The Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition has named Nelson as its new executive director.

Laura Nelson brings deep roots in Nebraska agriculture and more than a decade of experience in agriculture communications, organizational leadership and rancher-led conservation. For the past 10 months, she has served as Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition’s statewide grassland coordinator, where she led the development and launch of the Nebraska Grassland Alliance — a collaborative network uniting ranchers, conservation professionals and community leaders around a shared commitment to healthy, working grasslands.

“I’m grateful for the strong foundation so many have helped build over the past two and a half decades at NGLC, and for the growth and positive change Leah [Peterson] led over the past three years,” Nelson said. “I look forward to building on that momentum with the board, staff, and partners as we continue supporting Nebraska’s ranching families and the grasslands we all depend on.”

Nelson’s agricultural roots are in Kimball County, where her family still farms and ranches. She began her career writing for the Certified Angus Beef brand before spending nearly a decade living and working in Montana. There, she served as editor and manager of an award-winning weekly newspaper and later founded an agriculture communications company, providing strategic communications and project management for organizations including the Montana Farm Bureau Federation, the Montana Environmental Stewardship Award Program, and the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance. She returned to Nebraska in 2021 and now resides in Bassett.  

As executive director, Nelson will work alongside the board and staff to guide strategic direction, partnerships, and programs advancing NGLC’s mission to enhance Nebraska’s grasslands through voluntary technical assistance, education, and public awareness.

The board and NGLC staff are deeply grateful for the dedication, leadership, and hard work that former Executive Director Leah Peterson contributed during her tenure.

Nelson began her role as executive director on Dec. 29, 2025.

Visit Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition at http://www.nebraskagrazingslands.org.

NAWG awards Mann with the 2025 Wheat Leader of the Year Award

The National Association of Wheat Growers awarded U.S. Representative Tracey Mann, R-Kan., with its 2025 Wheat Leader of the Year Award for championing the effort to get the Food for Peace program transferred to U.S. Department of Agriculture control.

“Congressman Tracey Mann has been a tireless advocate for wheat growers and rural communities, and his leadership on transferring the Food for Peace program to USDA is a major victory for American farmers. This move reinforces the program’s long-term stability, secures vital market opportunities for American-grown crops, and safeguards life-saving in-kind food aid for the world’s most vulnerable populations. For many years, Congressman Mann has consistently championed wheat growers’ priorities in Congress, and NAWG is proud to recognize his commitment with the 2025 Wheat Leader of the Year Award,” said NAWG President Pat Clements.

“Kansas and American farmers grow some of the highest quality wheat in the world while strengthening our nation’s food supply and independence,” said Rep. Mann. “These men and women power our local economies and answer the noble call to feed a hungry world. I am appreciative of the National Association of Wheat Growers’ continued advocacy on behalf of Kansas wheat farmers and am honored to be recognized as the Wheat Leader of the Year. Thank you for all you do for American agriculture.”

The Wheat Leader of the Year Award is given annually by NAWG to one Member of Congress based on their demonstrated commitment to the well-being and goals of the wheat industry. It is the wheat industry’s highest legislative award.

NAWG also presented four other Members of Congress with its Wheat Advocate Award for their support for the wheat industry that goes above and beyond.

NAWG congratulates and thanks our award recipients for supporting wheat growers across the United States.