John Owens: Speeches & Appearances

ABN Morning Remarks

John Owens — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 09:55:56 PDT

Folks, molecular life sciences are critical to the future of agriculture. Not just important – critical. It also is critical that IANR is well-positioned to incorporate the latest science and technology through its programs, faculty, and staff to create needed knowledge to prepare today’s and tomorrow’s professionals and to extent the knowledge necessary to keep Nebraska’s agriculture and associated activities competitive. Not everyone agrees on, or in some cases understands, the best way to accomplish this, including the importance of maintaining the appropriate balance of faculty expertise necessary to address, in an integrated fashion, creation of new knowledge to meet tomorrow’s problems while simultaneously solving the problems of today.

ABN Summer Tour Business Meeting

John Owens — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 09:55:55 PDT

Several things to update you on tonight, including the $1 million in proposed budget cuts for IANR, the life sciences report that followed the review team's visit to campus in March, and we have a commitment for a new animal science department head I'm delighted to tell you about. I'm going to talk a bit about what we see as some of the major issues on the horizon for IANR in FY 10, and I want to end with several of the many good news pieces we could share. Then we'll hope to have some time for questions and discussion.

ABN Noon Remarks for Legislators Luncheon

John Owens — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 09:55:55 PDT

Abraham Lincoln is a hero of mine. And, probably of yours as well. We celebrate his 200th birthday this February, and I'd like to start today with a Lincoln story I think appropriate for our times - and certainly for all luncheon speakers.

Nebraska Agribusiness Club: The 43rd Annual Honors Banquet

John Owens — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 09:55:54 PDT

Our first Public Service to Agriculture Award this evening will be presented posthumously to Dr. Charles H. Adams who compiled an enviable record advising and teaching more than 10,000 students during 37 years at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He was a member of what is now the Department of Animal Science in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Introduction of Lavon Heidemann: The Omaha Agri-Business Club Dinner

John Owens — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 09:55:53 PDT

It is a honor to introduce Lavon Heidemann of Elk Creek at this fine event. He has achieved distinction as an agricultural producer, a leader in the Nebraska Legislature, and a strong supporter of education at all levels, particularly young people interested in agriculture.

Nebraska Agribusiness Club, The 43rd Annual Honors Banquet: Dayle E. Williamson Presentation

John Owens — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 09:55:52 PDT

A young man who worked 20 hours a week in the Russell Stover Candy factory and spent most weekends helping his father on the farm while attending college, is our next recipient of the Nebraska Agribusiness Club's Public Service to Agriculture Award. He is Dayle E. Williamson, a native of Fillmore County, graduate of Ohiowa High School and the University of Nebraska in General Agriculture, who planned to be a farmer. He served in the U.S. Army, joined the Nebraska National Guard, and was employed as a University Extension agent in Gage and Jefferson counties. Then Dayle embarked on what became his life's profession upon being named Assistant Executive Secretary of the Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation Commission in 1958.

Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement Dinner

John Owens — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 09:55:51 PDT

It is my pleasure to be with you tonight celebrating the accomplishments of the new additions for 2009 to the Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement. I'm delighted to have this opportunity to help recognize these individuals so deserving of their honors. It's a privilege to say, "well done and thank you" to people who make such significant contributions to the world, who live their lives meaningfully in the way they have chosen to put their talents and energies to work.

National Science Foundation - 4-H Robotics Grant Announcement

John Owens — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:38:11 PDT

Bullets for announcement of the nearly $2.5 million grant to 4-H from the National Science Foundation to take its robotics curriculum national.

ABN Morning Session

John Owens — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:38:10 PDT

December's wintry weather started me thinking about the December seven years ago when my wife Virginia and I slid into town looking forward with real enthusiasm to our new adventure with the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement Dinner

John Owens — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:38:09 PDT

It is my pleasure to be with you tonight celebrating the accomplishments of these wonderful and worthy new additions to the Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement. I'm delighted to have this opportunity to help recognize these Nebraskans so deserving of their honors. It is a privilege for all of us to say, “well done and thank you” to people who make such significant contributions to the world, who live their lives meaningfully in the way they choose to put their talents and energies to work.

Alumni Advisory Council Presentation - Wick Alumni Center

John Owens — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:38:08 PDT

Folks, I'm so pleased to be here with you today to talk about the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the exciting, valuable contributions our faculty, staff, and students are making to Nebraska and, indeed, the world. Last year an independent study found the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources provides a conservative 15-to-1 return on state tax dollars invested with us. We call that study the At Work for Nebraska study because well, that's what we are about.

Bullets for CASNR faculty meeting remarks

John Owens — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:38:07 PDT

CASNR Salute to Graduates

John Owens — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:38:06 PDT

We appreciate your being with us this afternoon as we celebrate the accomplishments of tomorrow's graduates from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. These students truly are a reason for celebration. Thank you for attending and congratulations to the class of 2008! This Salute to the Graduates ceremony has become a wonderful tradition in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

Distinguished Fellowship Awards Luncheon

John Owens — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:38:05 PDT

It's a true pleasure to see everyone here today as we gather for this distinguished fellowship awards luncheon. On behalf of everyone present, I extend heartiest congratulations to each of you who is an award recipient. We are so pleased for you, who are being honored, and we are so delighted to have you with us.

Presentation Remarks: Gamma Sigma Delta Award of Merit

John Owens — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:38:04 PDT

I am really pleased to have this opportunity to present the 2008 Gamma Sigma Delta Award of Merit to Alan Baquet. Being here to say "Congratulations, Alan," is a special treat for me - and I do say, "Congratulations, Alan." You are very deserving of this honor.

KRVN - Gudmundsen Field Day

John Owens — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:38:03 PDT

John, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources has various locations throughout Nebraska for research and educational purposes. One such location is the Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory, which this past week was the site for the annual Youth Field Day.

Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory Open House: Wagonhammer Education Center

John Owens — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:38:03 PDT

Today at this terrific Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory open house I want to begin with three thank you’s. First, thank you for attending. It is a treat to see all of you here, and we thank you for your presence and your interest in this key university program.

IANR Research and Extension Centers and their associated districts

John Owens — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:38:02 PDT

It's a pleasure to have this opportunity to speak with you about the University’s four strategically placed Research and Extension Centers and their associated extension districts, all part of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

LEAD Group Presentation

John Owens — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:38:01 PDT

Let me begin today by offering my congratulations to each of you who is a member of this new LEAD class. You are embarking upon a truly exciting, rewarding opportunity, important to both you and Nebraska. Our state needs good leaders, people dedicated to keeping our organizations, communities, and Nebraska strong, and moving forward. We need leaders of courage and compassion, able to think clearly, assess information, formulate a plan, and adjust that plan as needed. We need leaders who work toward a common good.

LEAD Presentation - Shout It Out

John Owens — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:38:00 PDT

Good afternoon, everyone. Those of us representing the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources are pleased to be here with you today. We welcome you to IANR Shout It Out, the exciting Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources game that allows you to test your IANR and Nebraska knowledge, learn exciting new facts, and most importantly of all win prizes!