LINCOLN — Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Greg Ibach today announced the selection of 156 Nebraska high school students selected to attend the 41st annual Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI). This year’s Institute will be held July 9-13 on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus.

“This year’s NAYI will feature excellent speakers and a multitude of activities that will really showcase the number of various career options available to the delegates in the agricultural industry,” said Ibach. “The week will provide the delegates with an opportunity to network with industry leaders and other agricultural representatives.”

The theme for the 2012 NAYI is “We’re Growing Places.” For five days, delegates will participate in agriculture policy discussions, agricultural career explorations, and group discussions on industry topics. Motivational speakers, a farm management program, along with a media experience will help the delegates develop their leadership potential, strengthen their pride in Nebraska’s agricultural industry, and help them to tell the story of Nebraska agriculture.

Since its founding in 1971, NAYI has reached over 5,000 youths from across the state of Nebraska. The Institute is the longest-running agricultural youth institute of its kind in the nation. Delegates are able to attend the Institute free of charge, because of the donations of numerous agricultural organizations and individuals.

NAYI is coordinated by the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council, which is comprised of 18 college-age men and women selected by NDA. Ethan Smith, of Eustis, and Melissa Keyes, of Springfield, currently serve as the Head Counselors for the NAYC and as interns for NDA. The two are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day planning of the Institute.
For up-to-date information about NAYI, please join them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NebraskaAgYouthInstitute and follow them on Twitter @The_NAYC.