2016 ANNUAL REPORT GROWING DEEPER ROOTS Growing Deeper Roots,
As I reflect on my first full year with the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, I am in awe of all that I have learned. While my assumption that everyone in Nebraska has a basic understanding of agriculture has been soundly debunked, my confidence in the positive impact of our programming has taken root.
The Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom program, established more than 30 years ago, is the well- known and important base of our programming. This year brought sustained demand for teacher resources and training, classroom presentations, project grants, and field trips. Our partnership with the Nebraska Department of Education, and our commitment to address the shortage of Agriculture Education teachers lead to two productive awards – the Student Teacher Scholarship and the Teacher Retention Program. And, for the first time in several years, every open position for an Agriculture Education Teacher in Nebraska was filled by a qualified teacher in 2015-2016.
This was also a year of getting the word out about the importance of agriculture in Nebraska. You may have seen us in print or television news, promoting Ag Day, highlighting teacher training, or discussing the impact of reaching students early with accurate agriculture information. Perhaps you attended a presentation by our volunteer Promotion & Education Committee at the Nebraska State Fair. If you haven’t liked our Facebook page, please do! You will enjoy interesting Farm Fact Friday posts, photos of agriculture literacy events, information about scholarships and awards, and links to free resources.
This report is a brief glimpse of the work completed by a team of employees and volunteers who work each day to make certain all understand the opportunities agriculture provides to each and every Nebraskan. Thank you for your interest, thank you for your support, and please stay tuned. Great things are ahead for
agriculture literacy in Nebraska. Sincerely, “ “ This was a year of getting the word out about the importance of agriculture in Nebraska. Megahn Schafer Executive Director 2016 annual report | www.nefbfoundation.org 1 AGRICULTURE IN THE CLASSROOM
More than 300 future teachers received hands-on training Reached over 10,000 and access to resources that will help them incorporate students leading agriculture agriculture in the classroom using state standards activites at festivals BEEF READER GRADES 3-6
Kooser Elementary first graders in Ag Pen Pal teacher, Molly Lincoln learn about the different Carlson’s fourth grade class from types of corn grown in Nebraska. St. Joan of Arc in Omaha visits a THE CHRONICLES rural farm in Lindsey, Nebraska. OF COWBOY CADEN Hi! I’m cowboy Caden. I am ten years old and raise cattle in Nebraska. My mom grew up raising cattle just like her dad (my grandpa) did. I guess you can say I am carrying on the family tradition. My favorite time of the year is when the cows have their calves. We wait almost ten months for the Over Nebraska calf to arrive. The whole time we wonder what color the calf will be, if it is a heifer or a bull, and how 18,000 much it will weigh. There is nothing more exciting than when one of your cows is having a calf! We take pride in caring for our animals. We believe meat is better when the animals get good care. elementary youth experienced a connection Students from University of Nebraska We make sure our herd of cattle have plenty of room to roam and grow, clean and fresh water at all 4,620 times, and a good balanced diet. A herd is a group of cattle. Morrill County Farm Bureau People do not realize cattle ranching is not a 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. job. There are times of the year - Kearney took valuable resources with when we work around the clock. During calving season, my parents get up at all hours of the night students were reached through to check on cattle, to help them give birth. During the summer and winter, we do all we can to keep with agriculture through our them comfortable. Yes, even in the middle of a blizzard, my parents are hauling hay to our cows and member, Dave Peterson, talks them to use in their classrooms. breaking the ice off their water, so they have something to eat and drink. Taking care of our cattle is more than just a job to us - it is a way of life. our Ag Pen Pal Program with students about what it takes programs Discover through this Beef Reader why my family takes pride in raising beef for you to enjoy. to plant a seed as they make cornhusker necklaces at the 20th Annual Harvest Festival in Gering.
“ At the University of Nebraska - Kearney we really appreciate that the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation brings agriculture to our students“ and then, in turn, our students can go promote agriculture in their future classrooms. - Carrie Kracl, Associate Professor of Teacher Education, UNK
2 2016 annual report | www.nefbfoundation.org 3 PROMOTION & EDUCATION
Presented and facilitated presentations and food dialogs throughout the FACEBOOK state with over 500 people in attendance LIKES: 839 to 1,028 (23% increase) Partnered with key universities & colleges in the (302% increase) REACH: 51 to 205 state on agriculture literacy efforts on campus Like us on Facebook! facebook.com/neagfoundation Appeared on statewide TV programs talking TWITTER about corn planting and classroom activities FOLLOWS: 589 Designated Promotion and Education Committee members IMPRESSIONS: 27,300 volunteered at agriculture events across the state and were an educated voice for Follow us on Twitter! @neagfoundation agriculture in their communities
Volunteer Tell Your Story Promote Agriculture Make a Donation. HERE ARE Literacy in a school, by Your SOME WAYS summer camp, fair, or after blogging, posting, tweeting, by talking to support is crucial. Your school program. We can and sharing your story with teachers, volunteers, gifts help make all of our YOU CAN GET help you with resources to others who may not have a and consumers in your agriculture literacy efforts INVOLVED! help your volunteering go farm background but want community. possible. Thank You! smoothly. to understand everything you’re doing on the farm. 4 2016 annual report | www.nefbfoundation.org 5 TEACHERS OF THE YEAR Each year the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation recognizes two outstanding teachers and their innovative approaches to incorporating agriculture into their classroom environment. Anica Brown Seventh Grade Teacher Pound Middle School, Lincoln
My students are engaged in learning about Nebraska’s roles in food and livestock A visit to our Ag Pen Judi Roach Pal’s farm made the production through the Fourth Grade Teacher whole Ag Pen Pal wonderful Ag Pen Pal North Elementary, Sidney letters and, we hope, visits experience come full that will come about circle for our students. because of this program. - Judi Roach - Anica Brown Mrs. Brown’s seventh grade class surprises her with the Teacher of the Year honor.
Mrs. Roach gets a surprise award ceremony from Cheyenne County Farm Bureau and school administration.
Four Nebraska teachers attended the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference. From left to right, Judi Roach (2016 Teacher of the Year), Patti Romshek (2014 Teacher of the Year), Kathy Bohac (2014 Teacher of the Year), Courtney Schaardt (Director of Outreach Education), and Anica Brown (2016 Teacher of the Year).
6 2016 annual report | www.nefbfoundation.org 7 SCHOLARSHIPS The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation recognizes those who support agriculture through education, leadership, and engagement. We congratulate the following recipients of scholarships:
Greater Horizon Scholarship Nebraska Agriculture Teacher Retention Program Awarded to students enrolled in a college or university’s agricultural field of study and plan on Awarded to Nebraska Agricultural Education teachers in their first through fifth year of teaching. returning to farming or ranching. Victoria Armstrong, Maywood Public Schools Justin Nollette, Sandhills Public Schools Kailey Conway, Adams County Brandon Nichols, Morrill County Jessica Bower, Sutton Public Schools Catherine Ripp, Lakeview Jr.-Sr. High School Cody Henderson, Sioux County Nicole D’Angelo, Seward High School Tyler Schindler, Omaha Public Schools Elizabeth Eastep, Anselmo-Merna Public School Morgan Schwartz, Stanton Community Schools Kenneth E. Schwartz Memorial Scholarship Samantha Jensen, Bertrand Community School Bryan Stoker, Keya Paha County School Awarded through the University of Nebraska Foundation to incoming juniors or seniors at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln majoring in an agriculture or agricultural-related program including Sarah Knutson, Conestoga Public Schools Morgan Tausch, Lawrence/Nelson Public Schools agribusiness. Stephanie Miller, Heartland Community Schools Sarah Morton, Cass County
LEAD Scholarship Nebraska Farm Bureau Scholarship Awarded to Farm Bureau members who participate in the Nebraska LEAD program and commit to Awarded through the University of Nebraska Foundation to students enrolled in the College of serving in a leadership role with Farm Bureau upon completion of the program. Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Brenda Dutcher, Pawnee County Clint Shipman, Nuckolls County Heather Bentley, Miller, NE Jennifer Gilbert, Omaha, NE Shelly Kelly, Lincoln County Sye Tecker, Dundy County Morgan Eggleston, Arnold, NE Justin Shipman, Guide Rock, NE Andy Langemeier, Dodge County Cheyenne Gerlach, DeWitt, NE
Nebraska Agriculture Education Student Teaching Scholarship Awarded to students enrolled in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Agriculture Education teacher education program. Kali Bohling, Dodge County Miranda Paitz, Kearney/Franklin County More than $50,000 was awarded to Alexandra Cunningham, Knox County Carrie Summerford, Custer County Katie Husman, Merrick County Kate Quiring, York County students and teachers! Reed Kraeger, Cass County
8 2016 annual report | www.nefbfoundation.org 9 GRANTS & AWARDS The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation recognizes those who support agriculture through education, leadership, and engagement. We congratulate the following recipients of grants and awards:
GRANTS AWARDS
Classroom Mini-Grants FFA Advisors of the Year Awarded to classroom programs that promote agriculture literacy. Awarded to FFA Chapter Advisors that have been nominated by their Officer Team and FFA Chapter. Awards are based on the Chapter’s accomplishments, advisor interaction with their students and Alison Bowder, Prescott Elementary School Sascha Perry, Skinner Magnet Elementary School advisor involvement with their community. Bev Grueber, North Bend Central Elementary Becky Senters, Roper Elementary School Colin Kubik, Arapahoe Jane Gundvaldson, Thomas Elementary School
Teacher of the Year We Support Ag (WSA) Field Trip Grants Awarded to two outstanding teachers for their innovative ideas on how they incorporate agriculture Awarded to classrooms that want to connect their class to where their food, fiber, and fuel come from into their classroom environments. with field trips to Nebraska farms and ranches. Anica Brown, Pound Middle School, Lincoln Kevin Atterberg, Culler Middle School Marilyn Opitz, Jackson Elementary School Judi Roach, North Elementary School, Sidney Carolyn Dolezal, St. Peter’s Catholic School Sandi Seckel, West Park Elementary School Sandy Dorn, Meadowlane Elementary School Julie Walling, Crestridge Magnet and Dual Young Farmer & Rancher Discussion Meet Finalist Awards Angela Holdren, King Elementary School Language School Awarded to the four Young Farmer & Rancher Discussion Meet finalists that move on to compete at the Sherry Loos, Yutan Elementary School Rose Walsh, Blessed Sacrament Catholic School Nebraska Farm Bureau Annual Convention in December. Pam Mitchell, Pawnee City Elementary School Amanda Berg, Boone County Tyson Narjes, Cheyenne County Erin Norman, Dawes County Randy Reinke, Antelope County
10 2016 annual report | www.nefbfoundation.org 11 FINANCIALS DONORS
Revenue Contributions & Grants $713,405 $50,000+October 1, 2015 - September 30, 2016 Fundraising Special Events 78,002 Investment Income 10,852 Program Services Gregg & Denice Kresha NARD Foundation Sales 1,449 FBL Financial Group, Inc. Lancaster County Farm Brian & Nicole Nedrow Interest/Dividend Income 416 Nebraska Corn Board Bureau Platte County Farm Bureau Nebraska Farm Bureau Erma McGill Bruce & Julie Rickertsen Total Revenue $804,124 $93,063 Federation Mark & Judi McHargue Sarpy County Farm Bureau Nebraska$10,000 -Soybean $24,999 Board Nebraska Community Steven & Janis Thelen Expenses Foundation Jerry & Naomi Warner Program Services Nebraska Wheat Board $1Wells - $499 Fargo Ag in the Classroom $308,341 $5,000Nebraska - $5,999Beef Council Bryce & Shirley Neidig Ag Promotion & Education 136,887 Dudley & Margie Nelson Scholarships 93,063 Steve & Elma Nelson AmazonSmile Foundation Program Services Total 538,291 Bart & Shana Beattie Omaha AgriBusiness Club Adams County Farm Bureau Special Events/Fundraising 214,375 George & Billie Beattie Myles & Mary Ramsey $136,887 Raymond & Judy Althouse Administrative 150,473 Jeff & Nanette Beattie Todd & Julie Reed David & Kay Anderson Nebraska Farm Bureau Bruce & Dawn Rieker Total Expenses $903,139 Antelope County Farm Bureau $1,000 Services, - $4,999 Inc. Rob & Barb Robertson Art Anderson Farms $308,341 Clint & Megahn Schafer Howard & Peggy Atkins Frank & Shirley Sibert Aurora Cooperative Net Income From Operations $-99,015 ADM Grain Company $500Annette - $999 Wiechert William & Queeda Baldwin Ag in the Classroom Alan & Sallie Atkins Barbara Sahling Donald & Barbara Batie Matthew Bartak Ag Promotion & Education Net Assets Don & Karen Benner Dr. Allen & Kay Blezek Tracy & Craig Behnken Unrestricted $75,158 Scholarships & Awards Kenneth & Leslie Boswell Bruning Law Group Jim Bendfeldt Temporarily Restricted 233,060 William Claybaugh Buffalo County Farm Bureau Doris Benner Permanently Restricted 708,218 David & Associates Burwell Cattlemen Gary & Carol Bierman Farm Credit Services of John & Jolynn Groeteke Delbert & Diane Bishop America Karen Harford Blaine County Farm Bureau Milton & Joann Fricke Tom & Jane Heany Iola Block Treva Gangwish Richard & Lanelle Herink Blue Cross Blue Shield of Hall County Farm Bureau Keating, O’Gara, Nedved & Nebraska 12 2016 annual report | www.nefbfoundation.orgDon & Shannon Hannappel Peter, P.C., L.L.O. Victor Bohuslavsky 13 Vern & Sara Bourlier Justin & Tammy Evertson David S. Honnens Linda Meyers Ramada Inn - Kearney Tyler & Michelle Stewart Kevin Burch Sharon Fehringer Tim & Kelly Horn Dale Miller Juanita & Dick Reed-Boniface Eric & Tanya Storer Boyd County Farm Bureau First National Bank of Omaha Howard County Farm Bureau Scott & Carla Moore Randy & Sylvia Regier Strain, Slattery, Barkley & Craig & Carla Brauer Flatwater Grill Dan & Josie Hughes Allen & Kathryn Moore Jay & Jan Rempe Company, CPA’s, PC Kent & Mary Brauer Raymond & Carol Franzen Zach & Anna Hunnicutt Michael & Susan Morfeld Michael & Dana Rethwisch Boyd & Elaine Stuhr Loraine & Edward Brauer Gage County Farm Bureau Huss Livestock Market, LLC Stuart & Linda Morgan Paul Retzlaff Duane & Rosie Sugden Bresnahan Consulting, Inc. Garr Creek Farms, Inc. Greg & Teresa Ibach Morgan Farms, Inc. Harold & Mary Ann Rickertsen T & M Inc. Broken Heart Livestock Evelyn Geu Iowa-Nebraska Farm Equipment Nance County Farm Bureau Justin Roberts Darrell & Lynette Teselle Constance & Richard Bules Henry Geu Association, Inc. Nebraska Agri-Business Club Ryan Rohl The Toro Company Burt County Farm Bureau Glori Geu Cory & Autumn Jacobs Nebraska Cooperative Council Patricia Romshek Rose Mary Thomas Dorothy Carlson Doug & Margaret Gibson James Arthur Vineyards Nebraska Rural Electric Betty Rowse Thomas & Beverly Thurber Chances ‘R’ Restaurant William & Marilyn Goossen Chris & Emily Johnson Association Joe Ruskamp Mark & Tammy Towne Michael & Michelle Clarke Bruce & Karen Grant Johnson County Farm Bureau Scott & Kristin Nelson Samuelson Hillside Acres Marjorie Townsend Rodney & Pamela Clausen Shane & Nicole Greving Robert & Joni Johnston Darren & Stacy Nelson Courtney Schaardt David & Janelle Udey William Cook, Jr. Bernard & Ruth Grimes John & Karen Jorgensen R. Peggy Nelson Laura Schabloske United Way of Lincoln & Courtyard Marriott Lincoln David & Becky Grimes Duane & Kathleen Kahl Ricky Nelson John & Mary Schere Lancaster County Downtown/Haymarket Rick Gruber Terry & Shelley Keebler Vern & Peggy Nelson Gary Schiemann Gertrude Vahlkamp CPS/Copy Print Scan Richard & Pat Hahn Eric Kielian Irma Nicholls Henry & Willene Schiffbauer John & Barbara Vales Wayne & Mary Beth Hamilton County Farm Bureau Eric & Lisa Klutz Martin & Krysti Nienhueser Ryan Schmeits Vivayic, Inc. Crawford Hampton Inn - Lincoln South John Knapp Joel Nore Andrew & Ellen Schmidt Washington County Farm Tim & Carol Crook John & Cheryl Hansen Gene & Suzanne Kohmetscher David & Nancy Nyffeler Brad & Linda Schwarz Bureau Jay & Bernadine Cutsor John & Tammy Hansen Eric Korgel Linda O’Hare Ronald Sellens Ronald & Diana Weber Dakota County Farm Bureau Ronald & Marilyn Hanson Alexander & Samantha Koehler ORK Farms Sheridan County Farm Bureau Susan Weber Kenneth & Kathryn Darling Harlan/Furnas County Farm Geneva Lewis Osceola Implement Sherman/Valley County Farm Stan & Patty Wegner Todd & Carlie Davidson Bureau Lincoln Saltdogs Pawnee County Farm Bureau Bureau Wellman Insurance Agency, Inc Dawson County Farm Bureau Del Harsh Cathryn Linscott Kevin & Cassidy Peterson Clint Shipman Daryl Wilcox Den’s Country Meats, Inc. Craig & Shari Head Kent & Marilyn Lorens Sandy & Steve Peterson Susan Sjogren Tallman Kimberly Wiseman Leon & Phyllis Deunk Lance Hehner Rex & Kristin Lukow Justine Petsch Barbara & James Slattenow Steve Wolfe Gordon & Neta Dibbern Steve & Phyllis Heideman Brian & Hilary Maricle Michael Pfantz Jedidiah Snyder ThankYork County you Farm for Bureau Harold & Jean Doerr Jeremy & Libby Heitmann Martin & Ruth Ann Massengale Pfizer Foundation Matching Cynthia Sobieszczyk-Olsen Boyd & Valerie Ebberson Bruce & Tina Henderson Karolyn McFadden Gifts Program Marilyn Sonderup supporting the Traci Ebel Bonnie & David Hersperger John McHargue Phelps/Gosper County Farm Curtis Spilker future of agriculture Warren & Diane Eckloff Tim Hodges Ernst & Janice Mehl Bureau Lawerence & Bonnie Sprouls by donating to our Embassy Suites - La Vista Holiday Inn-Kearney Mark & Jamalee Mendenhall Kennard & Beverley Pohlman James & Deloris Stanczyk Philip & Courtney Erdman Scott & Rita Hollister Paul & Linda Meyer Polk County Farm Bureau Martey & Linda Stewart programs! 14 2016 annual report | www.nefbfoundation.org 15 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Steve Nelson Victor Bohuslavsky
President RichNebraska Herink Soybean Checkoff Dr.Nebraska Allen Farm Blezek Bureau Federation HilaryFirst National Maricle Bank Vice President RobEmeriti-University Robertson of Nebraska-Lincoln Promotion & Education JohnCommittee C. Martin Chair Secretary/Treasurer TracyNebraska Behnken Farm Bureau Federation ToddBuffalo Reed County Farm Bureau
DaveUniversity Buchholz of Nebraska Extension Young Farmers and Ranchers CarolCommittee Ringenberg Chair Packard David & Associates
Nebraska Department of Education STAFF
Megahn Schafer Sarah Heideman
JaneExecutive Heany Director DonelleAg in the Classroom Wolters Presenter
CourtneySenior Director Schaardt of Development BeckyAg in the Koester Classroom Presenter
Director of Outreach Education Program Associate
16 2016 annual report | www.nefbfoundation.org 5225 S. 16th Street, Lincoln, NE 68512 | (402) 421-4747 www.nefbfoundation.org | [email protected]
Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to engage youth, educators, and the general public to promote an understanding of the vital importance of agriculture in the lives of all Nebraskans.