By Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition
The Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition has named Laura Nelson as its new Executive Director.
Nelson brings deep roots in Nebraska agriculture and more than a decade of experience in agriculture communications, organizational leadership and rancher-led conservation. For the past ten months, she has served as NGLC’s Statewide Grassland Coordinator, where she led the development and launch of the Nebraska Grassland Alliance — a collaborative network uniting ranchers, conservation professionals and community leaders around a shared commitment to healthy, working grasslands.
“I’m grateful for the strong foundation so many have helped build over the past two and a half decades at NGLC, and for the growth and positive change Leah led over the past three years,” Nelson said. “I look forward to building on that momentum with the board, staff and partners as we continue supporting Nebraska’s ranching families and the grasslands we all depend on.”
Nelson’s agricultural roots are in Kimball County, where her family still farms and ranches. She began her career writing for the Certified Angus Beef brand before spending nearly a decade living and working in Montana. There, she served as editor and manager of an award-winning weekly newspaper and later founded an agriculture communications company, providing strategic communications and project management for organizations including the Montana Farm Bureau Federation, the Montana Environmental Stewardship Award Program and the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance. She returned to Nebraska in 2021 and now resides in Bassett.
As Executive Director, Nelson will work alongside the board and staff to guide strategic direction, partnerships and programs advancing NGLC’s mission to enhance Nebraska’s grasslands through voluntary technical assistance, education and public awareness.
The board and NGLC staff are deeply grateful for the dedication, leadership and hard work that former Executive Director Leah Peterson contributed during her tenure.
Nelson began her role as Executive Director on Dec. 29, 2025.
Visit Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition at www.nebraskagrazingslands.org