Information for this page was taken from the Nebraska AgRelations Council's information brochure (pictured here).
Not everyone, however, understands the importance of keeping this gigantic food and fiber machine vibrant and healthy. That's why there is a Nebraska AgRelations Council!
The Nebraska AgRelations Council (NAC) is the "public information arm" for Nebraska's number one industry--agriculture.
NAC's goal is to help ensure the viability and profitability of Nebraska's food and fiber industry by telling agriculture's story to people throughout the state. Our objective is to give everyone a better understanding of how important this huge industry is to the state, and how it affects our overall economy and well being.
That's why NAC is important. Our members are "public spokespersons" for the industry. Working independently and in cooperation with other ag-related organizations, NAC conducts and assists in activities to support Nebraska agriculture and to better inform those outside the industry.
Programs designed specifically to reach both key urban decision-makers and non-farm lay persons are conducted by NAC members to inform people about Nebraska agriculture and help build relationships than can be helpful in the future.
Ag at the Crossroads
In cooperation with the University of Nebraska Department of Agricultural Economics, NAC presents a statewide conference each fall focusing on current issues affecting agriculture and agribusiness, as well as Nebraska's overall economy.
Ag Adventure Tour
NAC cooperates with the Nebraska LEAD Alumni Association to conduct a summer tour of Nebraska farms, ag-related industries and rural communities for the benefit of urban leadership development groups.
National Ag Week materials
In conjunction with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, NAC helps compile information about agriculture for publicizing National Agriculture Week and National Agriculture Day each March.
Speakers Bureau
NAC compiles and distributes a Speakers Bureau directory which lists individuals and organizations prepared to help tell the story of agriculture to rural and urban audiences.
Nebraska AgRelations Award
NAC presents this prestigous award annually to a selected individual (member or non-member of NAC) for exemplary contributions to agriculture.
Networking
NAC works with and contributes in various ways to the Nebraska LEAD program, Ag in the Classroom program, the Agricultural Council of America, Nebraska FFA Foundation, the Nebraska Young Farmers and Ranchers Educational Association, National Agri-Marketing Association, Nebraska 4-H Foundation and others.
Joint Projects
NAC co-sponsors a joint educational and information dinner meeting in Grand Island each fall during "Husker Harvest Days."
Nebraska Ag Directory
NAC has compiled a "who's who" directory of ag-related state and national organizations as a resource for both rural and urban interests.
New Ag Video
NAC organized and coordinated a major effort to produce a new video highlighting the importance of agriculture to Nebraska. After four years of planning and work, two versions of the video were completed in 1998. One video targets adult audiences; the other is geared to junior high age students. The 16.5 minute video Who on Earth Cares: Harvesting the Future is available free of charge to requesting groups.
NAC needs a diversity of dedicated men and women from throughout the state to offer inputs of time, ideas, energy and financial support to meet its goals.
NAC encourages farmers and ranchers to enhance relationships with urban people, affords opportunities for those interested in agricultural public relations to meet and work together, and works to stimulate the interest of professional and volunteer communicators in presenting relevant, timely and accurate information on America's food factory -- agriculture -- wherever and whenever possible.