Nebraska Farm Bureau
KEARNEY, NEB. -- Ten farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness professionals from across Nebraska have been selected for Nebraska Farm Bureau’s (NEFB) 2025 Leadership Academy. They will begin a year-long program starting in January.
“The goal of Leadership Academy is to equip the future leaders of Farm Bureau with the tools they need to successfully advocate for agriculture, connect with members, and embody the grassroots mission. The opportunities to serve in leadership roles in Farm Bureau and our state are vast and Leadership Academy provides participants the opportunity to develop the skills needed to step into those roles and push Farm Bureau and their communities forward,” said Audrey Schipporeit, NEFB’s director of generational engagement and facilitator of the 2025 Leadership Academy.
Academy members will participate in sessions focused on leadership development, understanding the county, state, and national structure of Farm Bureau and its grassroots network, policy work on agricultural issues, and the importance of agricultural literacy. The group will also travel to the Capitols in Lincoln and Washington, D.C. to visit with elected officials and agency representatives.
“We are eager to work with this group of diverse individuals and are excited to support their passion, ambition, and commitment to agriculture. We cannot wait to see the rippling impact they will have on their communities, state, and world. Congratulations to the NEFB Leadership Academy Class of 2025,” said Schipporeit.
The 2025 Nebraska Farm Bureau Leadership Academy members are:
Kris Rut is the president of Arthur County Farm Bureau and resides near Arthur, Neb., where she ranches alongside her husband, Tom. Together, they have four children. In addition to her work on the ranch, Kris is the agriculture education instructor and FFA advisor at Arthur County Schools. Kris was named Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation’s FFA Advisor of the Year in 2024.
Hannah Pearson is a member of Custer County Farm Bureau. She grew up on a commercial cow-calf operation and was actively involved in showing Hereford cattle at the state and national level. She attended Texas Tech University and competed on the meat and livestock judging teams. Hannah returned home to Nebraska and works at Custer County Feeders while working to establish her own cattle herd.
Chad Nienhueser is a member of Adams/Webster County Farm Bureau. He grew up on his family’s farm near Kenesaw and attended Central Community College in Hastings. Chad currently holds the position of president of the Adams/Webster County Board. Chad is married and has two children, ages 12 and 10.
Lisa Bousquet is a member of Dakota County Farm Bureau. Lisa and her family farm in rural Dakota County where they have a diversified livestock and crop operation. She manages the Dakota/Thurston County Fair and is involved in many community organizations, including Dakota County 4-H where she serves as a leader.
Teagan Thode is a member of Keith County Farm Bureau and is a lifelong resident of Ogallala. Teagan is a sales agronomist and has been actively involved in agriculture his entire life. He began his journey with the Collegiate Farm Bureau and is eager to expand his engagement through the Leadership Academy.
Bruce Williams, a member of Saunders County Farm Bureau, grew up on a Saunders County crop and livestock farm. After college, he worked as a Territory Manager for John Deere for 14 years across Kansas, Colorado, and Nebraska. He married Amy, completed his MBA, and began part-time farming before fully transitioning back to Northern Saunders County. Together with Amy and their four children, they raise corn, seed soybeans, alfalfa, and chickens.
Matt Eggleston is a member of Custer County Farm Bureau and grew up on a small farming/ranching operation. After returning home, Matt focused on revitalizing the pastureland through managed grazing practices. He has been a member of the Custer County Farm Bureau Board of Directors for two years and currently serves as president. Matt and his wife have four children and enjoy life in a small town.
Halie Groth is a member of Buffalo County Farm Bureau and resides in Kearney. She was raised on a farming and feedlot operation in Boone County and attended the University of Nebraska- Lincoln, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Leadership. Halie works as a Crop Protection Territory Manager for Corteva Agriscience and enjoys spending her free time with her family and watching Husker volleyball.
Joni Titus is a member of Cherry County Farm Bureau. She is the fifth generation on her family’s ranch where they raise black Angus cattle. Joni holds an MBA and works as a supervisor for Intuit (QuickBooks). She is involved in her community, serving as chair for the local youth wrestling club. Joni looks forward to better understanding the agriculture industry and growing as a leader through the Leadership Academy program.
Nick Birdsley is a member of Douglas County Farm Bureau and is an Agriculture Educator at Ralston High School. A graduate from the Urban Ag Academy, his passion for teaching urban youth about where their food comes from and preparing them for careers within the ag industry is apparent. Nick has served in other programs focused on advocacy and education including the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council and the Nebraska Children's and Families Foundation. He continuously advocates to his students the importance of leadership and serviceship in their community.
The Nebraska Farm Bureau is a grassroots, state-wide organization dedicated to supporting farm and ranch families and working for the benefit of all Nebraskans through a wide variety of educational, service, and advocacy efforts. More than 56,000 families across Nebraska are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve rural and urban prosperity as agriculture is a key fuel to Nebraska’s economy. For more information about Nebraska Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit www.nefb.org.