Johanns to discuss rural vitality in Heuermann Lecture
Lincoln, Nebraska, Sept. 16, 2026 — The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources will host a Heuermann Lecture on Sept. 22 with Mike Johanns, former U.S. secretary of agriculture. Johanns, who also served as governor of Nebraska and as a U.S. senator, will take part in a fireside chat and panel discussion on rural vitality, agricultural innovation and Nebraska’s future.
The lecture will take place at 3 p.m. at the Nebraska Innovation Campus Conference Center, 2021 Transformation Drive. A reception will follow at 4:30 p.m.
After serving as Nebraska’s governor from 1999-2005, Johanns became the U.S. secretary of agriculture under President George W. Bush. He served in that role until 2008, when he was elected to the U.S. Senate, serving on committees focused on agriculture, among other areas. Today he acts as a strategic adviser for Avalo, an ag tech company aimed at using artificial intelligence to improve crop production.
“Nebraska is an agricultural powerhouse,” Johanns said. “We are blessed with abundant natural resources, coupled with hardworking, innovative producers. The cow-calf ranchers in western Nebraska produce the world’s best beef. Our row crop farmers have perfected their corn and soybean crops in a way that is world-class. The story continues with all other producers, from pork to popcorn and everything in between.
“My message is that we need to continue our progress in building for the future. Agriculture is the No. 1 industry in Nebraska and needs to be a top priority. Investment in technology and education is an imperative for our future. We must focus with real determination on making sure that our entire state is the beneficiary of investment and innovation.”
Johanns will join Tiffany Heng-Moss, Harlan Vice Chancellor for IANR and University of Nebraska vice president, for a discussion on Nebraska’s unique position as a national leader in agriculture and its importance as an economic engine for rural communities and the broader economy.
“It is an honor to host Mike Johanns on the University of Nebraska–Lincoln campus for this important discussion,” Heng-Moss said. “His deep ties to agriculture, policy, innovation and, of course, Nebraska, give him incredible insight on the unique strengths of our state. I am so excited for this important discussion.”
Following the discussion, attendees will hear from panelists as they explore how Nebraska’s agricultural strengths, research enterprises and rural communities can continue to drive economic growth and innovation for the state and nation.Panelists include:
“People working together is the most important ingredient in creating positive change,” McElravy said. “Implementing one new idea or innovation, no matter how big or small, is how communities increase capacity. I hope that people leave the lecture knowing how the university’s tools and human resources can be leveraged to support rural Nebraska.”
The Heuermann Lecture series, which began in 2015, focuses on providing information and ideas to help sustain the world in the areas of food, natural resources and renewable energy for people, as well as securing the sustainability of rural communities where the vital work of producing food and renewable energy occurs.
-University of Nebraska-Lincoln
