Many people never have the opportunity to hear four such experts discuss one of the critical challenges of our time – how to feed a growing world population expected to double the demand for food in the next 30-plus years – but you do. Sept. 28 is the first Heuermann Lecture of the 2012-2013 season. Tickets are free, but needed for this event. You can get yours – and more for your friends – by calling the Lied Center ticket office – 402-472-4747.

The four former secretaries set to speak are U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns, Nebraska native Clayton Yeutter, John Block and Dan Glickman. Jeff Raikes, chief executive officer of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and Ronnie Green, University of Nebraska vice president and Harlan vice chancellor, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, will moderate the discussion.

Heuermann Lectures are made possible through a gift from B. Keith and Norma Heuermann of Phillips, long-time university supporters with a strong commitment to Nebraska’s production agriculture, natural resources, rural areas and people. The Sept. 28 lecture highlights a week of activities celebrating the Morrill Act, which brought land-grant universities into being.