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Eligibility
Each year, up to 30 Fellows are selected from across Nebraska to participate in the Nebraska LEAD Program. Successful applicants are highly motivated individuals with demonstrated leadership potential and a strong commitment to agriculture and rural communities.
Applicants must be actively involved in agriculture or an agriculture-related business, with the majority of their time and income coming from one of the following categories:
Category I: Production Agriculture
Applicants derive the majority of their income as an owner, operator, employee, officer or director of a farming or ranching operation, or a major division of a corporation directly involved in agricultural production.
Category II: Agricultural Support Industries
Applicants devote the majority of their time and derive the majority of their income from businesses or organizations that serve production agriculture through education, services, sales, purchasing or other support activities.
Application Requirements
To be considered for the Nebraska LEAD Program, applicants must:
- Submit a completed application by June 15.
- Participate in an interview with a district selection committee.
- Demonstrate the ability to fully commit to the program’s seminar and travel requirements.
- Sign a participation agreement if selected.
- Pay the annual participant fee.
We encourage all prospective applicants to review the Selection Criteria before applying.
Program Investment
The Nebraska LEAD Program is a significant investment in leadership development. The estimated value of the two-year experience exceeds $15,000 and includes seminars, study travel experiences, educational materials, and program coordination.
Fellows contribute a participant fee of $1,500 per year ($3,000 total over two years), which represents approximately 20% of the program’s overall cost. Fellows are also responsible for transportation to and from seminar locations, although carpooling is common.
Many Fellows receive support from employers, agricultural organizations, local businesses, or family members to help offset their participation costs.