Press Release
LINCOLN, NEB. – From livestock operations and crop production to agricultural technology and entrepreneurship, Nebraska students are continuing to find innovative ways to grow their skills through agriculture. To support those efforts, Nebraska Farm Bureau awarded a record $8,000 in Student Project Grants to 16 student members across the state for 2026.
Supported by the Charles Marshall Fund at the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, the grants help students begin, expand, and improve projects connected to 4-H and FFA Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programs. This year’s funding doubled the amount awarded in previous years after Nebraska Farm Bureau received a record number of applications.
The annual grant program supports a wide variety of student-led projects, including beef cattle, poultry, goats, horticulture, photography, agricultural technology, and small business ventures. Grants are awarded in varying amounts until available funds are exhausted.
“This year’s applications showcased incredible creativity, determination, and passion for agriculture,” said Audrey Schipporeit, director of leadership development. “Because of the overwhelming interest and the quality of the projects submitted, Nebraska Farm Bureau was proud to double the amount of funding awarded this year. These students are already making meaningful contributions to their communities and building skills that will serve agriculture for years to come.”
Nebraska Farm Bureau Student Project Grants are available annually to student Farm Bureau members across the state. Applicants under the age of 15 qualify through their parent or guardian’s membership, while applicants age 16 and older must hold an active student membership. Recipients are selected by a Nebraska Farm Bureau committee.
Grant recipients include:
Jesus Marquez, Perkins County Farm Bureau, received $1,000 to expand his laying hen SAE project. Marquez plans to use the funds to build additional fencing and housing as he grows his flock and begins selling eggs to customers in his community.
Jason Bongers, Butler County Farm Bureau, was awarded $1,000 for his agricultural drone technology project. Bongers operates Next Level Ag LLC and plans to use the grant to purchase chemical mixing and transfer equipment for his Talos T60X spray drone business.
Tenley Kocian, Butler County Farm Bureau, received $750 to improve fencing for her growing livestock operation, which includes poultry, rabbits, goats, and involvement in her family’s cow-calf enterprise.
Johannes Bumsted, Garfield County Farm Bureau, earned $500 to support his beef cattle project featuring two heifers, Sugar and Spice. Funding will assist with feed, breeding expenses, and continued development of his cattle management and showmanship skills.
Clara Adam, Grant County Farm Bureau, received $500 to expand her silkie bantam chicken project. Adam plans to add a dedicated coop space to improve breeding quality and continue providing show birds to younger 4-H exhibitors.
Maizy Popken, Dodge County Farm Bureau, was awarded $500 to begin an agricultural photography project focused on capturing Nebraska agriculture and community life through 4-H photography exhibits.
Graham Mueller, Dodge County Farm Bureau, received $500 to strengthen his Boer goat SAE project. Mueller plans to purchase a billy goat to improve herd genetics and continue expanding his breeding program.
Micah Bley, Chase County Farm Bureau, earned $500 for his food science entrepreneurship SAE. Bley transformed a horse trailer into a snow cone vendor trailer and continues developing additional business and agricultural projects.
Jayden Dickman, Dawson County Farm Bureau, received $500 to support his meat goat project. Funding will help offset livestock, feed, grooming equipment, and other project expenses as he continues growing his 4-H operation.
Brian Staley, Merrick County Farm Bureau, was awarded $500 for Staley’s Lawn Care & Landscaping LLC. Staley plans to purchase mower equipment upgrades that will improve efficiency and help expand his customer services.
Rachael Bousquet, Dakota County Farm Bureau, received $500 to support HoBo Show Goats, a family breeding operation she helped establish with her siblings and cousin. Funds will assist with barn improvements and herd expansion.
Barron Rosentreader, Custer County Farm Bureau, earned $250 to support his market goat project. Rosentreader plans to purchase additional goats and construct a shelter to improve care for his animals.
Clara Wuebben, Knox County Farm Bureau, received $250 for her STEAM and technology-based entrepreneurship project focused on laser engraving and custom-designed products for local farmers and ranchers.
Colton Carman, Buffalo County Farm Bureau, was awarded $250 to expand his poultry SAE project focused on silkie breeding, genetics, and exhibition poultry production.
Ty Schmidt, Platte County Farm Bureau, received $250 for an agricultural detailing business he operates with a friend. The grant will help purchase detailing supplies and equipment used to service farm machinery and vehicles.
Hannah Martensen, Platte County Farm Bureau, earned $250 to expand her vegetable and flower production SAE. Martensen uses regenerative agriculture practices while growing produce and cut flowers for her local community.
The Nebraska Farm Bureau is a grassroots, state-wide organization dedicated to supporting farm and ranch families and working for the benefit of all Nebraskans through a wide variety of educational, service, and advocacy efforts. Nearly 55,000 families across Nebraska are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve rural and urban prosperity as agriculture is a key fuel to Nebraska’s economy. For more information about Nebraska Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit www.nefb.org.