David A. Domina, trial lawyer at Domina Law Group in Omaha, will present "Consolidation, Merger, Market Domination and Agriculture's Changing Face" at 2 p.m. Feb. 20 in the Hardin Hall auditorium, 33rd and Holdrege streets on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's East Campus. The seminar is free and open to the public.

"Mr. Domina has a unique perspective to guide our thinking about landscapes in Nebraska," said Larkin Powell, professor of conservation biology and animal ecology in UNL's School of Natural Resources. "Through his legal work with private landowners in Nebraska, he understands the connection between concerns of Nebraska's farmers and the need to support conservation efforts. We have invited Mr. Domina to improve our understanding of how market forces and the structure of the agriculture industry result in changes to farms and ranches."

More than 95% of Nebraska is owned by private landowners, so the landscapes of Nebraska are largely created by piecing together farms and ranches, Powell said.

"And, we know that the size of farm fields, the level of out-of-state land ownership, and market demands are very influential forces that affect water, soil and wildlife conservation," he said. "If conservationists in Nebraska want to be successful, we must understand markets, industry and economics -- because conservation in Nebraska takes place on private lands that are managed by farmers and ranchers."

Domina graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Law in 1972. He has active bar admissions in Nebraska, Missouri, Michigan and New York, and has argued in courts across the United States. Domina formed Domina Law Group more than 35 years ago. He has tried about 330 cases to jury verdict, argued approximately 250 state and federal appeals and appeared in court in 43 states.

UNL's School of Natural Resources hosts a series of public seminars during the spring semester. More information can be found at http://go.unl.edu/snrseminars.

Mekita Rivas, Communications Associate
School of Natural Resources