Atwater Named Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award Winner

KEARNEY, NEB. - The Nebraska Farm Bureau has honored Lance Atwater, who is a member of the Adams/Webster County Farm Bureau, with the Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Achievement in Agriculture Award, presented Tuesday, Dec. 9, during the organization's Annual Meeting. Lance is married to Krystal and has two children, Ryker and Addilynn

Atwater, owner of Atwater Family Farms, has spent a lifetime working toward his dream of farming. "I've basically wanted to farm ever since I was a little kid, since I was my son Ryker's age. I always knew this was what I wanted to do," Atwater said.

Farm Bureau members ages 18 to 35 can apply for the Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement in Agriculture Award. As the Nebraska winner, Atwater will receive $500 and an all-expense paid trip to the 2026 American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in Anaheim, California in January to compete with other state winners at the national level.

"Lance represents what it means to be a Nebraska farmer, hardworking, forward-thinking, and committed to the future. We're proud to recognize him for everything he's accomplished," said Mark McHargue, Nebraska Farm Bureau president.

After earning a degree in agricultural economics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Atwater returned home and spent a year working in precision agriculture at his local cooperative. In 2014, he joined his family's farming operation full time. By 2016, Atwater began expanding his own operation by picking up ground and building relationships through custom farming.

Today he raises popcorn, white corn, yellow corn, and soybeans, while sharing his passion with the next generation.

"It's fun involving my family and seeing my five-year-old son take an interest in what I'm doing," Atwater said. "Maybe someday he'll want to continue farming."

A longtime advocate for service, Atwater credits his time as a Nebraska FFA state officer for shaping his commitment to giving back. Soon after returning from college, he was recruited to the Adams/Webster County Farm Bureau board.

"A friend reached out and asked if I'd be interested in getting involved. The rest is history. I've been engaged in Farm Bureau ever since."

Atwater has served on the Nebraska Farm Bureau Board of Directors for the past seven years.

"Lance's leadership story shows what's possible when passion meets perseverance. His drive to improve, serve, and build opportunities for the next generation is inspiring and that is what makes him a standout leader," said Audrey Schipporeit, NEFB director of leadership development.

Looking ahead, Atwater remains focused on navigating challenging economic conditions and building a sustainable future for his family.

"In today's environment, the goal is to stay in business," he said. "Farming is absolutely a way of life, but it must be run as a business. Tough years are the best time to sharpen the pencil, analyze your operation, and look at what you can do better."

Ultimately, Atwater's long-term motivation is simple.

"When I think about the future, I hope I can grow this operation sustainably so my son or daughter can come back, if they choose to. It's about the future and the legacy I want to leave for my kids."

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 https://www.nefb.org.