Applications accepted for Nebraska youth ag institute

It’s application time for one of the biggest youth agriculture outreach events in the state—the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute. This year, NAYI is celebrating 50 years of bringing together high school students to learn more about Nebraska agriculture, network with agriculture leaders and discover careers available in agriculture.

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture sponsors and assists with coordinating NAYI every year.

The institute will be held July 12 through 16, at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus and will follow any COVID-19 recommendations in place at the time.

Applications for NAYI are available at nda.nebraska.gov/nayiand must be submitted online by 11:40 p.m., April 15..

Current high school juniors and seniors interested in attending have until April 15, to apply.

“NAYI is 50 years strong this year and still the longest running agricultural youth program of its kind in the nation,” said NDA Director Steve Wellman. “NAYI offers networking, career development and leadership activities in creative and fun ways to engage high school students interested in the ag industry. Be sure to encourage the high school juniors and seniors you know to apply to NAYI before the April 15 deadline.”

This year’s NAYI 50th anniversary theme is timeless traditions and will feature motivational speakers, discussions on agricultural issues and career options, a farm management game, awards presentations and creative opportunities to interact with other participants.

NAYI is coordinated by the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council, comprised of 21college-aged students selected by NDA for their passion and interest in the ag industry. The council’s purpose is to provide young Nebraskans with a better understanding of agriculture, including agricultural opportunities available to today’s youth and career choices for the future.

NDA selects students to attend NAYI based on their leadership skills, interests and involvement in agriculture.