SIDNEY -- The Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce gathered Monday to welcome the Federal Crop Agency office to Sidney.

The Federal Crop Agency in Sidney is located at 256 Illinois St. The opening of the Sidney office was celebrated with a ribbon cutting.

Federal Crop Agency owner Nicholle Renshaw said the event is a precursor to Tuesday's event at the Cheyenne County Fairgrounds.

"Tomorrow we have a big symposium coming up where we have a number of really talented speakers coming to donate their time and educate all of us on some really good risk management strategies. This ties in really well with what Federal Crop Agency does on a daily basis," Renshaw said.

The event starts at 9 a.m. and lunch is provided.

Agent Chris Hadden is connected to Sidney and Chappell.

"I'm kind of the elder statesman in the group; been with the Federal Crop Agency since 1983, anxious as heck to finally have an agency in Sidney. I've lived in Sidney and worked in Federal Crop Agency in Chappell," he said.

Agent Anne Rexroth said the ribbon cutting was held to recognize the new location.

"The ribbon cutting here today is to commemorate the opening of this office. I'm here on the west side of Nebraskaland Tire," Rexroth said.

She said she is anxious to take on the duties of a Federal Crop Agency agent and meet local producers.

"I've been here just about a year, and it's been a great change from my prior job to jump into crop insurance and serve the producers of Cheyenne County," she said.

Ben Rand is the newest on the staff. Monday was his first day part of the staff. 

"This is my first day here. So, we're really excited to be part of this new crop insurance livestock, across the United States. I really enjoy the challenges that Western Nebraska agriculture faces and helping producers navigate those risks," he said.