Sherry Vinton Director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture | Nebraska Department of Agriculture
Sherry Vinton Director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture | Nebraska Department of Agriculture
The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) has announced the members of the 2025-2026 Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council (NAYC). This council, composed of college students, aims to educate young Nebraskans about agriculture. "The NAYC is a unique opportunity that allows the next generation to help educate Nebraska youth about the importance of agriculture across the state, from Omaha to Scottsbluff," said NDA Director Sherry Vinton. She expressed enthusiasm for working with the new council members, noting their role in shaping the future of agriculture.
Council members will engage in various activities, including visiting schools to discuss food origins and career opportunities. A key event organized by NAYC is the annual Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI), a five-day summer conference for high school juniors and seniors. Now in its 55th year, NAYI is noted as the longest-running event of its kind nationwide.
The leadership team for 2025-2026 includes Head Counselors Braydon Binger from Hay Springs and Caleb Burnside from Stapleton; President Abigail Hodges from Julian; Secretary Caleb Most from Ogallala; Vice President of Communications and Social Media Carleigh Tietz from Norfolk; Vice President of Alumni Relations Alexa Carter from Rising City; Vice President of NAYI Improvement and Promotions Morgan Bonifas from Aurora; Vice President of Youth Outreach Austin Kamm from Lincoln; and Vice Presidents of Sponsorship Cora Hoffschneider from Waco and Carson Mau from Sutton.
Additional council members come from various towns across Nebraska. Christin Kamm, NDA Communications Director and NAYC Advisor, emphasized the importance of educating young people about agriculture given that one in four jobs in Nebraska are related to this sector. "These Council members work hard each year, dedicating their time and sharing their passion for agriculture," she said.
For more information on NAYC, visit https://nda.nebraska.gov/nayi/nayc or search for Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute on Facebook.
Information from this article can be found here.
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