Uzziah Ag Scholar attends conference hosted by the Agriculture Future of America

In December 2025, Uzziah Ag Scholar Benjamin Steffens attended the Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Leaders Conference in Kansas City, Missouri.  

Steffens attended the conference on his own but discovered the opportunity through the Uzziah Scholars program director, Kellie Nelson.  

Steffens chose to attend the conference because it gave him opportunities to make peer and industry connections, learn from a variety of experienced individuals and open upother AFA events for him in the future.  

While at the conference, Steffens learned about a variety of topics.  

“I learned the importance of networking, the importance of mental health and the importance of being accountable and staying true to commitments you make with God, yourself, your family and others (among many other things),” he said. 

“It was encouraging to be around and network with so many young people who are passionate about agriculture, like myself!”

 Steffens noted that his favorite speaker from the event was Corey Ciocchetti who spoke on the topics of leadership and ethics.  

“His words were very impactful to me, and I reflect upon them frequently. He is an amazing motivational speaker who has a lot of wisdom to share about leadership, ethics, happiness, fidelity and more!” he shared.  

One of Steffens’ key takeaways from the event was that there is a large network of likeminded people in the agriculture business, and the more people you know, the more opportunities you open. 

“I am grateful for the opportunity to attend the Agriculture Future of America Leaders Conference,” Steffens said. “It was encouraging to be around and network with so many young people who are passionate about agriculture, like myself! I also appreciated the chance to network and learn from professionals already in the industry, as well as the opportunities to improve myself as a leader and a person.” 

Concordia University, Nebraska’s agriculture program equips students with a well-rounded and balanced educational program that will challenge you to become an effective communicator, critical thinker and ethical decision-maker. Concordia’s Christ-centered, excellent academics will prepare you to be a leader in the agriculture field through dynamic, real-world learning experiences so you can inspire and serve others and fulfill your calling. Learn more here.