84 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN January 2026 PEERS CONTINUED ON PAGE 86 LOOKING AHEAD BUILDING MOMENTUM FOR NEBRASKA AGRICULTURE TIFFANY HENG-MOSS | INTERIM NU VICE PRESIDENT FOR AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES AND INTERIM UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA-LINCOLN VICE CHANCELLOR, INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES As we begin a new year, I’m filled with optimism for what lies ahead for Nebraska agriculture and our University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR). I’m proud of the collaboration, innovation and our continued focus on serving Nebraska’s people, communities and industries that I was fortunate to witness across our institute last year. That momentum is carrying forward as we begin a new year. Last year, we launched the Prime Education program, a new online course designed to strengthen Nebraska’s small meat processing sector. Meat processors play a vital role in our state’s economy, creating jobs, adding value to locally raised livestock and sustaining communities across Nebraska. Yet in recent years, many smaller processors have faced workforce shortages and training challenges. The Prime Education program was created to address those needs. The course provides foundational knowledge for individuals working in or exploring careers in meat processing. The more than 100 participants in our first cohort, who are currently wrapping up their coursework, include high school and community college instructors, sales representatives for processing equipment companies and individuals interested in joining the industry from across the globe. Their engagement underscores both the interest and the opportunity that exist in this vital sector and offers an example of how IANR fulfills its land-grant mission: meeting learners where they are, offering education that strengthens Nebraska’s workforce and supporting the industries that keep our state strong. Another highlight this past fall was the Nebraska Beef Innovation Hub gathering, which brought together stakeholders, faculty, staff, post-docs and students to discuss the future of Nebraska’s beef sector. I’m grateful to the commodity boards and producer groups whose partnership and support have helped fuel this important work. Workforce development was a major theme of that discussion. While technologies like artificial intelligence and automation are rapidly transforming animal agriculture, they will never replace the deep understanding and care that come from working directly with livestock. We are focused on preparing students who are as comfortable using digital tools as they are in the feedyard, pasture or processing floor. At the same time, we’re working to create more opportunities for young people – including those from urban backgrounds – to experience production agriculture firsthand. When given the chance, they discover meaningful career pathways, a sense of purpose and pride in the work that sustains Nebraska’s economy. Looking ahead, we also see tremendous opportunity in the realm of digital and precision agriculture. This fall, IANR launched the Digital Ag DNA Networking and Engagement Series to bring together faculty, staff, post-docs, students and
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