Transformational agricultural systems leader to give Leu Lecture

Dr. Genho is a Visiting Professor at the University of Florida and independent consultant for various agricultural firms.
Dr. Genho is a Visiting Professor at the University of Florida and independent consultant for various agricultural firms.

Agricultural systems expert Paul Genho will visit the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to share insights into the beef and agricultural industries as well as leadership and entrepreneurship from his 50 years of experience in acquiring and managing agricultural properties worldwide.

Dr. Genho will provide the 2016 Leu Distinguished Lecture from 3 to 4 p.m. Oct. 31 at the East Campus Union and an evening presentation and reception from 7-9 p.m. Nov. 1 at Hardin Hall auditorium. Both events are free and the public is encouraged to attend. Registration for the Nov. 1 event is available at ruralfutures.nebraska.edu/events.

This visit is made possible by the university's Center for Grassland Studies and Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program in partnership with the Rural Futures Institute at the University of Nebraska.

“These presentations are important opportunities for university students, faculty and staff, as well as business and community leaders, to not only learn from a beef and agricultural expert who is known the world over, but to gain important lessons about what innovative entrepreneurship and leadership looks like in practice,” said Chuck Schroeder, founding executive director of the Rural Futures Institute. “Dr. Genho will inspire us to embrace and encourage change and find innovative solutions that are required to move our enterprises and rural communities forward.”

Genho is a visiting professor at the University of Florida and independent consultant for various agricultural firms. Throughout his career he served as chairman of the Board of AgReserves, Inc.; vice president and general manager of King Ranch; and manager of Deseret Ranches of Florida. He has held numerous leadership positions within the National Cattleman’s Beef Association, scientific, agricultural and academic communities.

The Leu Lecture Series seminar, “Fifty Years: Looking Back, Looking Forward,” is made possible, in part, by a gift from the Frank and Margaret Leu family to the University of Nebraska Foundation. In his comments, Genho will present five ideas affecting the beef industry in the future. The ideas were garnered from his five sons who are deeply involved in the beef supply chain from production through processing and merchandising. These ideas will provide a framework for moving the industry forward.

“We’re delighted that donations such as that from the Leu family allow us to bring someone of Dr. Genho’s stature to campus,” said Martin Massengale, director of the Center for Grassland Studies.

During the Nov 1. presentation, “The Future of U.S. Agriculture in a Global Market,” Genho will draw from his experience as a systems thinker, manager and leader, to provide perspective about the role of U.S. agriculture in a competitive and ever-changing global market. His experience in pulling together unified management systems that assure healthy landscapes, enterprises and people will frame the discussion.

“Dr. Genho’s ability to connect the lessons of the past with anticipated future transformations in the beef business will make for an invigorating and thought-provoking discussion,” said Tom Field, director of the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

More details at: http://ruralfutures.nebraska.edu/genho