PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release
July 18, 2006 www.agr.ne.gov		Contact: Christin Kamm (402) 471-6856

LINCOLN - Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Greg Ibach is pleased to announce that two Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI) delegates were each awarded scholarships for their leadership skills and commitment to agriculture demonstrated throughout a five-day conference on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus.

Eric Miller of Davenport and Kasey Wagner were each awarded a $500 scholarship to attend the University of Nebraska's College of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources (CASNR) for the 2006/2007 academic year.

"The Nebraska Department of Agriculture is pleased to announce these scholarship winners. They are truly the future of Nebraska agriculture," said Director Ibach.

This marked the sixth year the scholarships, sponsored by CASNR, were awarded. Miller and Wagner were selected by NAYI counselors based on their leadership skill, interest in agriculture and the good example they provided to other NAYI delegates throughout the week. Both of which were returning delegates to NAYI.

Approximately 100 high school juniors and seniors from across Nebraska gathered at the University of Nebraska campus from July 9-13 to discuss agricultural policy, hear motivational speakers and participate in a simulated farm management program. Delegates were selected to attend NAYI based on their interest in Nebraska agriculture and their leadership skills.

The NAYI program is coordinated by the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council (NAYC), comprised of 12 college-aged men and women selected by NDA.

NOTE: Below you will find information on each of the scholarship winners.

Kasey Wagner is the son of Gary and Kathy Wagner of Winnetoon, Nebraska. He is involved in FFA, 4-H, and is planning on attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, majoring in Animal Science. Kasey is a recent graduate of the Creighton Community Schools.

Eric Miller is the son of Gary and Susan Miller of Davenport, Nebraska. He is involved in 4-H, Boy Scouts, FCCLA, and Luther League. His is planning on attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, majoring in Animal Science. Eric is a recent graduate of Bruning-Davenport High School.