Nebraska-wide listening tour begins for Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Leaders from the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the Agriculture Builders of Nebraska will visit communities across Nebraska during a statewide listening tour in April and May.

The listening tour, which will kick off today, will present an opportunity for the public to share their thoughts and visions for the future of Nebraska, their communities and the state’s agriculture industry, with university leadership including Mike Boehm, NU vice president for agriculture and Harlan vice chancellor for the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The tour is being conducted in conjunction with IANR’s Celebration of Innovation, which marks the 50th anniversary of IANR, as well as the 150th anniversary of UNL’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

“As we reflect on the first 50 years of UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, we also want to look toward the future,” Boehm said. “Nebraskans have a key role in framing IANR’s next chapter, and this listening tour is an important step in co-creating our shared future vision.” 

Tour dates and the Nebraska towns where they take place include:

These events are free and open to the public, though advance registration is requested for each participant. For questions, contact Jordan Slagle at [email protected].

Youth range camp

Youth ages 14 to 18 will experience hands-on activities related to rangeland management, conservation, ecology, animal science and wildlife during the 58th annual Nebraska Youth Range Camp, set for June 5-8 at Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis, Neb. University, college and agency professionals facilitate field activities, lectures, leadership and team-building exercises and field trips to local working ranches to illustrate management activities and goals.

Through the generous donation of sponsors, about 50 youth from across the state receive a discounted rate to attend the event, which promotes education, leadership skill development and interaction with other students with similar interests. Online applications are available at nesrm.org, and they are due by May 20. A $75 registration fee is due by May 27 to attend. Youth who are interested should contact their FFA advisor, 4-H club leader or local Natural Resources District office manager for possible scholarships. Learn more by contacting KyLee Kime at [email protected].