Lexi Bodlak – Nebraska Corn – Lincoln, Nebraska

Commodity Classic Update

One of my favorite pieces of advice has always been, “If you’re the smartest person in the room, you need to find a bigger room.” Well, last week at Commodity Classic in Denver, I certainly found a bigger room—so much bigger, in fact, that it stretched over 12 acres.

The first room I stepped into was the Nebraska Caucus. I got to hear firsthand what Nebraska growers thought about proposed policy changes to the National Corn Growers Association’s Policy Book. As someone passionate about agricultural law and public policy, it was an invaluable opportunity to observe how industry leaders evaluate proposed resolutions and build consensus. Seeing this process in action deepened my appreciation for the collaborative decision-making that drives agricultural policy forward at the state and national levels.

On the second day of the classic, I found myself in an even larger room: NCGA’s Corn Congress. This was a great opportunity to practice my skills as an event photographer. It also gave me incredible insight into the breadth of national issues impacting growers. From reciprocal tariffs and USDA programs to carbon markets and international trade, I gained a more holistic understanding of the policy landscape that I hope to work in as an agricultural attorney. Hearing perspectives from across the country helped me see how diverse regional priorities shape national conversations.

Then came the biggest room of all: the trade show floor. I couldn’t walk more than a few steps without running into someone I knew. From teammates facilitating the Precision Agriculture Institute with Agriculture Future of America to a former boss, every familiar face reminded me not only of where I’ve been, but also where I’m going. It was a powerful reminder that relationships are everything in agriculture—and this experience was an incredible opportunity to grow my network of peers and professionals who care deeply about the industry’s future. One of my favorite moments was watching Secretary Rollins deliver a speech on the main stage—an inspiring reminder of the national impact agricultural leadership can have.

Later that day, I attended the National Corn Growers Association Communicators Meeting. Here, I gained a deeper understanding of crisis communication strategies and the importance of building a strong professional network to exchange ideas. I was inspired by how these professionals consistently center growers in every message—an approach that I hope to replicate as I enter my own career. As someone who will work at the intersection of law, agriculture and advocacy, I admired how these communicators could adapt their messaging to engage both producers and consumers.

I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn from grower leaders across the state. Their mentorship and insights reenforced my passion for agricultural law and grassroots advocacy. Events like Commodity Classic remind me that the most impactful conversations—and the greatest opportunities for growth—happen when you intentionally step into bigger rooms. I walked away from Denver not only with new connections and a deeper understanding of national agricultural issues, but with a clearer vision for the kind of leader I want to become. One day, I hope to create those bigger rooms for others—to open doors, elevate voices and help shape a stronger, more resilient industry.

Winter Update

Growing up on a corn and soybean farm in Northeast Nebraska, my father modeled the winter months as a time to rest, reflect and to prepare for the year ahead. This holiday season, I found myself curled up by the fireplace with Howard Buffett’s book, Forty Chances: Finding Hope in a Hungry World.

Buffett uses a powerful metaphor that resonates deeply with farmers—and farmer’s daughters like me. The average farmer has about 40 productive harvests in their lifetime, a limited window to make a meaningful impact. His message struck a chord as I reflected on how critical it is for me to take advantage of every chance I have to grow personally and professionally in the agricultural industry. Many of these chances have been made possible by the Nebraska Corn Board and the Nebraska Corn Growers Association.

During the summer after my freshman year, I interned in Washington, D.C. with the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) as a public policy analysis intern. This was an amazing opportunity to gain an insider’s view of agricultural policy, from following Farm Bill developments to engaging with issues that directly impact corn farmers. I also had the privilege of meeting Nebraska farmers, several of whom have since become mentors through the D.C. Leadership Program and the Women and Mentors Retreat.

Flash-forward a year and a half, and I found myself back in the Nebraska Corn office, this time interviewing for a communications and event planning internship. Since I began in early September, Jill and Katherine have been instrumental in developing me as a communications professional.

The only thing I love more than reading is writing. Each week, I have looked forward to drafting NeCGA’s weekly update. I have continued to deepen my understanding of the different initiatives and efforts of both the Nebraska Corn Board and the Association. I am eager to share what I have learned as I continue to develop informational postcards and Nebraska Corn’s spring newsletter.

In addition to refining my writing skills, my major projects have pushed me to dive into graphic design and editing. I will be the first to admit that I have a lot of room to grow in this skill set. When I felt hesitant, a quote from Forty Chances inspired me, “The most critical thing you can do when faced with a challenge is to start. Action creates momentum, and momentum can move mountains.” With the support and patience of the Nebraska Corn staff, I’m learning to take on challenges and grow from them.

Outside of the office, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with Nebraska’s agricultural leaders like NCGA Board Member, Dan Wesely, who was gracious enough to let me ride along with him during harvest or growers and board members at the AFAN and Nebraska Corn board meetings.

Buffett’s metaphor of forty chances reminds me that my chance to make an impact is limited. At 21, I hope my career in agricultural communications and policy will stretch beyond forty years, but Buffett also reminds me of the importance of today, “We live in a world where we are never guaranteed tomorrow. All we have is today, and what we do with it matters.”

Thanks to the Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Corn Growers Association, I have the support to make the most out of each of my chances to grow, learn, and contribute to Nebraska agriculture.