Nebraska Farm Bureau welcomes new members of the public policy team

The Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) is pleased to welcome Jaydn Smith as the new director of Environmental and Regulatory Affairs and Sam Taylor as the new assistant director of State Legislative Affairs. Smith succeeds Kole Peterson, while Taylor follows Madison Stracke, both of whom previously served in these roles.

Smith, who grew up on his family’s farm near Chapman, brings both firsthand agricultural experience and deep policy expertise to the position. He most recently served as legislative director and senior agricultural policy advisor for Rep. Don Bacon in Washington, D.C., where he gained valuable experience navigating federal agricultural and environmental policy.

“Jaydn has a strong understanding of how policy decisions directly impact farmers and ranchers, especially on pressing environmental and regulatory issues,” said Jordan Dux, NEFB senior director of National Affairs. “I have had the great pleasure of working with him throughout his time in Rep. Bacon’s office, and it doesn’t take long to see both his knowledge of agricultural issues and his passion for serving farm and ranch families. We are beyond thrilled to welcome him to the Farm Bureau family.”

In his new role, Smith will lead NEFB’s work on a range of environmental and regulatory challenges facing Nebraska agriculture. His portfolio will include water quality, natural resources, climate policy, and state and federal regulatory actions that directly affect Farm Bureau members.  

Smith officially began his work with NEFB on Oct. 6.

Sam Taylor of Lincoln will be joining us as a temporary employee to support our state legislative efforts during the 2026 legislative session. Taylor plans to attend law school in the fall of 2026.  

Taylor graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He spent a year as a policy research intern in Gov. Jim Pillen’s office and most recently was employed as an administrative technician in the Nebraska Department of Administrative Services’ risk management area.  

“I look forward to having Sam support our day-to-day statehouse lobbying efforts by coordinating and maintaining the legislative bill list, preparing bill summaries, researching legislation, providing analysis, monitoring hearings and drafting testimony, among other responsibilities,” said Craig Head, NEFB chief advocacy officer.

Taylor’s first day was Oct. 20, and he’ll be on staff through July 31, 2026.