — but for Troy Kane, it became much more than he imagined. In this video, Troy shares how LEAD opened his eyes to new people, places and perspectives across Nebraska agriculture, while also reigniting his passion for leadership and community involvement. “LEAD just reignited that for me.” Hear Troy’s story and learn how...

When Anthony Finke joined the Nebraska LEAD Program, he expected to gain a deeper understanding of the state's agriculture, water management and infrastructure. What he didn’t expect was realizing just how important his voice could be in shaping the future of agriculture. Through conversations with industry leaders and classmates from across the ag industry, Anthony discovered that leadership is m...

Trevor Spath says the Nebraska LEAD Program broadened his perspective on agriculture—from local communities across Nebraska to national and international issues shaping the industry. As he looks ahead, Trevor plans to stay engaged in agriculture through industry associations, local initiatives and the Nebraska LEAD alumni network—continuing to serve and lead wherever opportunities arise. #Nebraska...

Courtney Nelson’s LEAD journey is a reminder that leadership growth often begins outside your comfort zone. What started with uncertainty turned into greater confidence, deeper curiosity and a stronger understanding of Nebraska agriculture from every corner of the state. Through Nebraska LEAD, Courtney discovered the value of embracing what you know, asking questions about what you don’t and learn...

Leadership isn’t something you’re simply born into—it’s developed through experience, growth, and the willingness to take a chance. Cale Harrington shares how the Nebraska LEAD Program inspired him by learning from leaders across the state and seeing the journeys that shaped their success.

Leadership starts at home. In her Nebraska LEAD reflection, Neleigh Gehl shares how the program challenged her to think more critically, broaden her perspective through the global seminar and return home with a deeper commitment to serving her community. Hear how Nebraska LEAD is preparing Fellows like Neleigh to step up, lead boldly and make a difference where it matters most. #nebraskalead43 #ne...

Leadership doesn’t just happen—it grows through new experiences and stepping into opportunities. In this clip, LEAD 43 Fellow Jared Stauffer shares how the Nebraska LEAD Program has helped him gain new perspectives and the confidence to say “yes” when it matters. Hear how getting involved at the local level has shaped his journey. #nebraskalead43 #nebraskaleadprogram

Growth doesn’t stop when the seminars end. In her reflection, Amy Warner shares how the Nebraska LEAD experience helped shape a broader perspective—across Nebraska, across agriculture and across the world. It’s about seeing both the differences and the common ground, and using that to move forward together. Watch her video to hear how she’s taking that mindset into the future. #nebraskalead43 #neb...

What does “transformational” really mean? For Sophia Svanda, it’s not just a word—it’s a shift in how she sees agriculture, advocacy, leadership and her role in the community. In this reflection video, she shares how the Nebraska LEAD Program challenged her thinking, strengthened her curiosity and reshaped how she shows up as a servant leader. Watch her story and hear what transformation looks lik...

Jake Judge shares how the Nebraska LEAD Program pushed him beyond his comfort zone—from international travel to deeper conversations about agriculture here and around the world. Hear how those experiences, along with strong connections in his class, helped shape his perspective and growth. Watch his story now.

We’re kicking off our Class 43 Fellow spotlight series with Brennan Costello. As part of their final Nebraska LEAD seminar, Fellows reflected on what they’ve learned, what surprised them, and how the experience will shape the way they lead moving forward. Brennan shares how gaining a broader understanding of Nebraska—from agriculture to natural resources to public policy—has helped build a stronge...

We’re honored to share a special message to our graduating LEAD 43 class from former U.S. Secretary of Defense and Nebraska’s own, Chuck Hagel. As these Fellows wrap up their LEAD journey, his words serve as a powerful reminder of the responsibility and opportunity that comes with leadership—especially in agriculture and rural communities. Take a moment to watch and reflect as LEAD 43 prepares to...

As our time in Morocco, Portugal and Spain comes to a close, LEAD Class 43 wants to say thank you to the many people who made this experience possible—family and friends at home, employers and coworkers, supporters and partners, presenters and hosts abroad, and everyone who helped along the way. This seminar was truly a team effort, and we’re thankful for the support that made it happen.

Fellows Anthony Finke and Courtney Nelson share highlights from visits with Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture and a large cattle feedlot. From trade and policy discussions to livestock production under different regulatory systems, the day offered a practical look at how agriculture operates in Spain as the international seminar comes to a close.

LEAD 43 Fellows Luke Baldridge and Spencer Shifflet share highlights from a visit to an olive farm and processing cooperative representing more than 1,000 producers. From cold-pressed extra virgin oil to large-scale processing, the stop offered a practical look at how olives are grown, processed and marketed in one of the world’s major olive oil regions.

LEAD 43 Fellows Cale Harrington and Tyler Morton spent the day learning how farmers work together through the San Sebastián Cooperative, which serves nearly 300 producers across multiple commodities. From orange processing and quality control to value-added products and livestock integration, the day highlighted how efficiency, marketing and tradition intersect in Spanish agriculture—before wrappi...

Nebraska LEAD 43 Fellows Jared Stauffer and John Sullivan recap a day outside Seville, starting at a fish cannery processing Atlantic seafood and ending at a family-run fruit farm producing strawberries and blueberries.

On the journey from Évora to Seville, Chandler Maly and Lily Ziehmer reflect on a visit to an Iberian hog operation, seeing the full production cycle and how natural resources and time-intensive systems create a premium product. Another example of how agriculture looks different—and familiar—around the world.

LEAD 43 Fellows Amy Warner and McKinley Harm share highlights from a visit to Portugal’s Alqueva Dam, a massive project reshaping irrigation, energy generation and agricultural production in the Alentejo region. From olives and almonds to renewable energy and water management, this stop showed how long-term infrastructure investments support rural communities and food production.

Nebraska LEAD 43 Fellows Brennan Costello and Bobby Reifenrath take us inside a cork processing factory in Portugal, where a natural product supports farmers, global supply chains and industries far beyond wine. Another look at how agriculture, value-added processing and markets connect on the international stage.

Troy Kane and Neleigh Gehl recap a LEAD 43 visit to a family-run Portuguese dairy, where local production meets international trade opportunities. Different country, familiar conversations in agriculture.