Nebraska LEAD Program Explores Eastern Europe During International Study Travel Seminar
Lincoln, Neb., Jan. 22 — Nebraska LEAD Program Class 42 recently returned from an impactful International Study/Travel Seminar to Romania, Hungary and Poland, held from January 3-17, 2025. The two-week journey provided 28 fellows with an immersive opportunity to explore the historical, cultural, religious and agricultural dimensions of these Eastern European nations.
“The International Study/Travel Seminar is a cornerstone of the Nebraska LEAD Program, offering Fellows an invaluable global perspective that enhances their leadership skills and understanding of agriculture in a global context,” said Kurtis Harms, Nebraska LEAD Program director. “This year’s visit to Romania, Hungary and Poland provided meaningful experiences and connections that will undoubtedly shape our Fellows as future leaders.”
The seminar featured a diverse itinerary, including visits to farms, businesses and historical sites. Highlights of the trip included:
Meetings with ag leaders, such as a discussion with the U.S. Embassy in Romania and a visit to the Regional Agricultural Chamber in Poland. These discussions provided Fellows with insights into international production systems, relations and trade.
Agricultural visits, such as a large-scale Angus beef operation, an agritourism farm and a business specializing in animal genetics, showcasing the diversity and innovation within European agriculture.
Historical site tours, including Auschwitz-Birkenau, Schindler’s Factory and various churches, offering a profound understanding of the region’s history, religious influences and societal evolution.
“Visiting these countries opened my eyes to the shared challenges and opportunities we face in agriculture,” said LEAD 42 Fellow Jake Werner, a senior merchandiser with ADM. “Seeing how farms in Romania and Poland operate and hearing their stories inspired me to think differently about how we approach our agricultural systems back home. The visit also helped me appreciate the local and international markets we have in the United States.”
Fellow Michelle Bose, a farmer and closing agent with Dvoracek Title, added, “Walking through Auschwitz-Birkenau and Schindler’s Factory was an emotional experience that deepened my appreciation for the resilience of humanity and the importance of leadership grounded in empathy and understanding.”
The Nebraska LEAD Program continues to prepare agricultural leaders for tomorrow through its comprehensive leadership development curriculum. The International Study/Travel Seminar serves as a capstone experience, equipping participants with global perspectives that enrich Nebraska’s agricultural and rural communities.
“One of the most important factors in becoming a good leader is being able to get outside of your bubble or your comfort zone and experience life through the eyes others,” said Director Harms. “This enhanced understanding of people and cultures around the world hopefully lead to better decision-making and greater relationships with others.”
Nebraska LEAD 42 Fellows by hometown that traveled to Romania, Hungary and Poland are:
ARCADIA: Michelle Bose
AURORA: Matthew Oswald
AYR: Adam Oldemeyer
BELLEVUE: Annalyssa Fountain
BROKEN BOW: Levi French
CAIRO: Ryan Hanousek
DEWITT: Wes Cammack
ELKHORN: John Garlock
GREENWOOD: Nicholas Swenson
HEMINGFORD: April Delsing
HOLDREGE: Logan Reed
KEARNEY: Sloane Holtmeier
LINCOLN: Nic Grams, Rachel Ibach, Michael Manning, Nathan Watermeier, Jake Werner
MASON CITY: Brad Parliament
MITCHELL: Jessica Palm
NORTH PLATTE: Emmet Storer
OMAHA: Cathryn Klein
ORD: Kelby Sudbeck
RANDOLPH: Blake Hokamp
SEWARD: Traci Menke, Zach Tveitnes
SHELBY: Carter Smith
WAHOO: Brett Storer
WOOD RIVER: Dalton Kenning
The Nebraska LEAD Program includes Nebraskans currently active in production agriculture and agribusiness and is a two-year leadership development program under the direction of the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council in cooperation with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
For more information, or to request an application for Nebraska LEAD 44 which begins in the fall of 2025, contact the Nebraska LEAD Program online at lead.unl.edu. The application deadline is June 15.