By Brennan Costello

“We need young people to return to our communities.”

It’s a common remark shared in many Nebraska towns, and I understand the sentiment. The majority of Nebraska counties have been experiencing a downward trend in population since the last census, and with that comes the loss of future community leaders, entrepreneurs, farmers, teachers, business professionals and citizens who make our communities vibrant.

I don’t have a “silver bullet” response for this challenge, but from my experiences in FFA, teaching in the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program and as a Nebraska LEAD Class 43 member, I’ve learned how the idea of “ownership” can play a role.

Owning it

When a young person has a sense of “ownership” over something, the game changes. This ownership could be of a project, enterprise or task, but they have to be allowed to practice making decisions, dealing with consequences and learning through ownership. Ownership makes things real — the sense of responsibility empowers a person to take things seriously and care deeply about the outcome.

But what happens when a young person returns to a community today? Both on the farm and in the community, they too often are met with attitudes resistant to change or letting go of control. Are we allowing them to make independent decisions? To learn the power of ownership? Do they feel ownership over the future of their farm operation? Of the future of their community?

Related:Switching from traditional crops to a vineyard

As an educator in the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Nebraska, I witness firsthand the transformative power of ownership. Our program is dedicated to empowering students to pursue their own enterprise, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to turn their ideas into reality.

As a member of the LEAD program, we see communities across Nebraska and have witnessed firsthand the power of ownership in action.

A prime example of this empowerment is the Gelato Girls, a high school team that participated in Engler Entrepreneurship’s launch program. Under the guidance of their teacher, Ann Dvorak, these young women were given the reins to their business. Rather than simply following instructions, they were encouraged to take initiative, make decisions and face the consequences. From securing permits to pitching to potential investors, the Gelato Girls gained invaluable experience and confidence.

This story highlights a crucial principle: the importance of stepping back and letting young people make decisions. By providing opportunities for ownership, we empower them to develop essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making and leadership. These skills are not only valuable for agricultural pursuits but also for the success of a community. If we want people to return to their communities, involve them in the decision-making process. Empower them to own the future of the community.

Related:3 ways to involve young rural residents

Building blocks

Our mission at Engler is to build people who build companies that build communities. We empower individuals to create new enterprises that will grow Nebraska’s future economy, especially in rural communities. A big portion of these founders are farm kids who are building enterprises that can be incorporated into existing family operations.

Treaven Schneidler, for instance, is developing a biochar enterprise to process cedar trees, a venture that will add value to his family’s farm. Amber Stabb, a recent grad, has created a direct-to-consumer beef business that will benefit her family’s operation. And Chance Chrisman has returned to the family farm with a barn-wood woodworking business, bringing new skills and opportunities.

These burgeoning small businesses not only provide added economic value to the farm, but I argue the bigger benefit is the empowerment provided to their young owners. It allows the founders the room to flex their decision-making skills, accountability and ambition. Ownership is a skill, and we only improve on this if we have the opportunity to practice it.

If we want to attract and retain the next generation of leaders, farmers, workers and community members, we must create opportunities for them to feel a sense of ownership. By empowering young people to take the reins and make decisions, they’ll be ready to be members of our communities. They won’t be looking for places that serve them — they’ll come ready to serve and grow our communities.

Costello is a graduate of LEAD Class 43.