Concordia University, Nebraska

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Concordia Nebraska student attends AFA Animal Institute

Seward, NE (05/18/2026) — Attending conferences and gaining hands-on experiences are important parts of developing a well-rounded and prepared student. Concordia University, Nebraska's scholar programs offer students these kinds of opportunities. Freshman Benjamin Steffens of San Pedro, California, attended the Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Animal Institute in April through Concordia's Uzziah Ag Scholars program. This was the first time that the Uzziah Scholars program had a student apply for and be accepted to an AFA Institute.

"The Uzziah program is designed to expose students to agriculture in unconventional and meaningful ways, so I was thrilled to learn of Ben's interest in applying to an AFA Institute, and even more excited to see him accepted," said Uzziah Ag Scholars Program Director Kellie Nelson. "The most fulfilling part of my work is connecting students with opportunities like this and watching their curiosity and drive to continue to grow."

AFA Institutes are specialized and industry-focused events. The Animal Institute exposes students to livestock operations, animal health companies, hands-on activities and career exploration. Students can learn about the latest technologies, techniques and challenges within animal agriculture and get connected to other students and professionals who share the same interests.

The institute was held in Kansas City, Missouri April 12-14. It offered attendees many peer and professional networking events, roundtables with different industry leaders, a Ted X session, workshops with Merck Animal Health and three animal science industry tours. The event offered Steffens exposure to new people, ideas and systems within animal science from across the country.

"The more we understand something the more we appreciate it and take action," said Steffens. "I am glad I got this opportunity to understand animal science and some of the people behind it more fully; I've grown to appreciate animal science and those who work in that field, and I look forward to when I can work in animal science myself!"

"There is a lot to be said for what all of these big corporations and aspiring innovators are doing in animal science and agriculture as a whole, but I think that it is important to not forget about the small, independent farmers and ranchers and the goal to be a steward of the land and to be faithful with the gifts that God has given us (1 Corinthians 4:1-2)."

About Concordia University, Nebraska

Concordia University, Nebraska, founded in 1894, is a fully accredited, coeducational university of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod located in Seward, Nebraska, which currently serves more than 1,700 students. Concordia offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in an excellent academic and Christ-centered community that equips men and women for lives of learning, service and leadership in the church and world. For more information, visit cune.edu.

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Uzziah Ag Scholar Benjamin Steffens at the Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Leaders Conference in Kansas City, Missouri, in Dec. 2025

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