Biography

Barry DeKay, born on May 29, 1959, in Lynch, Nebraska, is a fourth-generation farmer and rancher from Niobrara. He has dedicated over 44 years to agriculture and has been actively involved in various community and state organizations. DeKay has served on the board of the Niobrara Valley Hospital Foundation since 2005 and has been a member of the Raymond Township board since 1995. His extensive experience includes serving on the Niobrara Valley Electric Membership Corporation board from 1999 to 2014, the Nebraska Rural Electric Association board from 2001 to 2012, and the Nebraska Public Power District board from 2015 to 2021, where he held the position of chairman in 2020. In addition to his agricultural and civic contributions, DeKay has been a high school and college basketball official for over 38 years.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduated from Lynch High School in 1977.
• Political Experience:
  • Elected to the Nebraska State Senate representing District 40 in 2022; term began on January 4, 2023, and ends on January 6, 2027.
  • Appointed as Chairperson of the Agriculture Committee in 2025.
  • Served on the Judiciary, Transportation and Telecommunications, State-Tribal Relations, Justice Reinvestment Oversight , Statewide Tourism and Recreational Water Access and Resource Sustainability , and LR178 Select Interim Committees.

Notable Achievements

• As Chairperson of the Agriculture Committee, DeKay oversees legislation related to crop development, livestock, agricultural marketing, and other key areas impacting Nebraska's agricultural sector.
• Introduced a resolution honoring the Sage brothers of Niobrara, who were lost at sea during the Vietnam War, aiming to gain recognition and support from federal agencies.
• Endorsed Dr. Linda Vermooten for the Nebraska State Board of Education, highlighting his commitment to local control in education and support for alternative pathways such as vocational training.

DeKay's extensive background in agriculture, public service, and community involvement underscores his dedication to representing and advancing the interests of District 40 and the state of Nebraska.