Alexa Cunningham and Crayton Koranda, both agronomy majors in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, have been selected as collegiate ambassadors by the Nebraska Corn Growers Association and the Nebraska Soybean Association.
Each year, the associations offer a one-year program that combines education and scholarships for college students interested in enhancing their understanding of the agricultural industry and advocacy. The 2025 program cohort includes seven University of Nebraska–Lincoln students pursuing degrees in agriculture.
Cunningham learned about the collegiate ambassador program through a hometown friend who spoke highly of it and encouraged her to apply.
For Cunningham, agriculture has always been a part of life. She grew up on her family farm just a few miles from Wausa, Nebraska. Her most significant influence on her college and career goals has been her father.
“He is always taking any opportunity to teach me new things about our agriculture operation and is my go-to person if I ever need a question answered,” she said.
Four years ago, while riding in the tractor with her father, Cunningham watched the planter and randomly mentioned that she wanted to study the crops he grew.
“From that day on, I was set on going to college to major in agronomy,” she said.
Besides coursework and serving as an ambassador, the junior is also involved in the Salt Company college ministry.
After earning her degree, Cunningham said she has two possible paths to consider. One is to work for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, focusing on soil conservation. The second is to return to her family farm as their agronomist and apply the skills gained at the university.
Koranda began at the university as a horticulture major, hoping to work in large-scale greenhouses. After high school, he interned at a commercial eggplant greenhouse in the Netherlands. However, his experiences as a research assistant with Bayer and BASF shifted his perspective. He found agronomy more fulfilling because it addressed real-world problems in agriculture.
“For me, it became more important to help feed the world than to focus on growing ornamentals,” Koranda said. “Growing up on a small farm near Seward, Nebraska, I’ve always been surrounded by agriculture. Agronomy felt like a natural fit that aligns with everything I want to do to support farmers and improve food production.”
Koranda learned about the ambassador program from an email sent by his adviser, Anne Streich, who frequently shares resources and scholarships with students.
He also serves as a mentor in Cultivate ACCESS, working with high school students interested in agriculture and the environment.
“This is one of my favorite roles because I have the opportunity to share what I wish I had known before college,” he said. “For example, I’ve worked with my students on creating atomic habits — small, everyday actions that get them closer to their goals.
“I also encourage students to explore opportunities in agriculture. Most of my students come from the city, so I get to give them firsthand insight into how they could work in the industry, based on their skills and interests.”
Additionally, Koranda participates in the Engler Entrepreneurship Program. Currently, he operates two small businesses: one sells car parts online, and the other, The Daily Dozen, sells farm-fresh eggs in Lincoln.
Koranda said the two biggest influences on his education and career goals have been Tom Fields and Dave Lambe from the Engler program.
“They have always provided me with valuable advice about both college and my career,” Koranda said. “They also helped me grow my businesses and improve how I serve clients. Their mentorship has helped me develop confidence in my future — not only in my academic path but also in my entrepreneurial goals.”
Students in the NeCGA and NSA’s year-long ambassador program study agricultural policy, checkoff programs, commodity promotion, manufacturing and leadership development through seminars and a summer tour. They also connect with Nebraska grower-leaders at events like the associations’ annual board meetings, Husker Harvest Days and Soybean Management Field Days, gaining skills and networks to become the next generation of agricultural advocates.
