Greg Ibach
Greg Ibach of Sumner, NE was recognized as the newest University of Nebraska–Lincoln Block and Bridle honoree.
Ibach, a fifth-generation farmer and rancher, currently serves as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs where he sets national standards for the marketing of U.S. agricultural products, and the health and care of animals and plants. He began his professional career working for Farm Credit Services of America. In 1989 Ibach and his wife Teresa returned to the family farm. They served on the Nebraska Farm Bureau Young Farmer Rancher Committee and Ibach was elected for two terms on the Nebraska Beef Council. Greg was on the Executive Committee of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association when he was appointed to be Assistant Director of Agriculture by then Governor Mike Johanns and later was appointed Director by Governors Dave Heineman and Pete Ricketts. Ibach is Nebraska’s longest serving Director of Agriculture serving more than 12-years in this role.
Most of Ibach’s career has aligned with the Block and Bridle Club’s core objectives, which are; 1) to promote a higher scholastic standard and a more complete understanding of Animal Science among student members; 2) to promote animal agriculture through development of a program of activities that will supplement students' study of the animal sciences; 3) to enhance professionalism of students who will one day be leaders in the animal agriculture industry; and 4) to bring about a closer relationship among all students pursuing some phase of animal agriculture as a profession.
Over the course of his career, Ibach has received multiple awards and recognitions including: UNL Outstanding Young Alumnus (1996), Nebraska Farm Bureau Outstanding Young Farmer and Rancher (1996), induction into the Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement (2007), UNL IANR Service to Agriculture Award (2008), induction into Phi Beta Delta International Honor Society for International Scholars (2009), and the Honorary State FFA Degree (2010).
In his spare time, Ibach continues to play an active role in his family’s central Nebraska farm. Notably, he has also been involved in youth activities. As Director, Ibach provided vision and support for the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council and Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute, and has been a member, mentor, volunteer, speaker, leader, and supporter for both FFA chapters and 4-H clubs at the local and state level.
Ibach graduated from UNL (1984) with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with majors in Animal Science and Agricultural Economics where he served as an officer for the Block and Bridle Club. Also as a student, he was an officer of FarmHouse Fraternity and is currently an Alumni Association Board Member for the fraternity. Ibach serves as Co-Chairman of fundraising efforts for the new FarmHouse Chapter House, as well as serving as a mentor for FarmHouse student members.
The Block and Bridle Club is part of the Animal Science Department within the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at UNL.