Concordia University, Nebraska’s Uzziah Scholars enjoy spring industry tour to Fredericksburg, Texas

Concordia University, Nebraska’s Uzziah Scholars recently enjoyed a spring industry tour to Fredericksburg, Texas. 

“This trip was designed to broaden the horizons of Uzziah Scholars students by immersing them in agricultural industries and practices distinct from those found in Nebraska,” explained Uzziah Agriculture Scholars Program Director Kellie Nelson ’24. “Through hands-on experiences and in-depth tours, students engaged with diverse agricultural operations, explored the influence of regional climate on production and gained insights into local cultural dynamics. This tour not only expanded their agricultural knowledge and exposure to innovative management practices but also fostered team building, collaboration and a deeper appreciation for the varied landscapes of American agriculture.” 

As part of the Uzziah Scholars program, industry tours are conducted about once per semester to provide students with direct exposure to diverse sectors within agriculture. In the fall, students participated in a one-day tour across northeast Nebraska, exploring a range of cattle operations. Highlights included a fully automated robotic dairy operating around the clock, a small-scale feedlot enterprise and a family-owned beef business. These experiences offered students valuable insights into innovative technologies, varied business models and the evolving landscape of livestock production. 

This tour not only expanded their agricultural knowledge and exposure to innovative management practices but also fostered team building, collaboration and a deeper appreciation for the varied landscapes of American agriculture.

Students in attendance on the tour to Fredericksburg included Lane Schoff, Nathan King, Jenna Muntz and Kailyn Paul. The tour was led by Nelson. 

“The journey through Fredericksburg took us from the regenerative practices of ROAM Ranch, where biblical stewardship guides land management through the use of bison and poultry, to the delicate art of flower cultivation at Arnosky Family Farms and Windmill Meadow Farms,” said Nelson. “Students witnessed sustainable farming across generations— from Lyndon B. Johnson’s historic ranch to modern enterprises embracing innovation. Between learning about soil health, animal management, cut flower production, and entrepreneurial marketing strategies, students savored authentic German cuisine in downtown Fredericksburg and caught the true Texas spirit with live country music in legendary Luckenbach. These tours provide not only knowledge in agriculture, but a deep-rooted understanding of stewardship, legacy and living harmoniously with the land.” 

Students expressed enthusiastic appreciation for all the farms they visited, with two operations in particular leaving a lasting impression. At ROAM Ranch, students encountered a transformative approach to land and animal stewardship. The ranch’s mission -"striving to produce nourishing meat and heal ecosystems by mimicking the complexity of nature" - offered a compelling example of regenerative agriculture in action, which not only heals the land but also incorporates the community as well.  

“This approach inspired students to think about ways to get the community in tune with where their food comes from. Similarly, Windmill Meadow Farms stood out for its exceptional hospitality and the depth of knowledge shared by Paul Person,” said Nelson. “Although retired from cut flower production, Mr. Person warmly welcomed the students and provided invaluable insights into the floral industry and small business management, further enriching their learning experience.” 

In the Bible, King Uzziah is described as a powerful man, with productive farms and a highly trained and equipped army. God Himself gave Uzziah wonderful success as long as he sought the Lord. Concordia Nebraska’s Uzziah Scholars are devoted to becoming Christian leaders, solving problems in agriculture in their local and global communities and serving as stewards of all agriculture and agricultural resources through their chosen vocations. Uzziah Scholars receive a yearly scholarship and typically major in agricultural sciences, agricultural education or business administration with agribusiness concentration, though in some instances, those minoring in an ag-related program find success in the program.