Applications Open for 21st Annual Nebraska Youth Beef Leadership Symposium (NYBLS)

August 4, 2025

Students identifying beef primal cuts on a model
Participants identify beef primal cuts on a model at the 2024 NYBLS event
Photo by Whitley Rut

High school students interested in learning more about the beef industry can now apply to attend the 21st annual Nebraska Youth Beef Leadership Symposium (NYBLS) on November 21-23 on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus.

Since 2004, over 800 participants from all across the United States, including Colorado, Kansas, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, in addition to Nebraska, have attended the symposium. Youth are introduced to various career opportunities and current issues in the beef industry, as well as offered education and practice in the use of leadership skills. Speakers from the University and industry representatives educate attendees about all aspects of the industry from pasture to plate. The event concludes with groups working with a professional chef to create a dish using various cuts of beef, along with a marketing plan for the product. 

Students must be a high school sophomore, junior, or senior to attend. If selected to participate, a $75 registration fee, covering the cost of a hotel, meals, and materials, will be required. Attendees can also earn scholarships from the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CASNR) at the event.

For more information or to apply, please visit the NYBLS website at https://go.unl.edu/nybls. Applications will no longer be accepted after October 1.