By Dr. Jennifer McConville, Associate Dean
This week, I attended the “Legacy of Leadership: Faces of Nebraska Women in Agriculture” exhibition at its stop in North Platte. The traveling exhibition is a tribute to the generations of women who have poured their passion and resilience into the fields, farms, and communities of Nebraska, and is a celebration of the 40th anniversary of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Nebraska Women in Agriculture program. NCTA also has a collegiate Women in Ag on their campus, and I had been told at least one of our students was featured in this collection.
Walking through the gallery of over 70 portraits captured by photographer John Noltner, I found myself surrounded by faces that mirrored the journey of the many women I know who have dedicated their lives to agriculture in the state of Nebraska. I was excited to see I knew many of these women. Past and present colleagues, students, and alumni looked back at me. Each portrait was paired with a story, answering the question, “What has called you to this work?” The responses from each were as varied as the women themselves, yet each resonated with a shared sense of purpose and dedication. It was powerful to read these personal reflections and realize that our struggles and triumphs, though unique, are part of a larger narrative that connects us all. It was especially moving to see the faces of people I knew and the women I did not know who were walking similar paths.
Jessica Groskopf’s lecture was also a highlight of my evening. She spoke about the historical role of women in agriculture, the challenges we continue to face, and the future we are shaping. As with any economist, her presentation was backed by statistics and reputable facts. Her presentation, however, was more than just numbers and history lessons. It brought to life the faces and sparked conversations among attendees.
This exhibition has been traveling the state of Nebraska making stops at the Nebraska State Fair, Husker Harvest Days and UNL-East Campus before reaching North Platte. Supported by Humanities Nebraska, the project emphasized the importance of storytelling in honoring our contributions. It was a reminder that our work is not just labor; it’s a legacy reminding everyone that being a woman in agriculture means being a leader, a caretaker, and a force for change.
This gallery will be displayed at the 2025 Women In Ag Conference (WIA) in Kearney from February 20-21. This annual conference is designed to educate and uplift women involved in any aspect of Nebraska’s agricultural industry. I encourage you to check it out.
Part of the University of Nebraska system, the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture is a two-year institution with a statewide mission of preparing students for successful careers in agriculture, veterinary technology, and related industries. NCTA is known for its affordable tuition, high job-placement rate for its graduates, and student teams’ success in competitive activities, including crops judging, ranch horse events, livestock judging, shotgun sports, stock dog trials, and intercollegiate rodeo. The college is consistently ranked as one of the best two-year schools in the nation.