The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation held its 10th Annual Grower’s Gala on Dec. 8, during the 2025 Nebraska Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and Convention in Kearney. It was a night of celebration, recognition, and thanks as members from across the state gathered to honor those who support the foundation’s mission of bringing awareness and understanding of agriculture. With dinner, a lively auction, and a dash of holiday cheer, the Gala delivered another unforgettable night.
“Nights like this remind me why our Nebraska Farm Bureau community is so special,” said Megahn Schafer, Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation executive director. “Celebrating together, honoring the people who make it all possible and enjoying a little holiday fun — that’s what the Grower’s Gala is all about.”
A festive crowd filled the room in Kearney, turning holiday spirit into real support for agricultural literacy.
Lancaster County Farm Bureau continued its annual “Deck of Cards” gun raffle tradition. The grand prize went to Karen Tiedeman of Lancaster County Farm Bureau, who won a Benelli M2 Performance Shop Waterfowl Edition. This year also included a surprise runner-up, Mark Haskins of Hall County Farm Bureau, who received a Daisy Red Ryder BB Gun as a nod to the evening’s Christmas theme.
Thanks to the generosity of donors including Leadership Sponsor Tallgrass Energy, more than $84,000 was raised to strengthen Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom, fund scholarships and awards, and advance consumer engagement efforts across the state.
“We are so grateful to everyone who supported this year’s gala,” said Lona Thompson, Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation senior director of development. “Every gift helps strengthen agricultural literacy, fund scholarships, and ensure every Nebraskan understands the importance of agriculture.”
The evening also recognized dedicated leaders whose service has shaped the foundation’s work. Teresa Ibach, retiring board member, and Andra Smith, retiring board member and Promotion & Engagement Committee chair, were honored for completing their maximum terms. They brought energy, insight, and a genuine commitment to strengthening agricultural literacy across Nebraska.
“Volunteers like these are the heart of everything we do, and we are grateful for the energy, passion, and service they’ve given over the years. Their contributions have made a lasting difference in our programs and in the lives of the students and communities we serve,” Schafer said.
Auctioneer Clay Patton of Dawson County Farm Bureau dressed up as the “Grinch” and made a mischievous dash with volleyball tickets “stolen” from Terry Keebler of Johnson County Farm Bureau during the Grower’s Gala auction.
Doris Olsen of Perkins County Farm Bureau
couldn’t hide her excitement as she checked
out the auction prizes before the Grower’s Gala.
Awaiting the announcement with anticipation, the three finalists for the annual gun raffle, sponsored by Lancaster County Farm Bureau, stood ready during the Foundation Gala on Dec. 8. Pictured (left) are finalists Karen Tiedeman of Lancaster County, Mark Haskins of Hall County, and Bruce Rieker of Lancaster County. The winner of the Benelli M2 Performance Shop Waterfowl Edition gun was Karen Tiedeman! Haskins was the runner-up, taking home a Daisy Red Ryder BB gun.
With card in hand, Lancaster County Farm Bureau member Dave Nielsen adds his support to the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation.
