Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute
The Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI) is a weeklong experience for high school juniors and seniors from across Nebraska to learn more about career opportunities within agriculture. This conference features speakers, workshops, agricultural education, networking with peers and industry leaders, professional development, leadership experience, fun and new friends!
NAYI Award of Merit
We are searching for the next NAYC Award of Merit recipient and we need your help! Attached is a form where you can nominate someone you believe exhibits a continued commitment to the betterment of Nebraska rural youth in the agricultural industry. The winner will be honored during the NAYI State Luncheon. Nominations are due by 8am CST on Saturday, June 6th.
https://forms.gle/Ji8nfeUNy4LoUiZy5
2025 Award of Merit Recipient
Steve White
The late George Gerdes.........................1972
The late E.F. Frolik..................................1973
The late Dr. James Kendrick...................1974
The late Archie White..............................1975
The late Maurice Kremer.........................1976
The late Harold Stevens..........................1977
The late Glenn Kreuscher........................1978
Duane Lienemann...................................1979
The late Irving Wedeking.........................1980
The late Hugo Broeder.............................1981
The late Richard B. Warren......................1982
Mary Pat Finn Hoag..................................1983
The late Dr. Allen G. Blezek......................1984
The late Eugene “Gene” Roy Bergen.......1985
Gary Maricle.............................................1986
The late John Orr......................................1987
The late Dr. David P. McGill......................1988
Cliff Jensen...............................................1989
Dr. Ron Hanson........................................1990
The late Dr. Rollin Schnieder....................1991
Dr. Keith Gilster.........................................1992
James E. Novotny.....................................1993
James Mueller...........................................1994
Richard Katt..............................................1995
Sandra Stockall.........................................1996
Doyle Wolverton........................................1997
Kent Zeller.................................................1998
Jim Peterson.............................................1999
Rosalee Swartz.........................................2000
Dr. Ivan Rush............................................2001
The late Francis Jorgensen......................2002
Doug Gibson.............................................2003
Dave Rocker.............................................2004
The late Dr. Ted Doane.............................2005
Marlin Seeman..........................................2006
Stan Garbacz............................................2007
Dr. Donald J. Lee......................................2008
The late Dr. Jack Schinstock....................2009
Keith Olsen...............................................2010
Jill Brown..................................................2011
Brian and Ann Marie Bosshamer..............2012
Dr. Duane Jewell......................................2013
The late Dr. Dick Fleming.........................2014
Don McCabe............................................2015
Gerald “Pete” Peterson............................2016
Dr. Steve Waller.......................................2017
Greg Ibach...............................................2018
Roxie Rosenthal......................................2019
Chuck Hibberd.........................................2020
Sue Ellen Pegg ...................................... 2021
Craig Frederick .......................................2022
Dr. Ronnie Green .................................. .2023
Matt Kreifels............................................2024
2026 Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute
NAYI will be held at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus July 6–10, 2026.
2026 NAYI Delegates and NAYC Members List
"NAYI was one of my most unforgettable experiences. The entire week was dedicated to some of the most talented young individuals in Nebraska, who had the opportunity to network and gain valuable insights into our thriving agricultural industry. At NAYI, you’ll find yourself surrounded by like minded individuals and hardworking young men and women who share a passion for agriculture. "
Bryson Bickel
2025 NAYI Returning Delegate
"Attending NAYI was one of the most impactful experiences of my high school years. Throughout the week, I was able to explore the wide variety of careers in agriculture, connect with industry leaders, and gain lifelong skills. But my favorite part by far was the people. I met so many amazing students from across Nebraska who shared the same passion for agriculture. Over the two years I attended, I made at least 50 new friends, and those connections have become some of the most meaningful of my life. As someone who now attends Oklahoma State University, I want to emphasize that you don't have to be planning on attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to get something out of NAYl. The conference offers countless opportunities for both in-state and out-of-state students to grow, learn, and find their place in agriculture. I am so grateful I took part in this experience, and it shaped who I am today.”
Addison Vavircek
"The opportunity to serve on the NAYC the last two years has been invaluable to me. I’ve been able to sharpen my leadership skills, network in the agriculture industry, and impact the lives of future Nebraska agricultural leaders. I’m so grateful for these opportunities - the NAYC and NAYI have truly changed my life!"
Caleb Most
