NDA announces delegates attending 2024 Nebrska ag youth institute
High school students continue to show their passion for agriculture and their enthusiasm to attend Nebraska’s premier youth ag event, the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI). The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) received a record number of applications from high school juniors and seniors across the state to attend NAYI this summer. NAYI brings together hundreds of students every year to learn more about Nebraska agriculture, network with ag leaders and explore career opportunities. This year, NAYI will be held July 8-12 on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus.
“We were overwhelmed, but not surprised, by the record number of applications we received from students interested in attending NAYI,” said NDA Director Sherry Vinton. “NAYI is an incredible opportunity for young leaders to expand their knowledge of agriculture and connect with peers and network with agricultural professionals from around the state. These students are the future leaders and innovators of Nebraska’s ag industry. They will be the ones working together in the future to strengthen our state’s number one industry.”
NAYI is in its 53rd year, making it the longest running ag youth program of its kind in the nation. This year’s theme, “Leading Your Legacy,” is appropriate because students participating in NAYI start a legacy of exceptional ag leaders in Nebraska. NAYI features motivational speakers, discussions on agricultural issues, career development, networking opportunities, leadership activities, a farm management game, a formal banquet, and a dance. NDA selects students to attend NAYI based on their leadership skills, interests, and involvement in agriculture.
NAYI is coordinated by the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council (NAYC), which is comprised of 21 college students selected by NDA for their passion, interest, and investment in the ag industry. During NAYI, NAYC members provide valuable insight and advice about agriculture, college coursework and career-building.
“The Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council does a fantastic job showcasing the opportunities here in our state. It is our hope that after NAYI, the delegates will be better prepared for whatever path they choose in life and know that they will always have a part to play in Nebraska agriculture,” said Director Vinton.
NDA, agri-businesses, commodity groups and industry organizations sponsor NAYI so those selected to attend can do so free of charge. Anyone interested in helping sponsor NAYI is encouraged to reach out to NAYC Advisor Christin Kamm at christin.kamm@nebraska.gov.
For more information about the opportunities available to support the youth attending NAYI, potential sponsors can visit nda.nebraska.gov/NAYIsponsors/.
To learn more about NAYC or NAYI 2024, visit nda.nebraska.gov/nayi/. Follow NAYI activities on Facebook by searching and liking the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute and on Instagram by following @the_nayc or #NAYI24.
NAYI Delegrates
Champion—Alex Johnson
Enders—Kalli Hoskovec
Imperial—Kathya Aragon, Brooke Schilke
Palisade—Abigael Greaves
2024 NE Ag Youth Council
Imperial—Kendall Prior