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Opinion
LEAD program provides ag's most important component
Monday, April 7, 2014
We can have the best agricultural conditions possible, and without one key component, they won't mean a thing.
Land and water resources, strong commodity prices and markets, capital and credit, infrastructure -- they're all meaningless unless we have people with vision to take the lead and make things happen.
Those are just the kind of people the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources have been trying to cultivate over the past 33 years.
Group 34 Nebraska LEAD -- Leadership Education/Action Development -- is now seeking "up to 30 motivated men and women with demonstrated leadership potential" who will be selected from five geographic districts across the state, said Terry Hejny, director.
National and international markets are a vital part of the ag economy, and LEAD Fellows will participate in a 10-day National Study/Travel Seminar and a two-week International Study/Travel Seminar in addition to monthly three-day seminars throughout Nebraska from mid-September through early April each year.
Themes of the seminars 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, Hejny said.
The Nebraska LEAD Program is designed to prepare the spokespersons, problem-solvers and decision-makers for Nebraska and its agricultural industry. It's operated by the nonprofit Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council in collaboration with the University of Nebraska's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources in cooperation with Nebraska colleges and universities, business and industry and individuals throughout the state.
Applications are due no later than June 15 and are available via email from Shana at sgerdes2@unl.edu. They can also be requested by writing Room 318 Biochemistry Hall, university of Nebraska-Lincoln, 68583-0763 or calling (402) 472-6810. Visit www.lead.unl.edu for information about the selection process.
Agriculture is the lifeblood of Nebraska's economy, and it will continue to face many serious challenges in the future. Efforts like the Nebraska LEAD program are vital if we hope to meet those challenges head-on.