CURTIS, Neb. — Agricultural leaders from across the state will gather in southwest Nebraska later this month to take a deeper look at the critical connection between natural resources, energy, and the future of agriculture.
The Nebraska LEAD Program will host a three-day seminar March 29–31 at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis. The event will bring together members of Nebraska LEAD Class 44 for an in-depth exploration of water use, energy production, and natural resource management—and how those elements shape Nebraska’s agricultural economy.
The seminar is designed to give fellows firsthand exposure to Nebraska’s public power system and its role in supporting rural communities, while also examining the intersection of agriculture, irrigation, and energy.
In addition to sessions in Curtis, the seminar includes field visits across the region. On Monday, participants will travel to North Platte to visit Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s West Central Research, Extension and Education Center. Tuesday’s schedule includes stops at the historic George Norris Home and Valmont Industries in McCook.
Featured speakers and guests include John McClure, vice president of government affairs and general counsel for NPPD; Dr. Kelly Bruns, interim executive director of the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture; Brad Edgerton, manager of the Frenchman-Cambridge Irrigation District; and Joe Shanle, plant manager at the Trenton Agri Products ethanol facility.
Nebraska LEAD Program Director Kurtis Harms will also be available during the seminar.
The Nebraska LEAD Program is a two-year agricultural leadership development program aimed at preparing participants for leadership roles within the industry and their communities. Organizers say seminars like this one are key to helping fellows better understand the challenges and opportunities surrounding Nebraska’s natural resources.
Media opportunities will be available throughout the event, including interviews with Class 44 fellows and program leadership, as well as photo and video opportunities during seminar sessions.
Program organizers say the focus on water and energy comes at a critical time, as both remain essential to sustaining Nebraska agriculture and ensuring its long-term success.