245 Fallbrook Blvd. Suite 204
Lincoln, NE 68521
Phone: 402-471-2676
Email: ncb.info@nebraska.gov
Website: NebraskaCorn.org
Executive Director: Kelly Brunkhorst
The Nebraska Corn Board represents Nebraska’s 21,000+ corn farmers through their investment in the corn checkoff. The Nebraska Corn Board works to promote the value of corn by increasing the value and sustainability of Nebraska corn through promotion, market development and research.. The Nebraska Corn Board’s foundation is based on four main pillars: market development, promotion, education and research.
Contact Information:
Kelly Brunkhorst – Executive Director – email: kelly.brunkhorst@nebraska.gov
Kelly's primary responsibilities include administering the checkoff on corn marketed in Nebraska. He is the director of all staff and management functions and is responsible for carrying out the decisions of a nine-member board. Kelly assists in the development of committees to address issues of research, market development, communications and government affairs. He provides a basis of accurate information for the Board to use in decision-making in areas of foreign market development, domestic market demand, research, education and information sharing.
Payton Schaneman – Director of Market Development – email: payton.schaneman@nebraska.gov
Payton's primary responsibilities include coordinating all facets of market development projects to increase demand for Nebraska corn and value-added products, partnering with state, national and international organizations. He works to grow the need for ethanol both in-state and domestically. He coordinates educational and promotional activities of corn and value-added corn products such as red meat, dairy, poultry and livestock expansion.
Jill Bookhout – Director of Communications – email: jill.bookhout@nebraska.gov
Jill's primary responsibilities include leading state communication efforts in branding consistency, working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, strategic communications and developing communications campaigns. She strategically targets consumer and producer audiences locally, nationally and internationally through various programs to strengthen corn’s reputation. Jill organizes and manages promotions and outreach efforts at in-person events throughout the state and nationwide. She is the contact for media inquiries from local, national and international journalists regarding Nebraska’s corn industry.
Rachael Whitehair – Director of Innovation and Stewardship – email: rachael.whitehair@nebraska.gov
Her primary responsibilities include managing projects and priorities focused on efficient crop production innovation, new use research and development, and stewardship initiatives that support the board’s strategic vision. She oversees the board’s research funding program and seeks to advance the board’s sustainability and stewardship initiatives, including identifying and developing opportunities to collaborate with key partners.
Christy Meyer – Administrative Programs Officer II – email: christy.meyer@nebraska.gov
Christy is primarily responsible for accounts payable, contracts, purchasing, meeting arrangements and minutes, office management and managerial functions.
Roxie Rosenthal – Staff Assistant – email: roxie.rosenthal@nebraska.gov
Roxie serves as support staff for board/office personnel; responsible for digital workflow and other administrative duties.
The Nebraska Corn Board supports research initiatives that enhance the sustainability and continued success of the state’s corn, livestock and ethanol industries. In addition, the Board strives to sustain and grow responsible livestock production in Nebraska, including all species and all sizes of operations. The Nebraska Corn Board wants to develop and nurture key partnerships and initiatives that provide a foundation for long-term growth and success of the corn, ethanol and livestock industries in Nebraska.
The Nebraska Corn Board works to develop and nurture key partnerships and initiatives that provide a foundation for long-term growth and success of the corn, ethanol and livestock industries in Nebraska.
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Updated December 2025