The Nebraska Department of Agriculture has announced the 2026-27 Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council, a group of college students dedicated to promoting agriculture and developing the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Council members spend the year educating Nebraska students about agriculture, visiting elementary schools to explain where food comes from and connecting with high school students about career opportunities in the industry.
The council’s primary responsibility is organizing the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute, a five-day summer conference featuring speakers, workshops and networking opportunities for high school juniors and seniors.
Now in its 56th year, the institute is the longest-running event of its kind in the nation, according to the department.
“Serving on the NAYC is a dedication of time and love for agriculture,” NDA Director Sherry Vinton said. “These students work hard all year to make NAYC a success each year.”
Vinton said council members balance their college schedules with outreach activities and leadership opportunities throughout the year.
2026-27 Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council leadership
The council’s leadership team includes:
- Head counselors: Cora Hoffschneider, Waco, and Carson Mau, Sutton
- President: Baylor Behrens, Friend
- Secretary: Gavin Bell, Hemingford
- Vice president of communications and social media: Libby Macklin, Blue Hill
- Vice president of alumni relations: Austin Kamm, Lincoln
- Vice president of NAYI improvement and promotions: Morgan Bonifas, Aurora
- Vice president of youth outreach: Emily Holz, Syracuse
- Co-vice presidents of sponsorship: Morgan Havlovic, Prague, and William Vyhnalek, Friend
Additional council members include Ian Schiller, Scribner; Ericka Larsen, Burwell; Preston Beattie, Sumner; Landon Peterson, Western; Alee Schicksnider, Orleans; Sam Cederburg, Minden; Parker Walahoski, Overton; Gracie Reynolds, Hooper; Colter Wright, Burwell; Maggie McCarthy, York; and Josephine Turnbull, Waco.
Christin Kamm, NDA director of communications and council adviser, said members bring firsthand experience from participating in the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute.
“Our Council members are dedicated young people who have already been impacted by NAYI and know what it can do for other students,” Kamm said.
The council works with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture to provide educational opportunities and encourage young people to explore careers in the state’s agricultural industry.
More information about the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council and the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute is available at nda.nebraska.gov/nayi/nayc.html.