Friday, January 09, 2009

LINCOLN – Three Nebraska youth are currently traveling over 7,000 miles from Nebraska to Taiwan.  During a week-long visit to Taiwan, the students will learn about the country’s agricultural industry and share their Nebraska agricultural experiences with their hosts.

The trip is coordinated by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA), and follows a visit by three Taiwanese students to Nebraska in July.  During the Taiwanese students’ trip, they attended the Nebraska Agriculture Youth Institute, a week-long summer program coordinated by NDA.  During NAYI, the Director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Kansas City invited Nebraska to send three NAYI delegates to Taiwan in the fall. 

This is the fifth year for exchange program.  NDA Director Greg Ibach hopes the exchange program will continue, as it benefits agriculture in both countries.

The students left for Taiwan today, November 14, and will return to Nebraska on November 22.  While in Taiwan, the students will be staying at the Taichung Senior High School of Agriculture and Technology.  During their visit, they will tour the campus, meet with Taiwanese students, participate in presentations, visit local farms and observe several agricultural research institutes.  They will also have the opportunity to do a little sightseeing and visit the Council of Agriculture Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The students will share their experiences with the delegates to the 2009 NAYI. The three students selected by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture visiting Taiwan are:

·         Mr. Eric Kamler from Shickley.  As a senior at Fillmore Central High School, Eric serves as President of the Fillmore Central FFA Chapter.  Mr. Kamler also operates his own 300-acre farm, and is active in National Honor Society and FCCLA.  His parents are Mike and Kim Kamler.  

·         Mr. Kalby Wehrbein from Plattsmouth.  As a senior at Conestoga High School, Kalby currently serves as President of the Conestoga FFA Chapter.  Mr. Wehrbein is also active in 4-H, National Honor Society, and his church youth group.  His parents are Douglas and Karelene Wehrbein.

·         Mr. Preston Bolte from McCool Junction.  As a senior at McCool Junction High School, Preston currently serves as the President of the McCool Junction FFA Chapter.  Mr. Bolte is also active in Student Council and 4-H, where he is currently serving as an Ak-Sar-Ben 4-H Youth Ambassador.  His parents are Greg and Cynthia Bolte.

The students are visiting Taiwan through the sponsorship of the NDA, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Kansas City, and the Nebraska Farm Bureau.