Youth find reasons to brag about ag through unique program

Nebraska agriculture has a lot of reasons to brag. Youth in 4-H and FFA are getting to see why the agricultural industry is so amazing through a unique educational program called BRAG (Big Red Ag Growers).

“The BRAG program helps our young people get a greater understanding of agricultural production practices, develop communication skills allowing them to confidently advocate for agriculture and recognize the diversity of Nebraska agriculture,” said Rhonda Herrick, youth development and 4-H extension educator for Kearney and Franklin counties.

Nebraska Extension partners with local FFA chapters and businesses to offer the program. BRAG originated in Buffalo County and expanded into Kearney, Franklin, Webster, Adams, Hayes, Dundy and Hitchcock counties.

BRAG in Kearney and Franklin launched its first cohort in 2019; they average eight or nine participants each year, all between the ages of 12 and 17 years old.

No agriculture background is required to participate, just a curiosity about agriculture.

“We’ve had young people who are very involved in agriculture, and we’ve had young people with no experience whatsoever in agriculture. BRAG serves a purpose for all those individuals,” said Herrick.

Eighteen-year-old Spencer Jezbera has been BRAG member three times. He lives in the town of Hildreth but has experience in farming. His grandfather used to live on a farm until he also moved into town, and Jezbera currently works at a farming and ranching operation.

The incoming freshman at Iowa State University will major in animal science this fall. His interest in animal production sparked in 4-H.

“I started showing animals in 4-H as a cloverkid at 6 or 7 years old, and that really got me hooked on everything animal,” said Jezbera, who showed sheep, goats, poultry and breeding heifers as an 11-year member of the Saddle Tramps 4-H Club in Franklin County. He is the son of Jeff and Heidi Jezbera.

Through BRAG, Jezbera has been able to explore different aspects of livestock production, as well as connect with livestock producers. Seeing different aspects of agriculture during BRAG tours and educational sessions helped Jezbera narrow down his future career path.

“All of the different livestock places we’ve been to and all the people we’ve interacted with in the ag world helped me decide that I want to either further my education in veterinary school or get a master’s degree to be a livestock production specialist,” said Jezbera.

Jezbera spoke highly of the BRAG tours, saying, “The best experiences have been overnight trips at the end of each summer to different parts of the state.”

These extended tours have taken the participants to almost every region in Nebraska, such as Adams Land and Cattle in the center, a sugar beet farm in the Panhandle and Morgan Ranch in the Sandhills. They have also toured the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Innovation Campus and Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program in Lincoln.

This year, the BRAG group will venture into northeastern Nebraska to meet with ag industry leaders, crop farmers and sheep producers. Two stops include touring a food co-op and the Heartland Docs in Hartington, said Herrick.

Youth have a better understanding of agriculture as a whole by seeing the variety of industries and environments within Nebraska.

“Agriculture in the Panhandle is way different than agriculture in south central Nebraska, and until you see that, you don’t realize it,” said Herrick.

Collaborating with local producers or groups such as Farm Bureau is equally important to understand agriculture. Past day tours have included Ward Laboratories in Kearney, Patriot Equipment in Minden, McLean Beef in York, Beck’s Seed in Exeter and many others.

By touring local companies and farming operations, youth have also developed professional relationships. Kearney County 4-H’er Sydney Jenkins of rural Minden may only be 15 years old, but this high school sophomore feels prepared for the workforce thanks to her involvement in BRAG.

“After I graduate from college, I have pretty good mentors that I will be able to rely on to help me get where I want to be,” said Jenkins.

A third-year BRAG participant, Jenkins has a goal to become a large animal nutritionist. BRAG encouraged her to dive deeper into her chosen career path. “I’ve had the opportunity to visit a lot of different places that deal with animal nutrition and connect with a lot of people who work in animal nutrition,” she concluded.

The daughter of Kyle and Erica Jensen and Jared Jenkins, she is heavily involved in agriculture and serves as an officer in the Minden FFA Chapter. Jenkins is also an active member of the Clever Clovers 4-H Club showing hogs and cattle. Jenkins had just returned from the National Junior Shorthorn Show and Youth Conference before her interview.

Even though Jenkins is daily immersed in agriculture on her family’s farm, she has found the educational component of BRAG to be especially valuable. She said that last year a banker told the BRAG group about the financial aspects of agriculture and showed them how to do a farm loan.

One of the most interesting aspects for Jenkins was learning table etiquette. During a nice dinner, a speaker instructed the group in basic manners and professional skills.

“It was super helpful to learn how to properly introduce yourself, because I never knew how to do that before,” said Jenkins.

BRAG supports youth in finding a voice and building communication skills. Herrick is appreciative of the many speakers, tours, businesses and advisory group members who are helping make this possible.

“They are definitely making an impact on these young people,” Herrick said.

Herrick has seen young people come into the program incredibly shy but then become some of the strongest leaders. She wants all the youth to be confident when sharing their personal story about agriculture.

“The growth we see as young people go through this program is phenomenal,” said Herrick. “To me, that is what this is all about—being able to tell your story and be a strong advocate for agriculture.”