In-state seminars help Reichardt understand diversity in Nebraska
by Laurie Pfeifer
Todd Reichardt knew going into the Nebraska LEAD program he would have the opportunity to refine his leadership skills, network with industry and government leaders and gain insight into local, state and national policies that impact agriculture.
He’s gained so much more.
Understanding the diversity of the state and having the opportunity to see both sides of issues impacting agriculture were unexpected benefits of year one in the Nebraska LEAD program for the Aurora Cooperative seed coordinator and Harvard location manager.
“What I’ve valued the most this first year is the program helped me better understand the diversity of the state and the opportunity to listen and understand others’ viewpoints,” he said. “It’s given me a better appreciation and deeper understanding of the state. It makes you aware of the fact the more you know the more you realize you don’t know.”
Reichardt was accepted into the LEAD program on his first application.
He said he’d been thinking about applying the past five years but the timing never seemed right. He finally applied a year ago after all his kids were in school and after some prodding by Dr. Allen G. Blezak, former director of the Nebraska LEAD program.
“There’s a uniqueness to the program,” Reichardt said. “They take 30 fellows with 25 in production agriculture, with the other five being agribusiness guys like myself.”
Reichardt said because LEAD XXVII brings together people from ever corner of the state, from ranchers in Valentine and cattlemen in Rose to a vineyard owner in Brainard, fellows have the opportunity to gain knowledge from the different perspectives each fellow brings to the group.
“Networking is a huge asset, along with understanding diversity and the different perspectives people have on the same issues,” he said.
For example, he noted, an instate seminar on water that was held out in McCook allowed him to see both sides of the water issue -- from the people who have plenty of water and from those who don’t.
While all the instate seminars were beneficial, Reichardt said the McCook seminar stood out from the rest because it dealt with water and “water is crucial to our industry -- the lifeblood of our industry.”
The national study/travel seminar also was a highlight during the first year of LEAD
From visiting the EPA to meeting with National Corn Growers Association members, dairy farmers and government leaders, the experience proved to be a valuable one for LEAD fellows.
“It was my first time in Washington, D.C. and we got to meet our congressmen and senators on their turf and see the process they go through on a daily basis,” he said. “I was wowed by the history of our country and the political process.”
He said the trip to D.C. gave him a new respect for history and the heritage of agriculture.
Reichardt said it also was interesting to view the Chicago and Kansas City Boards of Trade.
“With as volatile as our grain markets are right now, it was interesting to hear the story of the people who work there and how things have changed over the last six months,” he said.
While the goal of the Nebraska LEAD program is “to prepare and motivate men and women in agriculture for more effective leadership,” Reichardt said he has no high leadership goals at the moment, but can see LEAD taking him to civic leadership when that stage of his life occurs, whether it be running for a seat on the NRD board or local school board.
For more information, or to request an application for LEAD XXVIII, contact Nebraska LEAD Program, 318 BioChem Hall, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583-0763 or telephone 402-472-6810.