About the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council

 

For 53 years, the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council’s (NAYC) main goal has been the promotion of agriculture to Nebraska’s youth. NAYC consists of 21 college-age men and women who have dedicated their time and energy to educating youth about agriculture. The Council is selected annually to serve a one-year term. Membership is limited to three years.

Throughout the year, the NAYC participates in an array of agricultural programs including several elementary classroom visits, National Ag Week, Nebraska State FFA Convention, mentorship programs, as well as their premier event, the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute. All of these events give the Council an opportunity to learn more about agricultural opportunities available right here in Nebraska, as well as share their knowledge with the youth of Nebraska. The Council also holds their annual Industry Tours and Winter Retreat, which gives them the chance to interact with one another and strengthen friendships that attribute to the Council’s success.

In March, the NAYC participates in National Ag Week, making a number of visits to area elementary school classrooms. The NAYC uses different methods to show students where their food comes from through hands-on experiences for the youth, they learn about agriculture in a fun and engaging way.

The annual Urban Youth Farm Tour is held in April, and provides a chance for nearly 300 area elementary school students to visit three Wahoo area farms; many for their very first time. The Council provides a fun and fact-filled day with hands-on experiences as to where food comes from, and the importance of agriculture in Nebraska. This day-long trip is an effort by the Council to close the gap between agricultural producers and consumers.

NAYI will be the result of a year of dedication and work from the 2023-2024 NAYC. Bi-monthly meetings and various activities are held throughout the year to plan the events at NAYI 2024. Each year, the newly selected Council strives toward the common goal of creating a successful Institute. The diversity of ideas that were offered from the Council throughout this year will be why the 53rd NAYI will be bigger and better than ever before!

 
 

NAYC Members

 

Did you know? You don't have to grow up on a farm to be a council member. All you need is a passion for agriculture! Learn more about our NAYC members by clicking on their photo.

 
Ben Kamrath
Brie Bruns
Caleb Burnside
Caleb Most
Carleigh Tietz
Conner Snyder
Emma Snoberger
Etan Kreikemeier
Evan Svanda
Jenna Knake
Jessie Lamp
Kailey Ziegler
Kaleb Senff
Kendall Prior
Kendra Loseke
Laura Albro
Levi Schiller
Logan Hafer
Madison Kreifels
Seth Wert
Vickie Ference
 
 

NAYC Activities

 

While the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute is the NAYC's premier event, the Council also coordinates and participates in a variety of other educational activities.

NAYC

Members of the NAYC participate in Industry Tours each fall. They travel to different parts of the state, visit agricultural businesses in the area, and network with industry professionals to learn more about the agricultural industry in Nebraska.

The annual Urban Youth Farm Tour allows students growing up in an urban setting to understand where their food comes from and how it is produced. Students have the opportunity to tour various grain and livestock operations.

The NAYC organizes and facilitates workshops at the Nebraska State FFA Convention, promoting NAYI to high school juniors and seniors who are interested in agriculture.

The NAYC participates in National Ag Week by visiting several area elementary school classrooms to share the importance of agriculture.

 
 

NAYC Head Counselors

Kaleb Senff & Levi Schiller

 

In today’s global society, agriculture is vitally important to provide food, fiber, and fuel for the growing population. As an agriculturally driven state, Nebraska is a key player and major provider in the world marketplace.

As we all know, the world population is projected to reach 9 billion by 2050. That means our generation will have to produce more food in the coming years than any previous generation. We believe our generation is up to this challenge, and we are ready to energize Nebraska’s youth about careers in agriculture. As head counselors, we help plan and facilitate a number of youth driven programs throughout the year, with our main priority being the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI).

NAYI is an opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to get a taste of the variety of opportunities in agriculture, network with industry leaders, and make connections with other youth from across the state who share a passion for agriculture and feeding the world.