The Nebraska State Fair was the recipient of 12 awards during the International Association of Fairs and Expositions convention in Las Vegas. The fair won first place in five categories, as well as five second-place awards and two third-place awards.

First place came in the divisions of Ag, Communications and Competitive Exhibits. The entries included the Living Soil Exhibit at Raising Nebraska, the new Historical Timeline in the foyer of the Nebraska Building, two exhibits in the Domestics’ Education Department, and a radio ad for fair food.

Joseph McDermott, fair executive director, says the big winner for the state fair this year was the Domestics’ Education department with six total awards.

Nebraska Farm Bureau names 2018 Leadership Academy Class

Ten farmers and ranchers from across Nebraska were selected for Nebraska Farm Bureau’s 2018 Leadership Academy. The selected farmers and ranchers will begin a yearlong program starting Jan. 25-26 at the Holiday Inn in Kearney.

Academy members will participate in sessions focused on learning leadership skills and understanding the county, state and national structure of the Farm Bureau organization.

The 2018 Nebraska Farm Bureau Leadership Academy members are Desarae Catlett, Thomas County Farm Bureau; Olivia Derr, Buffalo County Farm Bureau; Wayne Frederick, Holt County Farm Bureau; Melissa Haack, Kearney-Franklin County Farm Bureau; Kay Kaup, Holt County Farm Bureau; Lindsay Klug, Platte County Farm Bureau; Margie McDowell, Custer County Farm Bureau; Andra Smith, Blaine County Farm Bureau.; Justin Stockall, Custer County Farm Bureau; and Schuyler Tome, Seward County Farm Bureau.

Local dairy producer recognized for judicious antibiotics use

Megan Hickey of Prairieland Dairy in Firth was chosen as the grand prize winner out of nearly 200 applicants for the Boehringer Ingelheim Producers for Progress recognition program. The program recognizes dairy producers who demonstrate their commitment to the well-being of animals, consumers and the industry with preventive health practices and the judicious use of antibiotics.

All applicants received a sweatshirt for participating. Hickey will also receive a John Deere Gator Basic Package XUV625i 4x4. She will also receive $250 to donate to the charity or nonprofit organization of her choice.

Elmshaeuser appointed state director for Rural Development

The Trump administration recently appointed Karl Elmshaeuser as the new state director for USDA Rural Development in Nebraska. Elmshaeuser began his new role in late November.

Elmshaeuser has served as the executive director for the West Central Nebraska Development District, working with 18 counties and 58 incorporated communities for the past 11 years. He served two terms on the Nebraska Rural Development Commission and recently served on the Nebraska Regional Officials Council and the National Association of Development Organizations board of directors.

As state director, Elmshaeuser will use his leadership experience to oversee rural development programs in a customer-focused manner to restore prosperity in rural Nebraska.