Two From Johnson County in 2026 NEFB Leadership Academy

Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) has announced the ten farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness professionals selected for the 2026 Leadership Academy. The group begins its year-long program in January.
The 2026 class will approach the year with a focus on building practical leadership skills. “This program gives members real experience in leadership and advocacy, preparing them to step into roles that strengthen Farm Bureau and their communities. Throughout the year, they gain a clearer understanding of the issues facing agriculture and learn how to speak up in ways that make a meaningful difference,” said Audrey Schipporeit, NEFB’s director of leadership development.
Throughout the year, participants will take part in sessions on leadership development, Farm Bureau’s county, state, and national structure, key policy issues in agriculture, and the importance of agricultural literacy. The class will also travel to Lincoln and Washington, D.C. to meet with elected officials and agency staff.
Among those selected for the 2026 Nebraska Farm Bureau Leadership Academy are:
Ariel Gartner is a member of Johnson County Farm Bureau and works as a sales associate for Farm Bureau Financial Services in Tecumseh, Neb. She received an agribusiness degree with a focus in animal science from Southeast Community College. Gartner lives on a farm with her husband and two kids, and enjoys spending time with her horses, dogs, and chickens.
Micah Erickson is a member of Johnson County Farm Bureau and lives with his wife, Averi, in Lincoln. He is originally from Sterling, Neb. Erickson grew up working on his family farm, where he is still involved today. The operation includes roughly 1,000 acres of row crops along with several custom farming services. Having previously raised hogs, they have since transitioned out of that enterprise and now raise chickens for Smart Chicken in Tecumseh.
The Nebraska Farm Bureau is a grassroots, state-wide organization dedicated to supporting farm and ranch families and working for the benefit of all Nebraskans through a wide variety of educational, service, and advocacy efforts. Nearly 55,000 families across Nebraska are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve rural and urban prosperity as agriculture is a key fuel to Nebraska’s economy. For more information about Nebraska Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit www.nefb.org.