The Nebraska LEAD Program develops human leadership potential for the industry of Nebraska agriculture and agribusiness. It strives to speed up the leadership development process of men and women agriculturalists with leadership potential.

The program is state-wide in scope. Quality adult men and women participants are selected from five geographical regions throughout the state.

The inclusive nature of the program impacts all of Nebraska, its regions, areas, communities, organizations, and associations.

The program strives for a balance of learning objectives and experiences (examples include):

• Social, economic issues
• Natural resources and agriculture
• Education and religion
• Cultural understanding
• Foreign trade, foreign policy
• Government -- the political system
• Local, state, national, international perspectives
• Interpersonal and communication skills

Program delivery is throughout Nebraska, which adds to the understanding of Nebraska's tremendous resources, people, educational institutions, cities, communities, natural resources, and diversity. 

Study/travel seminars underscore the importance of practical, hands-on learning experience that cannot be duplicated by radio, TV, newspapers, and magazines dedicated to national and international news and issues. 

Seminars and study/travel experience bring Nebraska LEAD 'fellows' into contact with people in leadership positions, providing unmatched opportunities to listen, question, and discuss varied points of view, opinions, and facts. 

The program enhances the abilities of participants to be more aware, more objective, critical in thinking, confident, effective, and motivated to serve and contribute to Nebraska and the industry of agriculture. 

The Nebraska LEAD Program is developing all-important leadership potential from a declining rural population base.

The Nebraska LEAD Program addresses the recommendations of the "New Seeds for Nebraska Report" through investment and development of Nebraska's human capital. This report emphasized the strong, able leadership for agriculture and Nebraska is essential for Nebraska's economic viability and quality of life. 

"For Nebraska to fulfill its vision of leadership in the Great Plains economy, its people, places, and industries must be prepared for leadership. These are the key elements that will determine whether Nebraska moves forward in the new economy in the 21st century. If any one of these stakeholders is ill prepared, the state will be unable to reach its full potential. Specifically, being prepared for leadership means that:

• Nebraska's people will need to be especially skilled, innovative, and adaptable in the fast-changing new economy.
• Nebraska's places will need to be especially well prepared to adapt to the economic and social requirements imposed by the new economy.
• Nebraska's industries will need to be especially forward-looking and opportunistic to drive the state forward in the highly competitive environment of the new economy.

For Nebraska, leadership thus has three dimensions: the state's vision of the future rests on the capabilities of its people, places, and industries."

Ref: Nebraska Futures, Inc.
Nebraska: Leading the Great Plains Into the New Economy

Nebraska LEAD Program
Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council, Inc.
318 Biochemistry Hall
P.O. Box 830873
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln NE 68583-0763

THEJNY1@UNL.EDU
Telephone: (402) 472-6810
FAX: (402) 472-6799
Home Page: http://lead.unl.edu

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