Sallie Atkins to Serve as Smith’s Agriculture Director

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) announced today Sallie Atkins of Halsey has joined his staff as Agriculture Director. Atkins will lead engagement efforts on statewide agriculture issues and serve as the liaison for Third District producers, agriculture groups, and other stakeholders.

Atkins brings more than 30 years of experience in Nebraska agriculture, including having served as central Nebraska director of constituent services for Senator Mike Johanns. Most recently, Atkins was regional director of membership for the Nebraska Farm Bureau.

Atkins has also served as executive director and chairman of the Nebraska Beef Council, vice president of Nebraska Cattlemen, and board chairman of the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council. Additionally, she has been active in Nebraska 4-H and FFA. Her work on the Nebraska State Fair earned her the 2011 Nebraska Volunteer of the Year award.

“With our goal of providing top-notch service to farmers and ranchers throughout the Third District, Sallie’s wealth of experience makes her the perfect person to lead these efforts,” Smith said. “Her impressive credentials reflect her firsthand knowledge of producers’ needs and concerns. I am excited to welcome Sallie to the team and look forward to working with her to serve the country’s top-producing agriculture district.”

Atkins and her husband, Alan, farm and ranch in Thomas County.