Atwater Named Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award Winner

The Nebraska Farm Bureau hashonored Lance Atwater, who is a member of the Adams/Webster County Farm Bureau,with the Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Achievement Award, presentedDec. 9 during the organization’s annual meeting. Atwater is married to Krystaland has two children, Ryker and Addilynn.

Owner of Atwater Family Farms, he hasspent a lifetime working toward his dream of farming.

“I’ve basically wanted to farmever since I was a little kid, since I was my son Ryker’s age. I always knewthis was what I wanted to do,” Atwater said.

Farm Bureau membersages 18 to 35 can apply for the Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement inAgriculture Award. As the Nebraska winner, Atwater will receive $500 and anall-expense paid trip to the 2026 American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in Anaheim,California, in January to compete against other state winners at the nationallevel.

“Lance represents what it means tobe a Nebraska farmer, hardworking, forward-thinking and committed to the future.We’re proud to recognize him for everything he’s accomplished,” said MarkMcHargue, Nebraska Farm Bureau president.

After earning a degree inagricultural economics from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Atwaterreturned home and spent a year working in precision agriculture at his localcooperative. In 2014, he joined his family’s farming operation full time. By2016, Atwater began expanding his own operation by picking up ground andbuilding relationships through custom farming.

Today he raises popcorn, whitecorn, yellow corn and soybeans, while sharing his passion with the nextgeneration.

“It’s fun involving my family and seeing my five-year-old son take an interestin what I’m doing,” he said. “Maybe someday he’ll want to continue farming.”

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

“A friend reached out and asked if I’d be interested in getting involved. Therest is history,” Atwater said. “I’ve been engaged in Farm Bureau ever since.”

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

“Lance’s leadership story showswhat’s possible when passion meets perseverance. His drive to improve, serveand build opportunities for the next generation is inspiring and that is what makeshim a standout leader,” said Audrey Schipporeit, NEFB director of leadership development.

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

“In today’s environment, the goal is to stay in business,” he said. “Farming isabsolutely a way of life, but it has to be run as a business. Tough years arethe best time to sharpen the pencil, analyze your operation and look at whatyou can do better.”

Ultimately, Atwater’s long-termmotivation is simple.

“When I think about the future, I hope I can grow this operation sustainably somy son or daughter can come back, if they choose to,” he said. “It’s about thefuture and the legacy I want to leave for my kids.”