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S S 100 YEARS 100 YEARS 1917-20171 1 9 1 7-2 0 1 7 9 1 7-2 0 1 7 100 Years of Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation

Cover image: Hamilton County image of farmer in field courtesy of Bekah Nortrup © 2017 Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation

5225 S. 16th Street P.O. Box 80299 Lincoln, NE 68501 www.nefb.org

ISBN 978-0-692-79000-7

The Nebraska Farm Bureau Centennial Book has been a rewarding project. One that has been well researched, examined, and analyzed. This has been a long process involving a great deal of careful consideration. If there are any oversights, please accept our sincere apologies. We hope you enjoy the book!

2 Table of Contents

4 Dedication

5 President Steve Nelson, Nebraska Farm Bureau

6 Harlan/Furnas County Couple Gives 100 years to Farm Bureau on its Centennial

8 Nebraska Farm Bureau Presidents

9 2017 Nebraska Farm Bureau Board of Directors

10 1917–1926 The First Decade Farmers and Ranchers Organize

14 1927–1936 The Second Decade Growing in Size and Influence

18 1937–1946 The Third Decade Into World War II

22 1947–1956 The Fourth Decade A Voice to Be Heard

26 1957–1966 The Fifth Decade A Need for Tax Changes and Growth

30 1967–1976 The Sixth Decade Operating From Strength

36 1977–1986 The Seventh Decade An Aggressive and Youthful Approach

42 1987–1996 The Eighth Decade Dynamic and Ready for the Future

50 1997–2006 The Ninth Decade Defining Moment of Growth

58 2007–2017 The Tenth Decade Going Above and Beyond

66 100 Years of County Farm Bureaus in Nebraska

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 3 Dedication

Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation dedicates this history to its County Farm Bureaus and the members and leaders who built this organization during its first 100 years.

Acknowledgments

Kevin C. Meyer wrote the history of Nebraska Farm Widholm and Leanne Paetz spent countless hours working Bureau’s first seven decades, which was originally published to update pages, laying out and highlighting the best of the as Seventy Years Young, An Anecdotal History of Nebraska best of our Nebraska Farm Bureau history, which starts Farm Bureau in December 1987. Cheryl Stubbendieck wrote with strengthening our County Farm Bureaus. the chapter, “Into the Eighth Decade,” using research by the Finally, thanks go to the County Farm Bureau history late Charlotte “Chuck” Murphy. chairmen, history committees and office assistants who Thanks to Barb Batie, a long time Dawson County researched and wrote their county histories and located Farm Bureau member and leader and former NFBF Chief the photos and artwork that accompany them. The county Administrator/Secretary Treasurer Doug Gibson for their pages are the heart of this volume and this history could not time researching, writing and proofing this book. Paula have been completed without their fine work.

Tina Henderson, Vice President of Communications Strategy 5225 S. 16th Street, P.O. Box 80299, Lincoln, NE 68501 Phone (402) 421-4400 • Fax (402) 421-4432

4 Kristin Ohri Photography The Nelson family from left: son-in-law Bobby and daughter Stacy O’Brian, Elma and Steve Nelson and daughter-in-law Amy, son Scott and 3-year-old grandson Sam.

t is with sincere gratitude that I have the honor and privilege to serve as your president at the time we celebrate the 100th year of the INebraska Farm Bureau Federation. We each have individual stories to tell. Stories about multiple generation families farming and ranching together. And stories about neighbors joining together in county Farm Bureaus, successfully working to make life better for farmers, ranchers and everyone in our state, nation and world. These stories are a testament to the hard work, honesty, integrity, values and traditions of Nebraska Farm Bureau. On behalf of my family and the entire Farm Bureau family, thank you for “A Strong Heritage of Serving Members.”

Steve Nelson President of Nebraska Farm Bureau 2011-present

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 5 Harlan/Furnas County Couple Gives 100 Years to Farm Bureau on its Centennial

eing members of the Nebraska Farm Bureau has meant a great deal to the Winz family Bof Holdrege, and they’ve given back several fold to the organization over the years. For Ray and Nadine Winz, 82 and 79, respectively, their membership adds up to more than 100 years, an appropriate number considering this year is the 100th Anniversary of the Nebraska Farm Bureau. But that participation extends beyond Ray and Nadine. This is a multi-generational farm family that sacrifices its time and energy to be part of Farm Bureau as well as many other organizations. In fact, they’ve contributed in developing Farm Bureau at the local level. Winz Wagon Wheel Ranch, a 3,600-acre Ray and Nadine Winz married in 1954, and combined, have more corn-soybean farm and purebred Charolais cattle than 100 years of service to the Nebraska Farm Bureau. Immediately after high school, Ray purchased a hay baler and operated a custom operation is Southeast of Holdrege and consists baling business that helped them get started in farming. of three generations: Ray and Nadine; their son, Doug; son Steve and his, wife, Renee; and their Pals programs, so it’s no wonder their involvement three sons, Michael, Greg, and Garrett. All are carried on with Doug and Steve. Farm Bureau members. In 1981, Ray was one of four area farmers who “Were proud of our family operation,” Ray incorporated the Harlan County Farm Bureau. said. “It’s what we worked for, for more than 60 Three years later, Nadine was appointed county years, and we plan to keep it going. We do most information chairperson, a position she still holds. of our repairs, such as erecting our own grain bins Doug has been a member of Farm Bureau for and repairing irrigation engines, in order to keep nearly 40 years, joining while a student at the money at home to build up the farm. And we’re University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He helped expand glad our three grandsons came back to the farm.” the organization in 2005 by adding Furnas County, Ray and Nadine married in 1954 and joined creating the Harlan-Furnas County Farm Bureau. Farm Bureau in 1964 because, “it fit our approach He is currently president of the Harlan-Furnas to farm policy and to social issues. It’s a group that is County Farm Bureau and a member of the State always moving in the right direction conservatively Legislative Policy Committee. and never out on a wild limb. What they tell you, you Steve has been a member of the Farm Bureau can believe,” said Ray. “We’ve made life-long friends since he was 17 years old, and his sons are from across the state,” added Nadine. members, too. Ray has served six years on the state board of Nadine has been on the Nebraska Farm directors and Nadine followed Ray for six more Bureau’s State Women’s Committee, including years when he went off the board. Each has long serving as chairwoman, and has been involved in been active in the Ag in the Classroom and Ag Pen ag youth leadership seminars and training. “I’ve

6 learned leadership and responsibility skills by being involved in Farm Bureau and I always wanted to pass those on to younger members.” They are near unanimous when it comes to the key issues Farm Bureau addresses on their behalf—taxes, water, and government regulations. “As producers, we are unable to be in Lincoln or Washington ourselves all the time. Our government relations staff members are great representatives for us,” Doug said.

“Too many farmers go to the coffee shop and Doug Winz has been a Farm Bureau member for 40 years complain about all government policies, but most and is currently president of the Harlan-Furnas County never join an organization,” he added. organization. “Communication between producers and the are voted on by delegates from across the state at public requires constant emphasis, and Farm Bureau the annual convention in late fall. programs, including Ag in the Classroom and Ag Lively debates are common at the annual Pen Pals, help young students learn what agriculture delegate session, and Ray has not been shy about provides to American consumers,” Ray said. offering his input from the floor. Farm Bureau’s Leadership Academy, held each The Winz family also has a long history in 4-H year, is yet another program that develops leaders, leadership locally. Ray said his two sons and three not just for Farm Bureau but for all of agriculture. grandsons all were involved in FFA. “We are outnumbered in Washington, D.C., For years, Nadine was the bookkeeper for Winz even in Lincoln,” Ray said. “I was able to be on Wagon Wheel Ranch. Now Renee handles that the road a lot because I had a dedicated family at important responsibility. home running everything. So we must make the In addition to their two sons, the Winzes have a public aware of not only our great production daughter, Becky Grosserode, who lives in Omaha. capability but the issues we face.” Referring to the multi-generation family farm Policy development that begins at the grassroots operation, Ray said, “We didn’t build this without level is important to the Winzes and a key attribute love, understanding, communication, and faith of Farm Bureau. County Farm Bureaus debate in God.” policy and from there the proposed resolutions go Don McCabe is a freelance writer who is writing stories the State Legislative Policy Committee for debate. about Nebraska Farm Bureau members and the 100-year Finally, state and national policy recommendations anniversary of the organization.

Steve and Renee and their three sons—from left, Michael, Greg, and Garrett. Michael’s wife, Chelsea, is a nurse at a clinic in Holdrege, while Greg’s wife, Chantel, teaches at an elementary school in Wilcox.

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 7 Nebraska Farm Bureau Presidents 1917-2017

Harry Keefe P. P. Ceder 1917-1918 1931-1933 1923-1925 Charles Marshall Elmer Young 1945-1966 1918-1921 Roland Nelson J. N. Norton 1966-1972 1922 John Klinker C. Y. Thompson 1972-1975 1922-1923 Wendell Gangwish 1934-1945 1975-1981

Nellie Benson Bryce P. Neidig 1926-1929 1981-2002

L. R. Leonard Keith R. Olsen 1929-1930 2002-2011

Charles H. Murray Steve Nelson 1930-1931 2011-Present

8 2017 Nebraska Farm Bureau Board of Directors

Steve Nelson President Kearney/Franklin County

Mark McHargue Terry Keebler Don Benner Martey Stewart 1st Vice President District 1 District 2 District 3 Merrick County Johnson County Merrick County Dixon County

Leslie Boswell John Temme Myles Ramsey Katie Olson District 4 Youth-At-Large 2nd Vice President District 6 Clay County Wayne County District 5, Adams County Holt County

Dustin Ladenburger Bill Baldwin Dave Nielsen Hilary Maricle District 7 District 8 At-Large At-Large Hitchcock County Scotts Bluff County Lancaster County Boone County

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 9 Farmers and Ranchers Organize

1917 . Woodrow Wilson was the U.S. president . Beef rib roast cost 18¢ a pound . A piano could be tuned for $3 . A wool blanket cost $5 . A top of the line camera cost $6 . Movie tickets were 23¢ . A pound of butter cost 43¢ . You could buy a farm for $69 per acre . The first Pulitzer Prizes were awarded . First ever jazz record released . Movie hits were: The Poor Little Rich Girl (Mary Pickford); Cleopatra (Theda Bara), and Easy Street (Charlie Chaplin) . World population: 1.9 billion people . A new car cost $360 . Average yearly income $720

10 (Nebraska State Historical Society RG0716-15-07) THE FIRST DECADE 1917-1926

s U.S. history goes, a lot took place in that protect and foster 1917. President Woodrow Wilson asked growth within the ACongress to declare war against Germany agriculture industry (WWI began in 1914); there were race riots in and beyond. These are East St. Louis, Illinois, (40 to 200 people were historical accomplish- reported killed); the first federal land bank was ments you will likely chartered; Father Edward Flanagan founded Boys recognize as playing an Town outside of Omaha; Nebraska celebrated its integral role in shaping semi-centennial 1867-1917; and Nebraska Farm Nebraska agriculture and Bureau Federation was born. the food they raise on land Farmers and ranchers pulled together to form that has been a part of Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation, which over the Nebraska families for generations. years has become the trusted voice of Nebraska farmers and ranchers. The earliest farm organiza- Farm Bureau Grew Out tions of farmers began to develop in the late 1800s. of Extension Movement Those groups organized under a variety of names and philosophies, including The Grange, The Farm Bureau and the Extension movement were Farmer’s Alliance, The Agricultural Wheel, The weaved together to gather support for rural Ancient Order of Gleaners and the Equity. communities and agriculture. The Extension Service allowed Farm Bureau to sponsor a county Harry Keefe agent. Farmers and ranchers needed help and Extension agents brought scientific knowledge to Nebraska Farm Bureau farm and ranch families. The sole purpose was grew out of the Extension to improve the efficiency of agriculture. Farm education movement, Bureau’s involvement became a natural fit. The which was occurring Smith-Lever Act of 1914 gave a powerful boost at land grant colleges to Cooperative Extension Service activities. across the nation. Local “Farmers’ Institutes,” agricultural education County Farm Bureaus sponsored by Extension funds, had been the served as the organiza- main way the Extension Service reached the rural tional network needed population. The annual Extension Service report to further the Extension in 1918 encouraged County Farm Bureaus’ to Harry Keefe education efforts of the take over what was called the institutes. The county agent. It was report stated: during a 1917 meeting of that Harry Keefe, founder of Nebraska’s first County Farm Bureau in Thurston “Farmers’ Institutes have gradually been County, was elected president. Back then the organi- discontinued in Nebraska and in their place zation had more than 300 members. has been substituted the work of the Farm Bureau with its special meetings and definite program of work.... A few institutes still Historical Accomplishments survive in some parts of the state, but these In this book we will look at how Nebraska Farm are being encouraged to affiliate with the Bureau members have developed strong policy Farm Bureau and to turn their program into supporting legislation and regulatory programs its program.”

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 11 Bringing Value the time, as there was a cooperative for the egg to Members industry, a milk cooperative and hay shipping cooperative. In 1925, the Farm Bureau executive Farm Bureau initiated board opposed legislation granting government direct buying as a control over cooperatives. member benefit in 1918. It was an effort to “Eat More Meat” Campaign create value to farmer and rancher members Nebraska Farm Bureau wanted to encourage the who belong to the citizens of Nebraska to eat more red meat. It was organization and it important for the state’s economy to ensure that is something we still agriculture was growing and prospering. Nebraska provide today. The Farm Bureau supported a piece of legislation, direct buying service sponsored by the National Livestock and Meat Sign from Farm Bureau Chick Co-ops for members was first Board, that worked like today’s beef checkoff implemented for harnesses and tires. We now program. It collected five cents per railroad car that provide discounts on vehicles, prescription drugs, shipped livestock to markets. The money was to be hotels, and other products and services that save used for the “Eat More Meat” campaign in 1922. our members money. Farm Bureau also supported The livestock business can be challenging because cooperative marketing groups across the state markets are cyclical, so you have good years, then such as the Farmer’s Union Cooperative Sugar downturns. But those checkoff dollars that were Company of Minatare. Cooperatives were big at collected have opened up program opportunities to

The Year of the Grasshopper

It’s been said by pioneers that when the grasshoppers came in the early 1900s they watched the sunlight dim and a peculiar darkness sweep over the Nebraska sky. A whirring, rasping sound followed, and there appeared to be a moving gray-green screen between the sun and earth. Then something dropped from the cloud like hail, hitting houses, trees and picket fences. Rocky Mountain locusts flew in and they ate what they could devour. Followed by the next spring with locust’s eggs hatching and more grasshoppers...families lost everything. NFBF’s first legislative effort on record was to solve the growing problem of the grasshopper. The organization endorsed House Roll #98, a bill authorizing $15,000 for the establishment of a Game and Fish Substation in Dundy County. The main reason for Farm Bureau’s support is found in the bill’s text: “...and for the further purpose of buying, importing, hatching and rearing game birds, particularly pheasants ...for distribution...in such parts of the state as are afflicted with grasshoppers or other crop destroying pests.” This effort marked the beginning of Farm Bureau being the voice of farmers and ranchers at all levels.

12 THE FIRST DECADE 1917-1926

Nellie Benson, NFBF President 1926-1929

Nellie Gray Hill Benson, Nebraska Farm Bureau’s first woman president from 1926-1929. Under Benson’s reign as president, Nebraska Farm Bureau saw several few key things:

. She was deemed the "first lady of rural electrifi- . She served on the cation" and was instrumental in taking the oil lamp State Board of Control out of the window and putting in the light bulb. from 1929 to 1935. . Benson was from Johnstown, Ohio. In 1882, her In 1939 she served as family relocated to Nebraska and made her home vice president of the Nebraska Rural Electric in Osceloa. Association (NREA) and in 1941, was the first woman elected as president of the NREA. . On June 3, 1903 she married DeAlton Benson at Silver Creek. They moved to the homestead of her . When a vacancy occurred on the board of the father-in-law, John V. Benson. John had purchased Polk County Rural Public Power District in this homestead from the government in 1878. 1936, Benson’s name was proposed. She ran for election and was returned to office by a large . DeAlton and Nellie Benson were among the first majority and continued to serve for more than organizers of the Polk County Farm Bureau. two decades. She served as a member of the state board of directors for two years and was elected vice . A true pioneer in agriculture organizations and president from 1924 to 1925. From 1926 to a long advocate of electricity on the farm, this 1929, she served as president of the Nebraska lady of two firsts stated that it was time women Farm Bureau Federation. should know what is going on in the world. They should help make this country a better place for posterity and assume civic responsibility.

Thus, we salute this early leader of our organization. Thank you, Nellie Gray Hill Benson, for carrying the torch in the early years!

increase demand for beef. Farmers and ranchers are the salt-of-the-earth. They are people who love the land, respect and take care of their animals and do it with passion to make sure the food they raise is a quality product for our tables.

Feeder cattle yards, South Omaha, 1909 (detail). (Nebraska State Historical Society RG1085-04)

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 13 Growing in Size and Influence

1927 . Calvin Coolidge was the U.S. President . A basketball game was 35¢ . A jar of grape jelly cost 25¢ . An electric toaster cost $3.79 . A felt hat was $1.98 . An evening at the theater cost 50¢ per ticket . A can of tuna cost 29¢ . A box of tissues cost 35¢ . Mantle clocks were 12.50 each . Gas was 21¢ per gallon . A loaf of bread cost 9¢ . A gallon of milk was 56¢ . Eggs were 46¢ per dozen . A postage stamp was 2¢ . Price for an average house was $7,682 . A car cost $375 . Average income was $1,472

14 THE SECOND DECADE 1927-1936

ebraska Farm Bureau Federation reached Farm and Ranch Life During a milestone in 1928, as they moved their the Great Depression Noffice to the Orpheum Theater Building in Lincoln. This increase in physical space was needed The Great Depression changed the lives of people to house the increasing activities of who lived and farmed on the Great Plains and the Federation. At this same time in turn, changed America and Nebraska Farm the Federation set policy requiring Bureau. The government programs that helped Farm Bureau memberships for them live through the 1930s changed the future all Farm Bureau employees. It of agriculture forever. Weather touched every part was also the year dues were paid of life in the “Dirty 30s”: dust, insects, summer to the American Farm Bureau heat and winter cold. It had a tremendous impact Federation, making Nebraska on the decline in price levels. Farm Bureau recom- a voting member at national mended that Congress increase circulated money conventions. Thirty-two in order to reverse the downward price trend and Nebraska counties had been eliminate money hoarding. The Federation felt sanctioned as County Farm money could be withdrawn from the economy Bureaus, including 16 in when the emergency had passed. 1928. Policy was changing President Franklin D. Roosevelt was a constantly. It had a direct strong supporter of agriculture. Farmers praised impact on farmers and ranchers. So, having a voice the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1933 and – a seat at the table at the national level and an considered it to be the golden key to agricultural impact on policy – was critical. As an organization prosperity. The act had many provisions, the best whose policy is developed and set by farmers and known being reduction of acreage in order to raise ranchers who produce literally everything grown and maintain prices. County Farm Bureaus were within the state, Nebraska Farm Bureau allows all called on to administer acreage allotments and of agriculture to speak with one voice. to supervise contract fulfillment. The drought of 1934 helped reduction effectiveness. U.S. Secretary

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (second from right) listens to Senator George W. Norris of Nebraska at the 1936 campaign stop in the state. (detail) (Nebraska State Historical Society RG3298-34-43a)

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 15 of Agriculture Henry Wallace received broad powers and he was able to call for the licensing of middlemen and processors in order to distribute a larger percentage of profit to farmers. He removed agricultural exports from taxation while placing levies on agricultural imports. He also took measures to stop farm mortgage foreclosures. Farmers across the nation generally welcomed strengthening the agricultural economy. The act was declared unconstitutional on January 6, 1936, which disappointed many farmers and ranchers, as well as Nebraska Farm Bureau. At the NFBF’s 1936 annual meeting, A. D. Searles, chairman of the resolutions committee, called it “disastrous to agriculture.” Work immediately began on formu- lation of a similar national act that would meet standards set by the courts. Although the ’30’s had many negative economic impacts on agriculture, the concept of cooperation was realized during that time. In 1933, Nebraska Farm Bureau initiated formation of a committee to Farm Bureau inspected appliances at the state investigate mortgage foreclosures. Its purpose was office in 1937. to help creditors and debtors work together for peaceful settlements. The state committee consisted worth of electric current will churn 25 pounds of of seven members, one representative from Farm butter, do a big family washing, separate the milk Bureau, Farmer’s Union, the Grange, the state tax from 30 cows or run a sewing machine half a commissioner, the Mortgage Banker’s Association, day.” Farm Bureau lobbied for state funds for rural and the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. The electricity and supported the Rural Electrification committee acted as a referee to handle appeals from Act of 1935 that allocated $100 million to “initiate, similar committees formed on the county level. This formulate, administer and supervise...the distri- was the first time the three major farm organizations bution of electric energy in rural areas.” Nebraska had worked together in Nebraska for a common Farm Bureau was part of an effort to turn and keep cause. Once again Nebraska Farm Bureau worked the lights on in rural Nebraska. to make a difference for the benefit of farmers and ranchers in Nebraska. Cooperative Services Offered More Electrical Power to During this decade, Nebraska Farmers and Ranchers Farm Bureau formed Electricity was beginning to play a vital role in a Cooperative Service rural life, and Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation Department. They found supported funds for increased rural distribution. that the Minnesota Farm Statements from the 1935 annual meeting indicated: Bureau Federation had “If furnished at a reasonable cost, a nickel’s netted $1,500 per month

16 THE SECOND DECADE 1927-1936

by selling oil on a cooperative basis. In order to the service department by creating more eligible attack financial difficulties, Nebraska Farm Bureau buyers but it also helped the Federation in solic- Federation signed an oil contract with J. D. Street iting membership, which had been waning during Company in August of 1929. By November of that the Depression years. By 1935, Nebraska Farm year binder twine was also offered. Unfortunately, Bureau Non-Stock Cooperative Association was this Nebraska Farm Bureau Service Organization a prospering self-entity and $3,500 was set aside did not show the returns that were expected. The for patronage dividends. The minutes of executive 1931 audit reported a $500 loss with similar board meetings were opened as “a joint meeting reports in 1932 and 1933. However, in 1932 a of Board of Trustees of the Nebraska Farm new plan for the service department was estab- Bureau Federation and the Nebraska Farm Bureau lished. Products were sold to non-members at Non-Stock Cooperative Association.” regular price, while Farm Bureau members received An inventory list includes items such as paint, a discount rate. The difference between the two harnesses, Gooch Mills feed, explosives, sodium prices was credited to the non-member’s account chlorate, pigs, oil, grease, premium gasoline, until his membership fee was paid, after which he fertilizer and fit-a-form dress patterns. received the discount rate. This not only helped

The original Gooch Mill was established in Lincoln in 1908. (Nebraska State Historical Society RG2133-12-451)

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 17 Into World War II

1937 . Franklin D. Roosevelt was the U.S. president . Agatha Christie published Death on the Nile . The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California, opened . A grocery deliverer earned $25/week . Sirloin steak cost 39¢ per pound . A bottle of aspirin cost 12¢ . A box of crackers cost 20¢ . A pound of rice cost 4¢ . A 20-acre farm and house cost $20,000 . Top songs were: “Pennies from Heaven” and “The Way You Look Tonight” . Hot new game was Monopoly . Gas cost 19¢ per gallon . Movie stars were: Charlie Chaplin, Greta Garbo, Laurel & Hardy, Ginger Rogers, Shirley Temple

18 THE THIRD DECADE 1937-1946

ebraska Farm Bureau Federation’s third corn to foreigners through United States exports, decade opened with many of the same yet denying farmers and feeders in drought-stricken Nprojects and philosophies as during its Nebraska the right to purchase this corn at the second. However, involvement of the United States same price in order to retain their livestock herds. in World War II caused Farm Bureau to rally . Thompson served for twenty-four years on the around the flag and aid the war effort. Charles University Board of Regents, from 1935-1959. Yoder (C. Y.) Thompson, member of Cuming He completed four terms as board president. County Farm Bureau, was president of Nebraska As a member of the board his goals included a Farm Bureau and in this decade he served his balanced representation of various groups and second term as president. professions within Nebraska and he held in high His first term last from regard the interests of students on campus. 1922-1923. He began his second term in 1934 . In 1959, the University conferred an honorary through 1945. Thompson Doctor of Agriculture degree to Thompson. In was a working president, 1966, the University again honored Thompson who believed in Nebraska by naming the new library on East Campus, C.Y. Farm Bureau’s values and Thompson Library. had a passion for serving. Under Thompson’s reign C.Y. Thompson War Time Efforts Supported as president, Nebraska Farm Bureau saw several key things: Little did they know at the 1941 annual meeting, December 3 and 4, that World War II would begin . 1939 was when the idea first surfaced to in three days with the bombing of Pearl Harbor separate Farm Bureau and the Extension Service. on December 7, 1941. In 1942, the first resolution The state Federation was against losing this passed by delegates read: “Victory of our armed special relationship. World War II and the U.S. forces in World War II is our first objective. We involvement, however, caused this issue to be pledge unlimited efforts and sacred honor that the postponed until the 1950s. principles of government of the people, for the . In 1940, Farm Bureau moved its headquarters people, and by the people shall not perish from the from the Orpheum Theatre Building to the earth...(we) accept responsibility for increased food Friend-Krause Building in Lincoln. and fiber for our armed forces, our allies and our

. Members of Farm Bureau, Farmers Union and the Equity met to discuss cosponsoring a power alcohol plant in Nebraska.

. President C.Y. Thompson traveled to New York City to meet with representatives of the National Agrol Company to secure plans for a plant in Omaha.

. Nebraska’s Congressional delegation received letters from Farm Bureau in June of 1940 concerning corn prices. These letters called their attention to the inconsistency of giving low-priced (Library of Congress)

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 19 own people.” Nebraska Farm Bureau had begun especially since farmers and ranchers had been its quest to help in the war effort. called on to increase production. NFBF President It was a group consensus at a 1942 board Charles Marshall, Cass County Farm Bureau, meeting that no more steel Farm Bureau signs be made significant headway in making sure farms purchased in order to conserve the resource for and ranches were protected during war time. Some war materials. Other actions were not so enthusi- of his key accomplishments include: astically met. Farm Bureau members from Buffalo . Asking Nebraska Congressmen in 1946 to limit County circulated petitions throughout their drafting of 18-year-old farm boys and also county protesting the unfair rationing of rubber. seeking disbandment of wage and price controls The Anchor Serum Company in Norfolk asked the that were drawing men to the factories. NFBF for help in obtaining rubber tires as “tires had been rationed only to veterinarians and not . He was part of a Displaced Persons Committee, to lay vaccinators.” In response to these concerns which was concerned with the resettlement of Farm Bureau called for funds to be sent to the 850,000 displaced Europeans following the war. University of Nebraska College of Agriculture for . Farm Bureau took positions concerning research on the production of synthetic rubber post-war relationships with the government from surplus grain. Farm Bureau also called for opposing government ownership and operation funds to increase irrigation in the state in order to of farmland or any business or factory except meet the war demands for food production. in times of war. It recommended that the Many national activities were cancelled during government dispose of any business that it World War II. The National 4-H Conference in operated during the war, unless it was vital to 1942, which Farm Bureau historically sponsored national defense. the Nebraska delegation to attend was such an event. As an alternative, defense bonds were . Farm Bureau also opposed mandatory military awarded to the top Nebraska 4-H’ers. Farm training during peacetime. Bureau purchased other war bonds and reported nearly $3,000 of such bonds in its 1945 audit. Growing Farm Bureau 59 Counties Strong Charles Marshall’s Presidency During the war, 1945-1966 membership in Labor shortages Nebraska Farm became a problem as Bureau dropped WWII wore on. As and Mrs. Haven soldiers returned from Smith (former fulfilling their American Congresswoman duty, many who were Virginia Smith) from previously engaged in Chappell reported in agriculture, began to 1942, “We all realize be lured to high-paying that our organization factory jobs. There was Virginia Smith is temporarily disor- Charles Marshall a labor shortage and ganized but this is not a tragedy in comparison to it hit agriculture hard, the tragedy of our country (she was referring to

20 THE THIRD DECADE 1937-1946

off. By 1948, there were 35 county field directors in the state and a staff training school was held. There were a total of 59 County Farm Bureaus that year. At this time the board of trustees saw the need to change the emphasis of the Federation from membership solicitation to action, stating: “We believe that we must move forward into the field of analysis and discussion of agriculture, economic and legislative issues with an increasing tempo. We believe that the program started last year, wherein counties take responsibility for membership acquisition and maintenance, must Farm Bureau exhibit be continued and expanded.” Nebraska Farm WWII).” But as a membership organization, we Bureau, in 2017, continues this way of thinking took measures in 1948 to increase awareness of and has made it a part of their strategic plan to membership in Nebraska Farm Bureau and it paid “strengthen every County Farm Bureau!”

Supporting Farmer-owned Radio

The year of 1937 was a very good year for radio. It was estimated that more than 80% of the population had at least one radio, and millions now had radios in their cars. But there was a greater need for a radio station dedicated solely to reporting news about agriculture and the needs of rural commu- nities. Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation saw this need and helped create the Nebraska Rural Radio Association. Nebraska Farm Bureau encouraged members to purchase membership in this farmer-owned radio station. The Federation believed that this associ- ation would assist farmers and ranchers in representing agriculture’s point of view on ag markets, taxes, schools and roads to the general public. By 1951, the association had sold 5,000 memberships and a switch was flipped beginning the first broadcast of KRVN in Lexington. The Nebraska Farm Bureau, The Nebraska State Grange, The Nebraska Cooperative Council and Nebraska Farmers Union were the original founders Nebraska Rural Radio Association. Fast forward to 2017, KRVN is the flagship and first station of a nine-station network spanning Nebraska with coverage into Iowa, South Dakota, Kansas, Colorado and Wyoming. Nebraska Rural Radio Association stations include: 880 KRVN and 93.1 the River, Lexington; 960 KNEB and 94.1 The Brand, Scottsbluff; 840 KTIC and 107.9 The Bull, West Point; 1580 KAMI, Cozad; and 1370 KAWL and 104.9 Max Country, York.

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 21 A Voice to Be Heard e 1947 . Harry S. Truman was the U.S. president . U.S. population was 141.8 million . Life expectancy was 66.7 years . Houses cost $6,600 . Minimum wage was 40¢ per hour . Miracle on 34th Street was a popular movie . Bookkeepers earned $40/week . First NBA Championship: Philadelphia Warriors beat Chicago Stags . You Bet Your Life with Groucho Marx premieres on ABC Radio . Average yearly income was $2,850 . The cost of a new car was $1,300 . A dozen eggs cost 31¢ . Gas cost 15¢ per gallon . A loaf of bread cost 12¢ . A movie ticket cost 27¢ . Postage stamps cost 3¢ each . A pound of butter cost 79¢

22 THE FOURTH DECADE 1947-1956

ebraska Farm Bureau Federation experienced great improvement in Nboth its representation and reputation in the 1950s under the leadership of President Charles Marshall of Cass County Farm Bureau. It was Marshall who hired the organization’s first Chief Administrator, Secretary-Treasurer Robert Thompson in December 1949. Thompson came to Nebraska after serving as a member of the field staff for the Iowa Farm Bureau. predicted a Working with Nebraska’s $5,500 deficit for officers and board of 1957 because directors, he developed the of inflation organization’s corporate of expenses, structure, promoted greater a full-time coordination among the research director and increased Federation’s various 1949 Membership Drive departments and provided dues to the a sense of direction for American Farm the Federation and its Bureau Federation. In order to affiliated companies. continue operation, he dismissed the western When he became chief assistant manager of organization, asked the administrator, he reported president to take two months’ leave without pay that the Federation would and reduced the remainder of administrative be able to break even salaries by 10 percent. for the first time in four or five years. Nebraska FB Insurance Company of Farm Bureau membership Nebraska Created in 1948 reached 15,298 members in 1953, which was three more than the quota set It was 1946 when the delegates at the Nebraska for Nebraska by the American Farm Bureau. Farm Bureau convention authorized the Federation to create a property and casualty insurance company. In early 1947, the Federation set out to 18,016 Members Reached by 1956 raise the minimum $125,000 of capital required Membership in the Nebraska Farm Bureau by the state insurance department. On October continued to increase, reaching 18,016 members 24, 1947, Farm Bureau leaders from across the by 1956. But, the organization’s financial needs state met at Kearney to kick-off the Charter were growing too fast and the economy was Campaign to write applications for coverage by sluggish, thus changes needed to be made to the new company. Leaders within the Federation address financial concerns. Robert Thompson were asked to write up coverage on their personal

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 23 Food for Peace Program

On July 10, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act, an action that simultaneously created the Office of Food for Peace. The bill, a solution for food deficient, cash-poor countries, created a secondary foreign market by allowing food-deficient countries to pay for American food imports in their own currencies instead of in U.S. dollars. The law’s original purpose was to expand international trade, to promote the economic stability of American agriculture, to make maximum use of surplus agricultural commodities in the furtherance of foreign policy, and to stimulate the expansion of foreign trade in agricultural commodities produced in the United States. Farm Bureau supported foreign export policy by relating it to anti-communism. But it also took a leadership role in passage of Photo of the largest milk the Food for Peace program. In cooperation with Nebraska Congressman Robert donation under the “Food Harrison, Nebraska Farm Bureau staff worked for its adoption. Public Law 480 was for Peace” program leaving from Brooklyn, New York, drafted in the offices of the American Farm Bureau by Farm Bureau staff members heading toward Brazil. and was sponsored in Congress by Congressman Harrison. The American Farm (Library of Congress) Bureau lobbied in Washington for its passage. Farm Bureau called for the expor- tation of food and skills to starving nations where “the need for food is so urgent that whole nations are yielding to communism.” This food program would also build markets for United States’ products in the future. It is interesting to note that this aid was supported in the form of technical assistance rather than direct aid.

auto or farm truck, with coverage to go into effect when their current coverage expired, and if the new company got off the ground. On February 23, 1948, Farm Bureau Insurance Company of Nebraska opened its doors with 3,804 charter applications. In 1951, Nebraska joined with the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation in a life insurance plan. A kick-off was held in Grand Island, where $1 million worth of life insurance was sold in one-and-a-half days. The Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation invested $6,250 in the organization of this insurance company. However, within five months this money was repaid back to Farm Bureau. Farmer with crop insurance adjuster, circa 1945

24 THE FOURTH DECADE 1947-1956

Affiliation with Extension Ends In the 1950s, Extension wanted to separate from Farm Bureau. Ed Janike, then associate director of Extension for Nebraska, a member of Nebraska Farm Bureau, remembers the separation. According to Janike, “Through all these years, Farm Bureau has been a good supporter of Extension. They may have been a bit irritated at the time but eventually they became a real strong supporter.” The final decision, however, was made individually at the county level. A majority of counties had used the fact that they supported the county agent’s services as a membership tool, and were not confident of their ability to continue to draw membership. Each county had to hold an election in order to decide whether or not to use county funds to support the Cooperative Extension Service. By 1953, all except Dundy and Deuel counties had separated. The roles of both Extension and Farm Bureau changed and improved following the separation. “Extension moved away from castrating and vaccinating representative of the farmer/rancher and what their pigs to educating leaders to go out and do it,” needs were and what kinds of legislation Nebraska Janike said. Farm Bureau improved by increasing should support to improve Nebraska agriculture. legislative action and became more of a true

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 25 A Need for Tax Changes and Growth

1957 . Dwight D. Eisenhower was the U.S. president and Richard M. Nixon was vice president . A U.S. postal worker earned $49 per week . Roast beef was 69¢ per pound . A beauty salon perm cost $10 . An automatic dishwasher cost $188 . A three bedroom colonial house cost $15,900 . Top songs were Jailhouse Rock and Wake Up Little Susie . Hot new toys were the Frisbee and Tonka Trucks . Top TV Programs were Gunsmoke and Leave It To Beaver . Gas cost 31¢ per gallon . Bread cost 19¢ a loaf . Milk cost $1 per gallon . A new car cost $2,100

26 THE FIFTH DECADE 1957-1966

he 1960s were dominated by the Vietnam in obtaining the adoption of the Duis amendment. War and the Civil Rights movement, but This amendment stated that if the legislature Tthe ’60s also saw the assassinations of enacted a sales and/or an income tax, the state President John F Kennedy and Martin Luther King, would then be prohibited from levying a property Jr., the Cuban Missile Crisis. The decade ended tax for state government. While this did nothing on a good note when the first man landed on the to reduce the tax burden on agriculture, it did moon. Through it all, Nebraska Farm Bureau saw serve as the important educational “door opener” much growth and change in this decade. for the coming tax battles of the 1960s. In 1960, Nebraska needed tax changes to ease the Nebraska Farm Bureau took the lead in reducing burden on agriculture, and in the early 1960s, state property taxes that discriminated against Nebraska Farm Bureau successfully led proponents rural landowners and opposed any program related to increased property taxes. Although it supported funds being adminis- tered by the Parks and Recreation Department, Farm Bureau campaigned against such legislation because its method of payment was by an increase in land taxes. Following many years of legislative effort, which began in the late 1930s, to enact a sales and/or income tax, enough statewide support was garnered to bring about the enactment in 1965 of an adjusted gross income tax. Farm Bureau was a leader in this endeavor. However, no sooner had the legislature passed the bill did Omaha-based opposition immediately embark on a referendum petition drive to have voters repeal the law. Farm Bureau reacted decisively, drafting a proposed constitutional amendment to prohibit the state from levying a property tax and embarked on its own statewide initiative petition campaign to place the issue before the voters.

Successful Constitutional Amendment Ends State Property Taxes The campaign was tremendously successful and the constitutional amendment was adopted in the 1966 election. “Farm Bureau did it,” could be heard from Farm Bureau members across the state. This Nebraska Farm Bureau legislative action set the stage in 1967 for the enactment of a new system of taxation for the state of Nebraska. This decrease in taxes aided the farmer in a time of quickly increasing expenses.

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 27 Safemark Starts to Sell Corporation was initiated in 1967 to assist in Tires and Batteries the areas of marketing, commodity development, research and promotion. During the late 1950s, the Nebraska Non-Stock Leadership Institutes for officers and county Cooperative Association was formed to serve boards of directors and a series of tax institutes the growing needs of the population, and farm were also services for Farm Bureau members in supply services in other states were being looked the mid-1960s. All of these services brought value at by Nebraska Farm Bureau. But it was hard for to Nebraska Farm Bureau members and were it to serve members’ needs. The American Farm a big success. In 2017, Nebraska Farm Bureau Bureau Federation had coordinated a national continues to offer Farm Bureau members a variety tire program, selling tires under the trade name of money saving discounts, opportunities and Safemark. Nebraska Farm Bureau incorporated services and the demand for more grows. this service with the Farm and Ranch Supply Company in 1965. Tires, batteries and accessories Farm Bureau Opposes Supply were all marketed under the Safemark name by January of 1966. In 1968, a feed program with Management Farm Programs Peet’s Feed, a 52-year-old plant in Beemer, was Nebraska Farm Bureau was against agricultural also initiated. programs in the 1960’s that took the approach Two other Farm Bureau programs were also of supply management. Nebraska Farm Bureau started in the 1960s. A Farm Records System, compared this control of supplies to the loss of similar to programs in Iowa, Oklahoma, Michigan freedom, which would ultimately be spread to all and Indiana, was started in 1966. Forty aspects of the economy. Even one of its members, Nebraska farm families were participating in Webster County Farm Bureau, was expelled from 1967, with 251 participants by the mid-’70s. NFBF over their position against the organization An Agricultural Marketing Cooperative on this issue.

Nebraska Farm Bureau incorporated Farm and Ranch Supply Co. in 1959, to sell the American Farm Bureau’s Safemark line of products to members.

28 THE FIFTH DECADE 1957-1966

The “Farm Bureau Believes” document has been printed yearly in Nebraska Farm Bureau Policy books and is the philosophical foundation of the organization. Farm Bureau Believes:

. in the American private, competitive enterprise . that government should stimulate, not system. discourage, individual initiative. . that the Constitution is the basic law of the . that the search for progress should be land, long-established interpretations should be encouraged through opportunity – rather then changed only through constitutional amendment. hindered by illusions of security. . in a government of law, rather than of people . that monopoly – whether by government, and in a Congress that limits discretionary industry, labor or agriculture – is dangerous. powers of the executive branch and regulatory . that government should operate impartially in agencies. the interests of all. . that property rights are among human rights . that propagandizing by government is dangerous essential to the preservation of freedom. to self-government. . that government should provide only minimum . that voluntary cooperation is a part of the aid and control. American system – and is the “Farm Bureau way.” . that each person should be rewarded according All these sustained by our religious faith. to productive contributions to society.

Eighty-seven County Farm committee for the 1967 state convention. This was Bureau’s Established by 1966 the largest participation in policy development in the history of the organization. In 1959, Burt County held the highest membership The policy development committee was started in Nebraska Farm Bureau with 776 member in 1959 and consisted of eight men and four families. Nebraska Farm Bureau had a total of women, plus five to seven commodity people, 62 county Farm Bureaus making up the state working together under the direction of the organization. In 1962, membership dues increased Nebraska Farm Bureau vice president. It had a to $20 per member. Despite this dues increase, two-year term and the only requirement was the membership experienced great growth. Eight new belief in the organization as a means of solving counties affiliated in 1961, the most in one year agricultural problems. This committee analyzed since the Federation’s start in 1918. By 1963, 87 and redefined policy recommendations from the of Nebraska’s counties had affiliated with a total counties and prepared them for presentation to the membership of 13,254 member families. At the delegates at each annual meeting. Membership and same time, the American Farm Bureau had more participation continued to increase through the ‘60s than 1,600,000 members. because of incentive trips to Washington, D.C., for Nebraska Farm Bureau’s members were also organization leaders and membership challenges very active. Eighty-six counties submitted 788 ideas with other states, such as one such contest with in 1,093 statements to the policy development South Dakota in 1967.

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 29 Operating from Strength

1967 . Top TV shows included Bewitched, Bonanza, and Mission Impossible . Licensed practical nurses earned $2/hr . Lyndon B. Johnson was the U.S. President . A loaf of bread cost 22¢ . Average cost of a new house was $14,250 . Average wages per year: $7,300 . Movie tickets were $1.25 . Hot new toys were Don’t Break the Ice and Ants in the Pants . Coffee cost 75¢ a pound . A portable typewriter cost $39.99 . Movies of the year include The Graduate and Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner . Gas cost 33¢ per gallon . A postage stamp cost 5¢ . Top songs were “Hey Jude” and “My Girl”

30 THE SIXTH DECADE 1967-1976

ebraska Farm Bureau’s sixth decade dealt . In 1967, Nelson also observed that American with a lot of changes. Roland Nelson was agriculture was having its troubles in the General Npresident from 1966-1972, John Klinker Agreement on Trade and Tariff (GATT) negoti- was elected president from 1972-1975 and Wendell ations. “It seems that agriculture never gets its Gangwish served as president from 1975-1981. All share in these negotiations,” he said. three believed in Nebraska Farm Bureau’s values . In 1970, Nelson was involved in a serious car and had a passion for serving. Below are highlights accident. He made a complete recovery from of their terms as president. a broken leg, broken jaws and facial injuries and was able to complete his term. But this was Roland Nelson not the end of Nelson’s Farm Bureau career, NFBF President 1966-1972 as he was appointed to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Natural and Environmental . Roland Nelson, Resources Committee in 1976. Mead, a Saunders County Farm Bureau member, was elected John Klinker to the state board NFBF President 1972-1975 in 1946. He was . John Klinker was elected vice-president a farmer and cattle in 1949 and served feeder in northwest in this position for Omaha and was 17 years. In 1966 he active in Farm Bureau was elected president leadership since 1946, and served for six years. Nelson, 53, and his serving as a member wife Phyllis farmed 940 acres in Saunders of the state Farm County. Nelson was a 1936 graduate of the Bureau Board of University of Nebraska and received his MS Directors from 1958 degree in agricultural economics from Penn to 1960; and as vice State University in 1942. president of the organization from 1966 to 1972. . In 1966, Roland Nelson was elected president He also was a member of the Douglas County of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation and Farm Bureau. He was elected NFBF president served until 1972, when he retired. He succeeded in 1972, succeeding Roland Nelson and served Charles Marshall of Elmwood, who had held the through 1975, when he retired for health post 21 years. reasons. He died April 16, 1977. . During Nelson’s tenure as Nebraska Farm . John Klinker served Nebraska Farm Bureau Bureau president, Nelson called out the Lyndon well, ultimately taking numerous trips around Johnson administration, saying that it has done Nebraska and the nation promoting agriculture everything it wanted to do with agriculture, but and pro-agricultural policies. prices have continued to go downhill. “That is . Nebraska Farm Bureau was growing during why many people agree with the Farm Bureau Klinker’s term and more building space was that now is the time to get the government out needed. He recommended two tracts of land be of agriculture,” Nelson said. purchased for a Nebraska Farm Bureau building. At the time the board did not accept either of

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 31 the recommendations, but it did want to have a legislature in Nebraska. The delegates also voted building ready in June of 1976, when its current to support a voluntary beef checkoff program. lease expired. The current structure at 5225 S. . There was concern during an American Farm 16th Street in Lincoln was finally purchased in Bureau Federation (AFBF) meeting in January 1978. At that time, the building was owned by of 1980, when President Jimmy Carter cutoff Farm Bureau Insurance Company of Nebraska. grain exports to the Soviet Union in retaliation It has been the home of Nebraska Farm Bureau for its invasion of Afghanistan. It did not sit Federation ever since. well with those on farms and ranches in rural . John Klinker also acted as chairman of the Ag 40 America because the export embargo shut off Group in 1974 and 1975. The Ag 40 group was 17 million metric tons of United States grain developed to gain better representation for the exports to the Soviets. That was two-thirds of University of Nebraska’s College of Agriculture. the grain shipments the U.S. had agreed that the Farm Bureau lobbied for the Ag 40 to work for Soviets could buy that year, and it took away a appropriations that would modernize IANR facil- substantial boost in U.S. farm prices and income. ities. Three buildings were targeted: replacement Farm Bureau policy stated that it opposed the of the veterinary science facilities, the plant science use of food as a weapon, except in the case of a complex and remodeling of the agricultural threat to national security. It was a hard pill to engineering building, including a new Tractor swallow, as Wendell Gangwish, president of the Testing Laboratory. These three goals were accom- 23,600-member Nebraska Farm Bureau, stood plished in 1974, 1975 and 1977, respectively. and said the export shutoff “creates a serious problem for American agriculture.” As to the Wendall Gangwish political effect for President Carter’s re-election campaign, Gangwish said, “it won’t be healthy.” NFBF President 1975-1981 . During his term, Gangwish also attended a . In December of question-and-answer session at the White House 1975, in South Conference on Domestic and Economic Affairs Sioux City, Wendell held in Omaha, October 1, 1975. Gangwish had Gangwish of Wood an exchange using a football analogy about price River, a member controls with then-President Gerald Ford. of Hall County Farm Bureau, was Wendall Gangwish: “In Nebraska we have a elected President bit more than above-average football team. We of Nebraska Farm think…[Laughter] When our boys come on the Bureau after serving field to play, the referees officiate the game and call two years as vice the plays by the same rules for both teams. You president. have taken a strong stance in the decontrol of oil . His primary business was grain farming, and which, to us, is saying that the marketplace is the he did have interests in the grain elevator at place to establish price. Now, some 2 to 3 years Wood River. ago we saw, we were witnessing price controls. We . During Gangwish’s term, farmer and rancher saw these controls lifted with one exception – beef. delegates passed a resolution supporting a Farm Now, we are currently witnessing some restriction Bureau marketing program and voted down a in feed grains. My question is, Mr. President, we resolution that would have set up a partisan would like to be one of the teams and have the

32 THE SIXTH DECADE 1967-1976

game called by the same rules. We kind of look 4- to 6-weeks delay at the most is the best way at this as somewhat of a bending of the rules. We to get that assured market. In the meantime, as would like to see the marketplace the determining I recall grain prices--what is it, wheat is about place for the price of agricultural products.” $4.20; corn is about $3.05; I have forgotten what soybeans are; $5-something, is it? We are going President Ford: “Well, now I have said, and I to see that the farmer gets a good price, fair price will repeat it here, I do not think that wage and in the marketplace, but we are also interested in price controls are the right remedy for a healthy having him an assured market over a long period economy in the United States, period. of time from a buyer that will buy a lot of corn and wheat, etcetera. I am not familiar with any controls we have on the price of agricultural commodities, including If we can just be a little patient for this interim, feed grains. We have a temporary suspension of where we haven’t had any precipitous drop in world sales to the Soviet Union, but for a purpose wheat and corn prices in the last month. If you of making the market for agricultural products- are a little more patient, we will get a good deal -corn, wheat, feed grains--better. And I think a for you.”

Active Farm Bureau Leader Virginia Smith Wins Congressional Seat

There have been prominent Nebraska Farm Bureau members who have made their impact at the national level in the 1970s, such as Bob Kremer of Hamilton County. Kremer was appointed in 1976 by American Farm Bureau Federation President William Kuhfuss as chairman of the American Farm Bureau Beef Cattle Advisory Committee. Kremer went on to serve in the Nebraska Legislature representing District 34 from 1999 to 2007. But it was active Farm Bureau member Virginia Smith of Deuel County, who became involved in national politics in 1974, when she became the first women to serve in Congress from Nebraska’s third Congressional district. She had been very active on both state and national levels of Farm Bureau work and served 16 years in the U.S. House of Representatives. Smith owed much of her House career to her 40 years on a Nebraska farm, attending many Farm Bureau leadership sessions and experience as a spokesperson for agricultural issues. Smith steered federal money toward farm programs from her seat on the powerful Appropriations Committee. She was very popular in Nebraska and exercised a great deal of influence on political developments, both because of her western Nebraska district’s size and her personal connection with constituents, whom she visited regularly.

Virginia Smith with constituent.

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 33 Ag 40 Group Instrumental passed, it provided that the agriculture college in Creating IANR be renamed the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The head of IANR became a In 1972, there was concern that a five-year plan vice chancellor of UNL, and the three deans and submitted by the University of Nebraska’s Board directors, as well as the vice chancellor, became of Regents gave little mention to the College members of the chancellor’s executive council, of Agriculture and its place in the future of the thereby increasing agricultural representation from University. Farm Bureau joined 16 other concerned one to four. It also provided needed renovations to agricultural organizations in 1973 to gain better IANR buildings. representation for the University of Nebraska’s College of Agriculture. Forty organizations were Farm Bureau Lobbies for Vet College active in 1975, thus the “Ag 40” name was estab- lished. The dean of the College of Agriculture The Ag 40 later supported the establishment of represented the largest industry of the state and a regional vet college. Farm Bureau supported three major divisions of the agricultural college, the regional school in order to keep home-grown yet had only one vote on the chancellor’s executive veterinary students in the state and to attract larger council. LB 149, drafted and introduced by Senator sums of money for research at the Animal Health Maurice Kremer called for a separate College of Research Center near Clay Center. NFBF also Agriculture and having its own Chancellor. Farm consistently supported the further development Bureau lobbied hard for the bill’s passage. When of technical colleges throughout the state.

East Campus aerial photo (detail). (RG52-02, Buildings and Grounds, Archives & Special Collections, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries)

34 THE SIXTH DECADE 1967-1976

NFBF Membership Tops 22,000 in 1976 Despite adverse conditions, Nebraska Farm Bureau membership soared to more than 20,000 in 1976 as Keya Paha County became the 88th County Farm Bureau formed in Nebraska. Many changes had taken place in the six preceding years, including the deaths of past presidents Nellie Benson, C. Y. Thompson and Charles Marshall. These years had also brought changes to the promotion of Farm Bureau activities. The annual conventions continued to feature American Farm Bureau Federation dignitaries and knowl- edgeable agricultural speakers. However, other guests, such as NU football coaches, state FFA officers, 4-H members and youth singing groups were invited to welcome the convention delegates. This increase in youth participation showed the vitality and growth that Farm Bureau still maintained after more than 50 years. Also, Farm Bureau sponsored bus trips to observe agriculture in other states, which brought Farm Bureau members together from across the state, creating new friendships with each new adventure.

Farm Bureau sponsored popular bus trips in the 1970’s. Farm Bureau members took the trips to create new friendships and wonderful memories.

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 35 An Aggressive and Youthful Approach

1977 . Jimmy Carter was the U.S. president . Management trainees earned $18,000 per year . Bacon cost 99¢ a pound . A pound of chicken cost 69¢ . Frozen TV dinners cost 39¢ . A 4-bedroom colonial home cost $84,900 . Top songs included “You Light Up My Life” and “Stayin’ Alive” . Top TV programs were Mork & Mindy and Happy Days . Gas cost 64¢ per gallon . Bread cost 32¢ . A gallon of milk cost $1.44 . Eggs cost $1.30 per dozen . A postage stamp cost 13¢ . An average house cost $54,200 . Average income $18,264 . Minimum wage was $2.30 per hour

36 THE SEVENTH DECADE 1977-1986

ob Thompson retired in 1981 after being administrator and secretary-treasurer of BNebraska Farm Bureau since 1949. On March 1, 1981, at the age of 37, Douglas A. Gibson, a registered lobbyist and information director for the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation succeeded Robert Thompson as Nebraska Farm Bureau Chief Administrator. Thirty-two years of a successful program is a hard act to follow, yet Gibson brought in his own style of aggressiveness and expansion, which was supported by the state board of directors. Gibson was a strong advocate Nebraska Farm Bureau invites elected officials who are designated Friends of Agriculture to various legislative for Nebraska farmers and ranchers and has always events. The NFBF-PAC was created in 1985. been very humble, never taking credit and working behind the scenes at Nebraska Farm Bureau on NFBF-PAC Created to Endorse many of his accomplishments. Legislative Candidates During his tenure as chief administrator, membership in Nebraska Farm Bureau more In 1985, new emphasis was given to publishing than doubled. But one of the most important voting records of state senators on bills on which successes was to elevate policy work establishing Farm Bureau held a position. Although Farm the NFBF-PAC to surface ag friendly candidates. Bureau could not endorse particular state senatorial Although basic principles, beliefs and values that candidates, publication of these voting records in built Nebraska Farm Bureau were still strong, an “Nebraska Farm Bureau News” brought members’ aggressive and youthful approach was taken on by attention to whether or not a particular senator Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation in this decade. had been supporting Farm Bureau views. When Richard Goodding retired in 1985, Trent Nowka,

Douglas A. Gibson succeeded Robert (Bob) Thompson as a law school graduate, became secretary of the Nebraska Farm Bureau chief administrator in 1981. Thompson Nebraska Farm Bureau’s political action committee severed as Nebraska Farm Bureau secretary-treasurer for 32 when it was formed as a Farm Bureau affiliate in years and Gibson’s Farm Bureau career spanned 39-years, 11 years with the Wyoming Farm Bureau working in public 1986. Farm Bureau’s political status has often been relations, and the next 28-years in Nebraska as the Chief confused and misunderstood. Although nonpar- Administrator of Nebraska Farm Bureau. tisan, it is not nonpolitical. However, as a nonprofit organization, Farm Bureau could not make contributions to political candidates. By forming a political action committee, its members could attend fund-raisers for candidates in the name of Farm Bureau and create greater public awareness for Farm Bureau. The PAC executive committee interviewed Kay Orr and Helen Boosalis, candidates for governor in the first all-female gubernatorial election in the United States in 1986. Up to 2017, other gubernatorial candidates labeled Nebraska Farm Bureau’s “Friend of Agriculture” were Mike Johanns, Dave Heineman and Pete Ricketts.

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 37 Bryce Neidig, NFBF President 1981-2002

In 1981, Nebraska When asked to appear on the show, Neidig, as Farm Bureau had a well as the rest of the state staff, realized the new president with the controversial position that he could be put in and election of Bryce Neidig didn’t want Neidig to appear. However, President of Madison County. He Dean Kleckner of the American Farm Bureau would be the second- Federation was unable to attend and Neidig was longest serving president ‘’to be the one,” as a favor to Kleckner. It turned of Farm Bureau after out to be an “emotional set-up” with 8,000 Charles Marshall. (Both people, predominantly American Agriculture men served 21 years.) Movement and National Farmers Organization Here are a few of the highlights of Neidig’s Farm members, attacking Farm Bureau opposition to Bureau presidency. mandatory production controls. Neidig realized that he was more or less a sacrificial lamb. . Bryce P. Neidig, a Farm Bureau member since Although nothing was gained for the organi- 1958, served on the state board and as a vice zation, he feels that it would have looked much president before his election as president in 1981. worse for Farm Bureau had he not been present to . Neidig was an articulate and popular president, explain and defend Farm Bureau policies. who was enthusiastic about the future of Farm . Neidig also appeared on news programs of Bureau and growing its membership. Farm national television networks and been inter- Bureau became a household word and was viewed for prestigious publications such as The increasing in visibility and popularity. He worked Wall Street Journal and U.S. News and World to raise Farm Bureau’s public profile by being Report. He also chaired the American Farm more visible and vocal on agriculture issues and Bureau’s Farm Credit Committee in 1986-87. being accessible to the news media. . Neidig was a member of the Nebraska Hall of . Neidig believed in being a visionary and that Agricultural Achievement and was recognized as it would be the key to Farm Bureau’s future. a special honoree in 2005. “Service to the member is what will keep Farm Bureau strong, because the strength IS the member. In the future, some things will remain the same, such as teamwork, awareness and a dynamic image. But in this high-tech age, Farm Bureau needs to serve the farmer and rancher by sorting out the mass of information and keeping members abreast of current issues.” . Bryce Neidig was on the popular Phil Donahue show in 1985. The 1980s had been plagued with a weak agricultural economy and many farmers left the industry. The Donahue show wished to shoot a two-show sequence dedicated to the ag crisis The Neidig family, Neal (left), Van, Shirley and Bryce farmed and filmed in the heart of the crisis, the Midwest. in Madison County.

38 THE SEVENTH DECADE 1977-1986

NFBF Raises Public Profile in Legislative Arena Farm Bureau continued its strong lobbying efforts for the people of agriculture in the 1980s. The 1980 grain embargo to Russia was of great concern to Farm Bureau leaders. After President Carter placed the embargo on January 4, Farm Bureau adopted Emergency Farm Bureau Policy for 1980 on January 7. This recommended that the American Farm Bureau Federation put high priority on attaining a set-aside or paid diversion Nebraska Farm Bureau supported a successful repeal of school consolidation bill LB 662. program to offset the embargo’s effect. An American Farm Bureau Federation news release stated that the embargo totally reshaped the Farm Bureau Supported Repeal world grain market, largely cutting the United of School Consolidation Bill States out of competition, and cutting in such Schools were also a main concern in the 1980s. A countries as Argentina, Spain and Italy. “All school consolidation bill, LB 662, was passed by embargoes encourage government management state senators in 1985. Farm Bureau supported the of private business and the greatest damage successful repeal of LB 662 in the 1986 general was the reversal of the trend toward a more election. It has continued to be very active on market-oriented agriculture,” it said. Because of school issues, through work with state senators this action, Farm Bureau urged the placement and the appointment of Farm Bureau’s Education of the Secretary of Agriculture on the National Advisory Committee. Also concerning education, Security Council. Although Farm Bureau has because state funds could not be raised to match always opposed the use of food as a weapon, the federal funds for a regional veterinary school, the embargo showed that agricultural production Farm Bureau board of directors went on record “will become more and more widely used as an as approving the allocation of money not used economic tool in international negotiations and in for the vet college to be used for projects at the regard to national security policy decisions. Bryce Meat Animal Research Center at Clay Center Neidig met with Secretary of Agriculture John and the Food Processing Center at UNL. Farm Block in 1982 to discuss the farm economy and Bureau also helped the Nebraska Youth Leadership need for exports. To help reverse the effects of the Development Center in Aurora with fund-raising embargo, Farm Bureau supported, in 1983, a fee to replace the main hall which was destroyed in a assessed to imported agricultural products equal 1980 tornado. A grain drive in conjunction with to check-off fees paid by American producers. the FFA was explained at the 1981 Nebraska Farm These fees would be directed to the Foreign Bureau Federation convention to aid the project. Agricultural Service for market development. Also in national affairs, Farm Bureau approved of NFBF Takes Lead to Pass Ag Land the pursuit of a non-nuclear defense system that Constitutional Amendment would defend the United States against deliberate or accidental nuclear attack. It also opposed On the state level, Nebraska Farm Bureau took budget cuts in the Cooperative Extension Service, a leadership role in the 1984 “Amendment 4” with which it continued a close relationship. campaign, which placed a constitutional amendment

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 39 Farm Crisis Takes Hold in 1984

During the 1980s, farmers in the United States were confronted by an economic crisis more severe than any since the Great Depression. Many of those who relied on agriculture for their livelihoods faced financial ruin. The epicenter of the downturn was in the Midwest, but the effects quickly rippled to other areas where agriculture played a prominent role in the local economy. At the time, Farm Bureau was criticized when several groups attempted to form the Farm and Ranch Congress in 1986. This gathering, sponsored by singer Willie Nelson with money from his fund-raising Farm Aid concerts, had as its goal to unite the agriculturalists of America and form a farm policy that all would support. Farm Bureau declined participation because the congress was trying to accomplish what Farm Bureau already had achieved - a grassroots system of building policies and legislation. Farm Bureau approved of the basic concept of the Farm Aid concerts held in 1985, 1986 and in Lincoln in 1987, to raise money for farmers who were having problems because of the ag economy. Farm Bureau supported use of the funds for such purposes as food pantries and telephone helplines. But it objected to the way the funds were used to lobby for a particular philosophy, mandatory production controls. Farm Bureau has been criticized for not jumping on the bandwagon in many of these organizational attempts. However, President Neidig said it well in 1984 when he addressed state convention delegates: “There is much merit in differing points of view. Almost without exception, the best solutions are arrived at when several or many different points of view are considered. What we in agriculture need is to be able to ‘sing in harmony’ but not necessarily out of the same hymnal.” FORECLOSURE The Farm Crisis changed the lives of many in rural America in the mid- to late 80’s. NOTICE

40 THE SEVENTH DECADE 1977-1986

on the general election ballot. The amendment, passed by voters, allowed agricultural land to be valued for tax purposes based on its productive capacity, rather than market value. In 1987, the Nebraska Supreme Court challenged the intent of the amendment and Farm Bureau and other organi- zations continue to work on the issue in order to seek unique valuation for agricultural land.

NFBF President Wendell Gangwish (right) hosted American Farm Bureau President Robert Delano (center) and AFBF Media Relations Director John Lewis on their visit to Nebraska in 1979.

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 41 Dynamic and Ready for the Future

1987 . Ronald Reagan was the U.S. president . Top songs were “La Bamba” and “Livin’ on a Prayer” . Hot new toys were Pictionary and Pogo Ball . Top TV programs were Murder She Wrote and Cheers . Gas was 96¢ per gallon . Bread was 55¢ . Milk was $1.96 per gallon . Eggs were $1.03 per dozen . A postage stamp cost 22¢ . A cable-ready color TV cost $269 . A house cost $127,200 . Chicken legs cost $2.49 per pound . A car cost $13,386 . Minimum wage $3.35 per hour . A jar of peanut butter cost $1.99 . Bacon cost $1.69 per pound

42 THE EIGHTH DECADE 1987-1996

uring this time, Nebraska Farm Bureau’s solid credibility, combined with a youthful Dwillingness to tackle problems of the late ‘80s early 90s, made for an active, dynamic organization. More and more, Farm Bureau was called on to take a leadership role in agricultural and rural issues. Nebraska state senators and representative sought out Farm Bureau thoughts on significant issues, whether related to taxation, schools or water issues. This was a time when the Federal government began to deliver harsh blows to agriculture and Nebraska Farm Bureau increased its involvement in national issues. It began a vigorous effort to seek balance and reasonableness in Members of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Board of Directors endangered species protection legislation, an effort discussed national issues affecting Nebraska when they visited U.S. Sen. J. James Exon in Washington in 1989. that continues today. phone, fax, mail and personal visits. Environmental NFBF Pushes Back on Onslaught concerns were increasingly apparent in state legis- of Environmental Regulations lation as well. Farm Bureau worked to avoid an “us vs. them” approach on environmental issues, Farm Bureau was especially concerned because arguing that farmers were the original environ- many of the areas in Nebraska identified as crucial mentalists and were as concerned as anyone about habitat for endangered species were in prime crop protecting soil, water and wildlife – and perhaps production land along the state’s major rivers. more so, since they worked with the soil, drank Proposed restrictions on crop production practices from groundwater and enjoyed the wildlife they in those areas could have greatly reduced yields and encountered on their farms and ranches. land values for those property owners. Farm Bureau In addition to working for reasonable laws in didn’t oppose the concept of protecting endangered the legislature, Farm Bureau’s public affairs staff species, but felt that costs of obtaining this “societal devoted increased time to working with the state good” should be borne by all of society and not just government agencies charged with developing farmers and ranchers who owned the land where the rules and regulations which would implement endangered species lived. This emphasis on private the laws. Farm Bureau’s monitoring assured that property rights and belief in the U.S. Constitution’s farmers could live with rules and regulations, or at Fifth Amendment prohibition against the “taking” least plan ahead to mitigate their negative effects. of private property without compensation would be Increasingly, Farm Bureau played an important role repeatedly invoked by Farm Bureau. in informing farmers and ranchers about new rules As the 1990s approached, emphasis on and regulations. preserving wetlands for wildlife and recreational values also threatened farmers’ and ranchers’ NFBF Takes Lead on Ag Land private property rights, and again, Farm Bureau had recourse to the Fifth Amendment and the Amendment takings clause. Nebraska Farm Bureau testified on School reorganization and financing were dominant the issue at hearings in-state and in Kansas City, education issues in the late ‘80s and early 1990s. and lobbied the state’s Congressional delegation by Farm Bureau favored voluntary school district

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 43 Nebraska Farm Bureau is still a part of coalitions today. ‘Common Sense Nebraska’ is a Nebraska-based coalition consisting of organizations and entities that have come together in response to EPA’s “Waters of the U.S.” proposal.

consolidation, rather than forced reorganization by the legislature. As a result, Nebraska Farm and worked for a plan that encouraged rural Class Bureau was again in the forefront of efforts to I school districts to affiliate with larger, neighboring successfully pass an amendment in 1990 to the state school districts to provide high school to the rural constitution to allow ag land to be valued differ- districts’ students. It also worked for fairness and ently from other classes of property. The Nebraska equity in the distribution of state aid to education Classification of Agricultural lands, also known as funds. Funding for education was inevitably tied Amendment 1, was on the ballot on November 6, with the state’s revenue system. Farm Bureau 1990 as a constitutional amendment. The measure continued to call for an independent, outside provided that ag and horticultural lands be classified study of Nebraska’s entire system of taxation, separately for tax purposes. NFBF was one of the even as the legislature continued to deal with the primary supporter of Amendment 1 which passed issue piecemeal. The State Supreme Court compli- by a vote of 61 percent to 39 percent. cated revenue and taxation issues through a series of rulings that called into question the constitution- Supreme Court Forces Personal ality of the ag land valuation amendment passed in Property Tax on Ag 1984 and subsequent tax-related measures passed In the early 1990s, the State Supreme Court ruled that Nebraska’s practice of exempting some personal property from taxation was unconstitu- tional. Farm Bureau worked to ensure the least amount of burden was placed on agriculture. NFBF supported specific language in the ballot question, passed by voters in May 1992, which separated tangible personal property from the state’s uniformity clause to provide for different treatment for different classes of property. The amendment essentially would allow the state to determine which personal property to tax, rather than tax all of the personal property, which would have really been harmful to agriculture. With the complexity of issues in the late 1980s and early ‘90s, Farm The Nebraska Supreme Court questioned the constitutionality of the ag land valuation amendment passed in 1984. Bureau maintained its high profile on state issues but more and more frequently, it implemented

44 THE EIGHTH DECADE 1987-1996

member-adopted policy by working as part of a coalition of like-minded groups. Coalitions were formed as need arose and ended when purposes were accomplished.

Virginia Smith, First Silver Eagle In 1989, the Nebraska Farm Bureau Board of Directors authorized a new award, the Silver Eagle. It was to be given to an individual or organization who demonstrated a commitment to promoting and improving Nebraska agriculture. Former Nebraska Rep. Virginia Smith was the first recipient. She was honored both for her 16 years of leadership on agricultural issues in Congress and for her many years as a leader in the Deuel County, Nebraska and Virginia Smith was honored with the first Nebraska Farm American Farm Bureau. Richard Goodding, retired Bureau Silver Eagle Award. Nebraska Farm Bureau director of public affairs, received the Silver Eagle in 1990. In 1991, the award was given posthumously to the late State Sen. Over the past 27 years, a few of the honorees have Maurice Kremer, a leader on agricultural issues in been Bob Busch of Scotts Bluff County for his work the state legislature and a leading farmer and conser- in Nebraska’s sugar industry; Sen. Bob Kremer, vationist. Since those years the Silver Eagle has who followed in his father’s footsteps and became become a sought-after and highly recognized honor. a leader on agricultural and water issues in the

Silver Eagle Award Winners

1989 Virginia Smith 2003 Bryce P. Neidig 1990 Richard Goodding 2004 Clayton Lukow 1991 Maurice Kremer (posthumous) 2005 Nebraska Farmer Magazine 1992 J. Gerald Beattie 2006 Dr. Allen Blezek 1993 Robert Thompson 2007 Senator Bob Kremer 1994 KRVN Radio 2008 Robert Busch 1995 Howard Lamb 2009 Senator Roger Wehrbein 1996 Les Sheffield 2010 State Fair Board 1997 Richard Mercer 2011 Eugene Bargman 1998 Willard Waldo 2012 Dr. Weldon Sleight 1999 Harold Stevens 2013 Keith Olsen 2000 William “Bill” Barrett 2014 Clayton Yeutter 2001 Irv Omtvedt 2015 Mike Johanns 2002 George Coordsen 2016 Douglas A. Gibson

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 45 Ground Breaking for Expansion of Farm Bureau Lincoln Headquarters

In 1996, Nebraska Farm Bureau and Farm Bureau Insurance Company of Nebraska broke ground for a new building at the 5225 S. 16th Street location in Lincoln. Chief Administrator Doug Gibson said, “The availability of the new Farm Bureau building was extremely importantly for the Federation, its programs and staff. Without the new building and its expanded offices and work areas, NFBF could not have added staff to meet the escalating needs of members. There would not have been office space, badly needed and expanded meeting The new home of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation and Farm room space, the broadcast studio, a new, Bureau Financial Services in Lincoln, Nebraska. modern board room, spacious work areas for handling projects and hosting visitors. Not to mention providing expanded space to accommodate the NFAA and eventually A-FAN. There was no way the Federation could have financed such first-class facilities without the help of Nebraska Farm Bureau Insurance Company. “At the time it had state-of-the art technology that allowed employees to monitor the Legislature or other news happenings. The property and casualty (PC) company also shared audio/video equipment with NFBF, which the not-for-profit could not have afforded. Another feature that benefited employees with young children was the addition of the Ivy League of Lincoln (16th Street Child Development Center). That also attracted many non-Farm Bureau parents to bring their children to a business that became a premier childcare provider. The new building also enhanced the PC Company and Federation’s presence in that area of Lincoln. The building design and landscaped grounds became and still are a landmark in that part of the city. It also allowed FBICN and the Federation to host other groups and organizations in these impressive facilities. “Two other interesting facts Farm Bureau members may not know are that the building was constructed through the use of company reserves. Not one dollar was borrowed to finance construction, and FBICN did not appeal to the city for tax increment financing (TIF) funding. Second, employees continued to serve Farm Bureau members and policyholders while enduring the new construction and remodeling process, which went on for two years. They were really dedicated troupers, who continued dedicated service under trying conditions. NEFB President Bryce Neidig and Executive Vice President and General Manager of Farm Bureau Insurance Company of Nebraska John Tatum and I were extremely proud of those efforts in challenging conditions. I believe the new building also gave Farm Bureau members who saw or visited the new building a sense of pride in the organization and company.”

Doug Gibson, NFBF Chief Administrator, 1981-2009

46 THE EIGHTH DECADE 1987-1996

state legislature; organizations such as Rural Radio the Nebraska Legislature received Farm Bureau’s Network – KRVN and the Nebraska Farmer, which support. The Friend of Agriculture designation continue to provide ag news to rural Nebraska; became much-sought-after by candidates and many Sen. Mike Johanns for his leadership as Nebraska’s included the honor in their campaign advertising. Governor, as Secretary of Agriculture and for his Nebraska Farm Bureau sponsored the first debate time in the U.S. Senate fighting for farmers and between then-Gov. Kay Orr and challenger Ben ranchers; and former Nebraska Farm Bureau Nelson in September 1990 at Nebraska Western President Bryce Neidig and Chief Administrator and College in Scottsbluff and arranged for a statewide Secretary-Treasurer Doug Gibson for their roles in radio broadcast of the event. After Nelson won elevating Nebraska Farm Bureau to be one of the the race, Farm Bureau worked to establish good most credible and commonsense farm and ranch relationships with the new governor and his admin- organizations in Nebraska. istration, proving again that while it is political, Farm Bureau is also non-partisan. NFBF Gets Political NFBF Manages Ag in the Classroom Nebraska Farm Bureau’s political action committee, NFBF-PAC, made its first Friend of Agriculture Nebraska Farm Bureau increased its involvement designations in 1988. County Farm Bureau member in Nebraska’s Ag in the Classroom program in committees interviewed candidates and had input 1989, when it signed a contract with the Nebraska into which candidates or incumbents running for Department of Agriculture to manage the program.

Ellen Hellerich, statewide coordinator of the Ag in the Classroom program demonstrates some AITC project ideas to members of Midwest Promotion and Education Committees at a P&E Conference in Omaha in 2004.

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 47 partnership provided value to Farm Bureau members who needed health insurance coverage. While navigating through the health insurance world today can be challenging, BCBSNE provided In late 1991, it incorporated the non-profit an opportunity to cover medical expenses and help Nebraska Foundation for Agricultural Awareness protect Farm Bureau members’ financial assets if (NFAA), to support and manage the program and an unexpected health matter occurs. Farm Bureau provide a means for individuals and corporations to Financial Services began to provide this coverage make tax-deductible contributions to support Ag in and helped their clients understand the individual the Classroom. NFAA was a separate organization, health insurance market. Health insurance policies but Nebraska Farm Bureau provided office space, range from temporary coverage, a product that administrative and clerical support for the program. supplements Medicare benefits, or a plan to protect Ellen Hellerich of Valparaiso was the first Ag in individual families. the Classroom coordinator. Today, the program is under Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization created in 2013 for donors and corporations to make tax-deductible contributions to the Foundation and the Ag in the Classroom program. The mission of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation in 2017 is to engage youth, educators and the general public to promote an understanding of the vital importance of agriculture in the lives of all Nebraskans.

BCBSNE Partners with NFBF In 1994, Nebraska Farm Bureau launched its member group health plan through Blue Bryce Neidig, president to the Nebraska Farm Bureau Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE). This and Craig R. Christiansen, president of NSAE speaks to reporters at the launch of the “Citizen Amendment to Reduce Property Taxes” in November 1995.

NFBF Takes Lead on Petition Drives to Reduce Property Taxes Fear that a property-tax revolt brewing in Nebraska would hurt education and raise property taxes brought the state’s biggest teachers’ union and largest farm/ranch group together in a campaign for tax relief. The Nebraska Farm Bureau, joined the Farm Bureau Financial Services has been providing insurance by selling Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska NSEA in November of 1995 to launch a petition policies since 1994. drive to place “Citizen Amendment to Reduce

48 THE EIGHTH DECADE 1987-1996

Property Taxes” on the ballot. There was concern that other tax-relief proposals would go too far or even abolish local property taxes. Farm Bureau members and the NSAE teacher’s union members approached strangers in public places, seeking petition signatures and were successful at collecting about 120,000 signatures on petitions, roughly 20,000 more than the state required. The two groups were an odd partnership on the property-tax issue, since they frequently have stood on opposite sides of the debate. The proposed amendment would cut local property taxes by about 30 percent. At the time, property taxes were the single biggest source of revenue for Nebraska schools, accounting for almost 60 percent of the $1.3 billion spent on the state’s public schools each year. While school officials have sought increased funding, farmers and ranchers have long fought high property taxes. Farmers made up less than 4 percent Nebraska Farm Bureau and the Nebraska State Education Association colleted signatures for the Citizen’s Amendment of Nebraska’s population, yet they contributed 27 to Reduce Property Taxes in 1996. percent of local property-tax revenue. So, a possible 30 percent reduction was real savings. But despite all 1996 ballot. Farm Bureau newspaper called the loss of the efforts the initiative failed on the November “not a defeat, but there’s more to be done.”

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 49 Defining Moment of Growth

1997 . Bill Clinton was the U.S. president and Al Gore was vice president . Top songs were “I Believe I Can Fly”, “Hit Me Baby One More Time” and “Candle In The Wind” . Hot new toys were Giga Pets and Tickle Me Elmo . Top TV programs were Frasier and Friends . Gas cost $1.29 per gallon . A loaf of bread cost 87¢ . A gallon of milk cost $2.67 . Eggs cost $1.47 a dozen . A postage stamp cost 32¢ . A house cost $176,200 . Cars cost $19,260 . Average income was $56,902 . Minimum wage $5.15 per hour . Movie stars included Sandra Bullock, Jim Carrey, Demi Moore, Brad Pitt, Will Smith, Julia Roberts

50 THE NINTH DECADE 1997-2006

or Nebraska Farm Bureau, the ten-year period between 1997 and 2006 was volatile, Fnot only because of controversial state public policy issues, but also a devastating drought that impacted the whole state. In addition, increasing threats to agriculture, ranging from environmental and other regulatory pressures, to divisive national debate on farm program legislation, added to the tension. During this time, NFBF identified and began its campaign to counter what it termed “Ag Under Siege.” Starting in 1998, water issues became more heightened. NFBF testified against NCTA is going stronger than ever as it serves the needs a well-drilling moratorium in the Republican of rural Nebraska communities. (Photography by Craig River Basin and against mandatory well meters. Chandler / University Communication) Livestock waste and expansion issues also shared the issues stage, with NFBF supporting legislation a minimum security prison. Again, Farm Bureau to expand livestock operations in an environmen- and NCTA supporters successfully fought for its tally safe and sustainable manner. The CLEAN survival and won. Today, it is a thriving campus with Coalition (Coalition for Livestock, Environment a solid mission to produce the next generations of and Agriculture in Nebraska), of which Farm farmers, ranchers and main street business owners Bureau was a part of, pushed for that end goal. in preserving the rural communities of the state. Weldon Sleight, a former dean pushed through the NFBF Helps Save NCTA at Curtis largest expansion of new buildings in the school’s history. Fifteen million dollars in state funding, new There have been so many “near-death experi- student fees and donations from supporters (a sizable ences” in the life of the Nebraska College of donation was given by NFBF) of the college, paid for Technical Agriculture (NCTA). After all, it seemed a new student center, dorm, and an expansion of the calls for the end to NCTA came up nearly every Veterinary Technician program’s facility. time the State of Nebraska faced difficult budget choices in the ‘80s and ‘90s. In the 1980s, the Water, Livestock and Tax Issues University of Nebraska Board of Regents and some state senators suggested the Nebraska College Dominate Lobby Work of Technical Agriculture in Curtis be closed. Key issues in the Legislature were school Enrollment dropped because of the uncertainty finance, conjunctive water use, Department of of its future. Farm organizations like Nebraska Environmental Quality (DEQ) regulations halting Farm Bureau, along with school alumni rallied livestock expansion in Nebraska and in-stream and community leaders in southwest Nebraska, water flows. A compromise on the Game and worked hard on all fronts to save the campus. A Parks Commission instream flow request was bill was passed and signed by then-Gov. Orr in rejected by the commission, sending the issue to 1988, making the Curtis school a College within the Nebraska Department of Water Resources. the University of Nebraska system. As hearings begin in September, a number NTAC was targeted again during another of errors in the commission’s application were tight budget year in 1992. Omaha Senator Jerry discovered. Also, in 1996 a tax petition campaign, Chizek wanted to close the campus and turn it into received enough signatures to be placed on the

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 51 November ballot as the Citizens Amendment to Reduce Property Taxes. However, the State Supreme Court ruled it must be split into two parts, with I-411 addressing a quality education portion and I-412 addressing property tax relief. An appeal was launched, but an expedited decision was not received before the November 5 election and both measures were defeated. In 1997, NFBF President Neidig noted the issue would not end there. “We (Farm Bureau) Greg and Teresa Ibach and their triplets were selected framed the issue. We brought the issue of property as the winners of the Young Farmer Achievement Award in 1996. The Ibach’s placed in the top 5 nationally at the tax relief to the forefront of public discussion. American Farm Bureau Convention. Without us, I don’t think there is any question the Legislature would not have dealt with Award winners. The Ibachs went to the American property tax relief, as it did through LB 1114,” Farm Bureau convention in Nashville in January which imposed new levy limits on local govern- of 1997 placed in the top five nationally, one of the ments. Beginning in summer 1997, the Nebraska highest finishes ever for a Nebraska couple. They Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in received use of a Case IH tractor for a year. response to public concern, tightened its regula- tions for new livestock waste-control permits, NFBF Fights for Common Sense requiring phosphorous testing and in some cases Livestock Waste Regulations ground water quality monitoring. Three bills were introduced in 1998 to deal with the DEQ Pivotal for livestock operations in 1998 was the Livestock Waste Control Facility (LWCF) permit EPA’s release of its Animal Feeding Operations (AFO) program and one bill, LB1209, was enacted. In strategy and CAFO (Confined Animal Feeding Nebraska, all livestock operations (regardless of Operation) guidelines. As written, operations that fell size) must have the operation inspected by the under state-based rules would be required to obtain DEQ to determine whether livestock wastes would federal permits. In April that year, the Nebraska pollute surface or ground water. If water pollution Legislature passed a new livestock waste regulation is possible, a LWCF permit must be obtained to bill, LB 1029. The bill was introduced because the ensure that livestock wastes are controlled and state of North Carolina had problems with livestock do not pollute surface or ground water. Neidig was concerned that these regulations would halt Rules for Animal Feeding Operations livestock expansion in Nebraska, stating that the and Confined livestock industry was “under attack.” Animal Feeding Operation guidelines were Greg & Teresa Ibach Place in the established in this decade and Top 5 in YF&R Achievement Award affected those who raise livestock in Greg Ibach who has served as one of the longest Nebraska. (Photo by state directors of agriculture in Nebraska has been a Leslie Johnson) long-time Nebraska Farm Bureau member. In 1996 Greg along with his wife Teresa, were selected as Nebraska Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer Achievement

52 THE NINTH DECADE 1997-2006

NFBF-PAC Endorses First Governor

The NFBF-PAC was quite successful during the 1998 elections with 21 of 23 Friends of Agriculture elected, including Governor-elect Mike Johanns. His was the first statewide race endorsement given by NFBF-PAC. The NFBF-PAC also made its first endorsements in Regent races for John Breslow, Randy Ferlic and Jay Matzke.

Governor-elect Mike Johanns was the first statewide race endorsement given by the NFBF-PAC in 1998.

waste and some thought protections against similar cut off water to junior water rights holders in the problems was needed in Nebraska. Loup River Basin. The drought continued across the While not the bill Farm Bureau had supported, entire state and NFBF gave $10,000 to Orphan Grain NFBF President Bryce Neidig noted, “When you Train for their Operation Hay Lift. compare what might have been passed, LB 1029 as amended is much better. This is the most difficult Water Issues Between Ground and issue I’ve dealt with in my years as a Farm Bureau Surface Irrigation Takes Center Stage leader. We faced a double-edged sword: On the one hand, there was an attitude of ‘let’s get the Water issues took on a new urgency with the filing big guy and save the little guy.’ And on the other, of the Pumpkin Creek lawsuit. This lawsuit essen- there was a strong sentiment that because North tially pitted groundwater users against surface Carolina has had problems with livestock waste, water users in the Pumpkin Creek area near we (Nebraska) have to do something.” Bridgeport in the Nebraska Panhandle. The creek, The bill built on existing regulations and created which was knee-deep in water back in the 1930s, a funding mechanism, using state general funds had almost disappeared with the development of and some permit fees, to allow the Department of groundwater irrigation. In that area, the North Environmental Quality to hire more inspectors to Platte Natural Resources District imposed a implement existing livestock facility regulations. moratorium on drilling new irrigation wells and It also established size classifications for livestock operations and put procedures in place to enable DEQ to catch up on a big backlog. It also prohibited “bad actors,” who had violated environmental regulations in other states, from coming to Nebraska.

Severe Drought in 2002 Severe drought impacted the state during the summer of 2002 and NFBF established a hay/pasture hotline to help connect those in need with resources to sell or donate. Estimates held the drought could cost a typical Nebraska farmer more than $67,000 in operating returns. In addition, the dry weather forced Jim Haas of Morrill County Farm Bureau stands near a the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources to dry Pumpkin Creek in November 2003.

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 53 groundwater users had to start metering their operating in a single state would start to face water use. During the 2002 session, the Legislature serious challenges in the future. In addition to the created a Water Policy Task Force to deal with a geographically limited ability to expand premium growing number of water issues. Their first issue bases, small companies were susceptible to violent was the growing conflict between surface and weather patterns that often turned into catastrophic groundwater users in the state. NFBF’s Jay Rempe, insurance loss events. So the merger was necessary state director of governmental relations, served as to protect the future of the insurance company. the ag organization representative on the executive The new company held a presence in the current committee, and NFBF board member Nancy Eberle offices at 5225 S. 16 Street in Lincoln and became served as an alternate irrigator representative. the Nebraska Regional Office for the company. The In a related water issue, the NFBF board autho- main headquarters continues to be located in West rized legal counsel to join in the Spear T Ranch Des Moines. (Pumpkin Creek) lawsuit by filing a Friend of the Court (amicus) brief. NFBF Membership Tops 50,000 In 2003, NFBF membership topped 50,000 member Farm Bureau Insurance families. It was a new milestone for Nebraska Farm Merges Companies Bureau; we were growing in numbers and we were One major event that took place the summer of a force to be reckoned with on policy issues. Our 2002 was the merger of the Farm Bureau Mutual commitment to protect the rights of farmers and Insurance companies in Nebraska, Kansas and ranchers continues to strengthen. Membership Iowa. Five other state Farm Bureaus also merged mattered in 2003, and it matters today. We continue to make an eight-state Property and Casualty to encourage counties to contact new ag members Company by 2003. The merger took place to and invite them to be part of the work they were bring rate stability to policy holders, as the doing. Strengthening every county Farm Bureau… company achieved greater geographic diversifi- it isn’t a slogan. It is a promise! cation by moving from one-state to an eight-state environment. It was noted that small companies Mad Cow Case Detected in U.S. On December 23, 2003, a cow in Washington State tested positive for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) or mad cow disease. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) banned sick and injured (“downer”) cattle from human food supply, as well as specified risk material and tissues, such as brain and spinal cord, from cattle over 30 months old and mechanically separated meat. A new system of animal identification was also implemented. However, Nebraska beef producers saw a plunge in U.S. and Nebraska beef exports beginning in 2004. The cause: international concern over mad cow disease. Nebraska beef producers saw their overseas sales fall from

54 THE NINTH DECADE 1997-2006

The Nebraska Water Policy Task Force bill, which Farm Bureau supported, modified existing laws to be more proactive in identifying river basins as over-appropriated or fully appropriated in terms of surface water and hydrologically connected groundwater.

$502 million in 2003 to $105 million in 2004. river basins as over-appropriated or fully appro- For the U.S. beef sector as a whole, overseas sales priated in terms of surface water and hydrologically fell from $3.2 billion in 2003 to $631 million a connected groundwater. It required the Nebraska year later. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and At the 2004 December annual meeting, the Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) to take President Keith Olsen ranked the Canadian management action when a basin was determined BSE case, and the announcement of Gov. Mike to be over- or fully-appropriated. It also allowed Johanns’ nomination to serve as U.S. Secretary temporary and permanent transfers or leases of of Agriculture as two of the biggest agriculture surface water and groundwater. In a related water related events of the year. NFBF coordinated and issue, the NFBF board authorized legal counsel to participated in several initiatives that year to help join in the Spear T Ranch (Pumpkin Creek) lawsuit assure Nebraska and U.S. consumers that actions by filing a Friend of the Court (amicus) brief. were in place to absolutely assure the safety of Nebraska beef products. Governor Johanns Nominated U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Major Irrigation Bill Passes to President George W. Bush surprised Nebraskans Avoid Future Water Limits on December 2, 2004, with his selection of Gov. The 2004 Legislative session began with a major Mike Johanns as Secretary of Agriculture. It flipped piece of legislation, LB 962, the Nebraska Water Nebraska’s political landscape upside down. When Policy Task Force bill, working its way through the the dust settled, the state faced its first gubernatorial Unicameral and after being designated a Speaker resignation in more than a century; it elevated Lt. Super Priority bill. It was passed on April 15, Gov. Dave Heineman to the governorship; and it a 2004, and NFBF supported its passage. It modified totally restructured the 2006 Senate and guberna- existing laws to be more proactive in identifying torial race. For Johanns, the cabinet appointment

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 55 Keith Olsen of Grant, NFBF President 2002-2011

A major change at the helm of Nebraska Farm Bureau occurred July 24, 2002, with the resignation announcement by NFBF President Bryce Neidig after 21 years of service as NFBF president. Neidig had been plagued by health problems throughout the year, including several hospitalizations. The board accepted Neidig’s resignation on July 29 and appointed First Vice President Keith Olsen to succeed Neidig as NFBF President until the next regular session of the House of Delegates. Here are some highlights of Olsen’s term as President.

. During 2002, NFBF First Vice President Keith . At the 2004 annual meeting, President Keith Olsen attended the U.S.-Cuba Trade Conference Olsen ranked the Canadian BSE case announced in Cancun, Mexico, where participants looked at on December 23, 2003, and the announcement the cost to agriculture because of the Cuban trade of Gov. Mike Johanns’ nomination to serve as embargo. NFBF participation in this conference U.S. Secretary of Agriculture as two of the biggest would continue for several years. agriculture-related events of the year. His address . In 2003, he appeared on NET’s Statewide also covered the four “ations” – taxation, legis- program to talk about his knowledge of Cuban lation, regulation and litigation that continue to trade. Statewide traveled to Cuba for a series threaten agriculture. of reports on Nebraska’s relationship with the . Both before and after his announced retirement Communist nation. as Nebraska Farm Bureau president, Olsen was . During 2003, Olsen was named co-chair of the honored by many regional and state groups search committee for a new University system for his contributions to agriculture and the president. The search process was fraught state. Among those were the Public Service to with controversy, when Olsen and other search Agriculture Award presented by the Nebraska committee members tried to meet with candi- Agribusiness Club and being named to the dates at a Kansas City airport hotel, without the Ak-Sar-Ben Royal Court in October 2011. attention of the media. The committee eventually . Olsen was was a member of the Nebraska Hall of selected J.B. Milliken as the NU President. Agricultural Achievement and was recognized as a . For NFBF, 2004 began on a good note, as special honoree in 2013. Keith Olsen was elected to the AFBF Board of Directors during the national convention in Keith Olsen with Fidel Honolulu, Hawaii. Castro, . A trade mission to Cuba proved memorable September 2005. for President Olsen, who along with Gov. Dave Heineman and other Nebraskans, met for four hours with then-Cuban President Fidel Castro. . One of Olsen’s platforms was promoting youth in agriculture and helped the organization strengthen their relationship with 4-H and FFA.

56 THE NINTH DECADE 1997-2006

represented what he described as his “dream job.” for which NFBF members asked for modifications. Johanns was midway through his second four-year In the end, the NFBF House of Delegates took term as Nebraska’s governor. Lt Gov. Heineman, the stance that Initiative 300 should be amended who became Nebraska’s 39th governor, stated to help unrelated producers develop value-added the appointment represented “an early Christmas business arrangements, and to help younger present” for Nebraska farmers and ranchers. farmers develop viable business relationships with older unrelated producers in order to continue NFBF Opposes Closing of family-owned farms. On January 24, 2007, a Class I Schools federal judge issued a permanent injunction, barring state officials from enforcing the state’s The Nebraska Dissolution of Class I School Districts anti-corporate farming law. Referendum, also known as Measure 422, was on the ballot in Nebraska on November 7, 2006, as a NFBF-PAC Endorses Governor veto referendum. The referendum to repeal the law Dave Heineman passed, however the bill, LB 126, which dissolved all “Class 1” school districts in the state, was In 2006, the NFBF already law, effectively voiding the outcome of the PAC took a bold vote. Nebraska Farm Bureau opposed LB126 and step and offered was pleased with the repeal of the bill, but many an endorsement were disappointed that many Class I schools were for Gov. Dave dissolved since the passage of the law. Heineman in his first run for Initiative 300 Ruled Unconstitutional; governor during NFBF Opposes the Revival of I-300 the primary. He faced a difficult Voters approved the corporate ban as a constitu- challenge in the tional amendment in 1982. With few exceptions, Republican primary Heineman’s rein as governor it outlawed ownership of ag land or livestock by lasted from 2005-2014, which from former non-family farm corporations and limited liability was generally viewed as a Nebraska football positive outcome for Nebraska partnerships. Widely regarded as the toughest law coach and U.S. agriculture. of its kind in the country – and wrapped in contro- Congressman Tom versy from the day it took effect – Initiative 300 Osborne. Heineman took 49 percent of the more had survived previous court tests. In the spring than 197,000 votes cast, and Osborne 45 percent. 2004, NFBF supported a study on Initiative 300, Many say Farm Bureau’s “Friend of Agriculture” the state’s corporate farming ban. It noted that designation made a difference in farm and with updated tools in place, such as county zoning ranch country and was a key factor in Governor and the Livestock Friendly Act, the ban was not as Heineman’s upset over the popular Osborne. crucial as before. Farm Bureau also sponsored two debates at the Just a study brought strong reactions from Nebraska State Fair, the first for governor and the both proponents and opponents of the ban, one second for U.S. Senate candidates.

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 57 Going Above and Beyond

2007 . George W. Bush was the U.S. president . Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was released; it sold 11 million copies in 24 hours . The first iPhone was introduced . Google launches Street View . Movie hits are Ratatouille, Transformers, No Country for Old Men and Spider-Man 3 . Popular TV shows are Grey’s Anatomy, Burn Notice and American Idol . Most played song on the radio is “Big Girls Don’t Cry” by Fergie . A house cost $313,600 . Average income was $50,823 . Gas cost $3.38 per gallon . Price of gold was $630 per ounce . Minimum wage was $5.15 per hour

58 THE TENTH DECADE 2007-2017

he final years leading up to NFBF’s Humane Society of the United State or HSUS. centennial have been filled with strong These movements caused concern among the state’s Tleadership. During the last ten years the livestock producers. In that same vein, a federal organization has seen a new chief administrator appeals court ruled that USDA could no longer transition into a leadership role not only in Farm provide horsemeat inspections for a fee, paralyzing Bureau, but also throughout the state’s agriculture what was left of the nation’s horse slaughter community. NFBF elected its fifteenth president industry. Also a Nebraska bill that would have and bid farewell to some long-time staff, through banned gestation crates was withdrawn, as Farm retirement. With the rapid changes in technol- Bureau and its allies worked to confront the animal ogies and communication platforms, NFBF took rights issue in the Nebraska Legislature. Also, the several steps to modernize its communication, Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska, advocacy and marketing models to effectively serve A-FAN (housed in NFBF headquarters), worked its members and Nebraska agriculture. Nebraska to inform and educate Nebraskans, about how Farm Bureau entered this decade as a vital, active, farmers and ranchers who raise livestock take good problem-solving, member-serving organization. care of their animals. While proud of its past achievements, Farm Bureau is committed to solving the problems of the future Gibson Retires; Robertson and to serving members and agriculture through all Named Chief Administrator the challenges the future holds. Chief Administrator Doug Gibson announced Animal Rights Agenda Rears its Head his approaching retirement on April 30, 2009. The NFBF board begins laying the groundwork for the transition to a new chief administrator/ secretary-treasurer for the organization. At its March 2008 meeting, the board met to conduct a search, make a selection and model the transition. In June of that year, the NFBF board approved appointment of an eight-member Chief Administrator Search Committee. During the October NFBF board meeting, directors conducted interviews of candidates for the Chief Administrator/Secretary-Treasurer position and at the November meeting, formally approved the appointment of and contract with Rob Robertson Starting with Florida in 2001, animal rights groups, such as HSUS, successfully pushed for legislation banning hog to become only the third Chief Administrator/ crates in at least nine states. Secretary-Treasurer of the organization, effective May 1, 2009. In 2007, Top U.S. pork producer Smithfield Robertson brought in his own style of asser- Foods announced its transition to “crate-free” tiveness and growth to the organization. As pig breeding by 2022. Leading pork producer chief administrator, Robertson has been a strong Cargill then said it would by the next year convert advocate for Nebraska farmers and ranchers its own breeding facilities and eliminate contract and works internally and externally on many growers that use crates. The animal rights agenda projects that help to elevate Nebraska Farm reared its head in Nebraska, brought in by the Bureau and Nebraska agriculture. Under his

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 59 The NFBF Board of Directors in April of 2009 along with Rob Robertson (center left) and Doug Gibson. leadership, Nebraska Farm Bureau has reached a substantial contribution in January 2010 to more than 61,000 member families. Robertson become a member of the 1868 Society associated is also carrying the torch to elevate farmer and with the 1868 State Fair Foundation. The NFBF rancher concerns about property taxes. He is also board also adopted a proposal to contact county very involved in making sure Nebraska Farm Farm Bureaus and ask for financial help in building Bureau surfaces ag-friendly candidates through the and landscaping the new fairgrounds. The first NFBF-PAC “Friend of Agriculture” designation. Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island was deemed a Robertson remembers those who had the vision to success as Nebraska residents turned out in droves help begin this organization and continues to work to inspect the new digs. to engage members to help grow the organization for another 100 years.

State Fair Moves to New Home in Grand Island One of the major changes that occurred in 2010 was moving the Nebraska State Fair from its longtime home in Lincoln to Grand Island. Using the Fonner Park grounds as home base, the “new and improved” State Fair boasted state-of-the-art livestock facilities, new commercial and 4-H exhibition buildings and made use of the existing Heartland Events Center and Fonner Race Track buildings. To show its continued support for the The Nebraska State Fair welcomed many visitors at their fair, the Nebraska Farm Bureau Board authorized new location at the Fonner Park grounds in Grand Island.

60 THE TENTH DECADE 2007-2017

Steve Nelson of Axtell NFBF’s 15th President

A change in leadership occurred during the 2011 NFBF annual meeting, when the House of Delegates elected NFBF First Vice President Steve Nelson of Axtell as the organization’s new president. They then elected Mark McHargue of Central City as First Vice President. Nelson was first elected to the NFBF Board of Directors in 1997 to represent District 5 and was re-elected in 2000. In 2002, he was elected first vice president and re-elected in 2003 and 2006. He and his wife, Elma, farm near Axtell and raise corn, soybeans and hybrid seed corn. Here are some highlights from his presidency.

Steve Nelson, 2011 - Present

. NFBF President Steve Nelson, served on the . In the American Farm Bureau Federation, Nelson search committee to select the seventh president has been Chairman of the Feed Grains committee of the University of Nebraska. The agriculture and has served on the Water Quality Task Force community expressed interest and excitement and the Information and Technology Committee. when Hank M. Bounds was named to that In 2003, he was appointed to the AFBF MAAPP position in January 2015. (Making American Agriculture Productive and . Steve Nelson, along with Gov. Pete Ricketts Profitable) committee to study the future of and State Director of Agriculture Greg Ibach American Agriculture. and more than 30 farmers and ranchers, food . Through Nelson’s leadership, NFBF brought its scientists, and processor representatives, went on advocacy work on property tax reform to the a domestic trade mission to New York City to “next level” by putting resources and human promote beef from Nebraska. capacity in place to help move its agenda forward. . In August of 2016, Nelson participated in a

Nebraska trade delegation to Taipei, Taiwan, to Three generations of Nelson’s growing on their farm sign letters of intent to purchase more than $400 in south central Nebraska. Steve (left), grandson million in Nebraska agricultural products. The Sam and son Scott Nelson. purchases will include wheat, corn, soybeans, distillers grain, beef and pork. . At the state level of Farm Bureau, Nelson has served on the State Legislative Policy Committee and Membership Advisory Committee. . Nelson serves on the AFBF Board of Directors. . Supporting membership growth and development of County Farm Bureaus has and continues to be Nelson’s priority as he uses his leadership to support more resources and collaboration with County Farm Bureaus from the state office.

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 61 Farm Bureau maintained a high presence NFBF Opposes Obamacare helping sponsor the Elite Showmanship compe- NFBF has looked at how it can help members tition, participating in a Farm Bill Forum, as well navigate changes brought by the health care reform as continuing to sponsor the State Fair Ag Families bill, which was implemented in January 2014. of the Day. In addition, NFBF helped sponsor the Changes included allowance of young adults up 4-H Foundation shirts given to companies and to age 26 to remain on their parents’ health care individuals who gave premium money to 4-H plans, elimination of lifetime limits on benefits, 100 winners during the fair, sponsored the swine arena percent coverage of many preventative services and and was a co-sponsor of the large ag arena. prohibition of insurance-carrier denial of coverage to children because of pre-existing health condi- NFBF Sponsors 100-year tions. Many believed most policyholders would have Pioneer Farm Family Awards to select a new health care insurance policy, and that it would cost more. In 2016, the cost of what has been dubbed Obamacare has nearly doubled in cost. The Nebraska Farm Bureau has looked to offer members a way to write off health care expenses as a deduction, using the new member benefit BASE. The program has been successful.

Dr. Ronnie Green Comes to IANR

County Farm Bureau leaders have handed out these awards across Nebraska. In 2016, the Narjes Land & Livestock in Cheyenne County received their Pioneer award. Pictured are Taylor, Doug and Rita Hart; Regina, Issac, Clara and Tyson Narjes; Susan and Gary Narjes; Ryan, Weston and Laura Narjes. Photo Courtesy of Susan Narjes. The Narjes’ are Cheyenne County Farm Bureau members.

Nebraska Farm Bureau, along with the AKSARBEN Nebraska Farm Bureau was very happy about Green’s Foundation and the Nebraska Association of Fair Chancellor appointment. “The selection of Dr. Ronnie Green as the University of Nebraska-Lincoln chancellor is Managers, co-sponsored the Nebraska Pioneer great news for Nebraska agriculture and for Nebraska in Farm and Nebraska Heritage Farm Awards. The general,” NFBF President Steve Nelson said. (University of awards recognized Nebraska farm families who Nebraska-Lincoln) consecutively held ownership of land in the same Ronnie Green assumed full authority as the family for at least a 100 years (Pioneer) or 150 years University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s 20th chancellor (Heritage), respectively. This program continues on May 8, 2016. Prior to being named chancellor, today and many county Farm Bureaus have been Green served since 2010 as the Harlan Vice involved in presenting the award during their Chancellor of the Institute of Agriculture and respective county fairs. Natural Resources. Green, a native of Virginia,

62 THE TENTH DECADE 2007-2017

came to Nebraska to work at the U.S. Meat Animal Lab building and also started a match challenge Research Center at Clay Center and brought a of $2,500 for county Farm Bureaus in Western vibrant pace with him that totally re-energized the Nebraska. Eight counties eventually participated in Institute and East Campus. NFBF provided key the match and many county Farm Bureau leaders input and influential counsel in support of Green’s attended the lab’s ribbon-cutting. candidacy throughout the process. NFBF Launches “Let Me Get Keith R. Olsen Policy Internship My Hands Dirty” Campaign Award Established In 2011, in honor of retiring NFBF President Keith R. Olsen, the Nebraska Farm Bureau Board signed an agreement with the NU Foundation to create the Keith R. Olsen Policy Internship Award that would send a UNL CASNR student intern to Washington, D.C., each summer through an annual $3,000 award payment. Scholarships have been awarded to Bryce Vaughn, Alliance; Audrey Smith, Walla Walla, Washington; Debra Wray, Ord; Maci Lienemann, Princeton; and Amanda Kowalewski, Gothenburg.

NFBF Authorized Major Funds For UNL Buildings The Nebraska Legislature was very productive in 2012 and set the stage for many positive future 2,000 hand written notes were collected from FFA and 4-H developments. One of those ramifications was the students asking the Department funding for a new Veterinary Diagnostic Center, of Labor to Let Me Get My which celebrated a groundbreaking in April 2015 Hands Dirty. on UNL’s East Campus. The budget called for $6.1 million to be awarded annually from the Proposed federal regulations that state’s general fund for 10 years to pay for design would have severely restricted children and construction of the new facility. The facility is from working on a farm not owned by their parents, scheduled to open in 2017. prompted NFBF to launch an opposition campaign Nebraska Farm Bureau joined a host of ag called “Let Me Get My Hands Dirty.” It was aimed groups and individuals in supporting the center by at bringing attention to the U.S. Department of approving a three-year contribution of $15,000 to Labor’s rules that would have severely restricted the NU Foundation, which helped with fundraising learning opportunities for youth, especially those efforts for the Diagnostic Center. In another involved in FFA and 4-H. A key component of the construction funding effort, the Nebraska Farm campaign was huge posters containing handprints Bureau Board approved a $2,500 contribution obtained during the Nebraska FFA convention to the NU Foundation for the High Plains Ag and at other events.

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 63 Nebraska Farm Bureau and help existing ag teachers in offering financial Foundation is Created assistance on student loans. Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation was able to receive approval from the Nebraska Foundation for Agricultural Awareness to merge its charter to complement and financially support the Ag in the Classroom (AITC) program in Nebraska. The AITC program continues to be the flagship program with NFB Foundation today.

NFBF-PAC Makes First Time Endorsement in Senate Race In April 2014, the NFBF board approved the NFBF-PAC recommendation to endorse U.S. Senate Courtney Schaardt, director of Outreach Education for the candidate Ben Sasse in the Republican primary. Foundation talks with students at North American Martyrs about agriculture. The Foundation helps fund the Ag in the It was the first time the NFBF-PAC endorsed a Classroom Program. candidate in the primary election. Many political experts believed that Nebraska Farm Bureau’s In November 2012, the Federation Board autho- endorsement of Sasse was instrumental in legiti- rized the creation and formation of the Nebraska mizing his candidacy and helping him pull across Farm Bureau Foundation and directed staff to the finish line in a very crowded primary field. begin paperwork on developing by-laws, articles of incorporation and apply for a 501(c) 3 tax exemption. By March 2013, the NFBF board approved the new board and governance guide- lines for the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation. Its mission is to engage youth, educators, and the general public to promote an understanding of the vital importance of agriculture in the lives of all Nebraskans. The Foundation also created the Agricultural Teacher Education Program and the Nebraska Agriculture Teacher Retention Award. The programs are designed to increase the number of ag teachers in Nebraska. Currently, Keith County Farm Bureau Member Andy DeVries gives there is a shortage. Each program is designed to then U.S. Senate Candidate Ben Sasse a tour of his farm help students enter the ag education profession near Ogalalla in 2014.

64 Eric and Tanya Storer on their ranch in Cherry County.

ife is made of small moments and Nebraska Farm Bureau has been creating memories for 100 years, expanding its influence through a greater presence in Lpolicy, programs and activities. The next century will see changes in agriculture and Nebraska Farm Bureau will be there as they work to serve Nebraska farmers and ranchers.

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 65 100 Years of County Farm Bureaus in Nebraska

Adams County In 1961, the office moved to a location across from Big G. In 1962-63, the dues were raised to ESTABLISHED NOVEMBER 1956 $20. Then in 1965, the office moved again to 129 CENTENNIAL 2056 N. Lexington and remained there for six years. In 1971, the office was moved to Second and Minnesota, and in 1975 to 1021 W. Second Street. In 1979, the county organization purchased its own building at 1902 W. Second Street in Hastings. The building still housed the activities of the Adams County Farm Bureau in 1992. Leonard Kiolbasa came to Adams County in 1977 as insurance agency manager, and the office force grew from two agents and one secretary to six agents and three secretaries. In 1979, the dues were raised to $36, and the membership was 600. Adams County has been very active in programs and services of the Farm Bureau organization, such The first meeting of the Adams County Farm as Farm and Ranch Supply, Zee Medical, fruits Bureau was at the home of Lawrence Schutte and nuts, Safemark batteries, tires and oil, record on November 28, 1956. Lawrence Schutte keeping, ACRES and Feld Drug. was elected president and Ed Kent was elected Programs included participation in citizenship secretary-treasurer. and safety seminars, discussion meets, talent The 1957 membership was 243. At that time, contests, Young Farmers and Ranchers activities, there were unit meetings monthly in Ayr, Rising state women’s conferences, state Legislative schools, Star School District, Trumbull, West Adams and tours, and state and national conventions. There Webster County. In 1958, the county voted to have been active Women’s and Young Farmers disband all units and hold countywide meetings. and Ranchers Committees, and county banquets, Mona Kent was the organization’s first secretary; pancake suppers and picnics have been held. she worked in her home. Her salary was 75 cents There were booths at the county fairs and food per hour. In 1958, it was raised to $1 per hour. promotion activities. In 1960, the first office opened in the Stitt Presidents of the Adams County Farm Bureau Building in Hastings. Wesley Augustin was the from its founding until 1992 were: Lawrence first insurance agent, and Victor Bartling became Schutte, 1957; Ed Kent, 1958; Victor Katzberg, the first full-time Farm Bureau insurance agent in 1959; Ralph Burling, 1960-61; Lloyd Bohlke, the county. 1962-64; Carroll Burling, 1965-66; Milton

66 ADAMS – ANTELOPE

Nowka, 1967-69; Donald Snoberger, 1970-74; Adams County Farm Bureau has experienced LaMoine Utecht, 1975-76; Kenneth Bohlen, growth on and off through the years. We continue 1977-80; Carroll Burling, 1981-83; Donald to be active in our community by supporting Snoberger, 1984-91; and Dan Burling, 1992. our Adams County Fair, supporting youth in For many years, the county also recognized agriculture by participating in the Nebraska Farm “Women of the Year,” which included Elaine Bureau Foundation Golf Classic, giving $10,000 Goldenstein, 1974; Pat Snoberger, 1975; Belva to local FFA Chapters, and offering high school Junker, 1976; Martha Krabel, 1977; Marge seniors one $1,000 scholarship and two $500 Hollister, 1978; Gene Morey, 1979; Barbara scholarships, and have a strong desire to elevate Bohlen, 1980; Bonnie Burling, 1981; Charlene the Nebraska Farm Bureau as it works to serve Nowka, 1982: Beth Stark, 1983; Mary Hanson, Nebraska farmers and ranchers. 1984; and Charlene Nowka, 1985. Wesley Augustine and Ralph Burling were Tyler Fitzke, 2017 county Farm Bureau treasurer selected as “Person of the Year” for the Adams County Farm Bureau.

State and National Leaders Antelope County Adams County members who have served on state ESTABLISHED DECEMBER 1935 committees were: CENTENNIAL 2035 Women’s Committee – Thelma Burling, Martha Krabel and Charlene Nowka On December 17, 1935, several farm leaders met Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee – Dan at the courthouse in Neligh for the purpose of and Karen Buhr and Tim and Marty Grothen organizing a Farm Bureau in Antelope County. Policy Development Committee – Ed Kent, Mrs. Mr. Peacott of the Nebraska Farm Bureau and Carl Starr, Kenneth Bohlen, Carroll Burling, Mr. Gould of the Nebraska Extension Service Milton Nowka and Beth Stark discussed the program of work, and it was State Board of Directors – Don Snoberger, Carroll decided to organize. Frank Watkins was elected Burling and Myles Ramsey the first president. Burling also was elected vice president of the The second meeting was called in January 1936, Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation in 1991. and a membership drive was planned in February. Three members have served at the national level: Because of heavy snow and severe winter weather, the drive was postponed several times and later AFBF Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee – dropped. A number of memberships had been Dan Buhr secured by the committee and those in the Extension AFBF Wheat Advisory Committee – Ken Bohlen office. Membership dues were $5. It was decided to AFBF Natural and Environmental Resources affiliate with the state and national Farm Bureaus. Committee – Carroll Burling The funds raised through memberships were Burling also served on the Iowa Farm Bureau used for materials and supplies at the agricultural Life Insurance Board of Directors. office, stenographic work, club work, mileage Many hours have been dedicated to the for the county agent and other things related to promotion of agriculture through Adams County Extension work in the county. Farm Bureau. Dedication of the membership has In 1937, Cecil Harmon was the president, and been the key to the growth and credibility of this there were 24 members, most of them also belonged organization. In 1991 membership was 1,311. to the Nebraska and American Farm Bureaus.

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 67 During 1941-43, the Antelope Farm Bureau continued to sponsor Extension. However, most of the expenses were then financed by county funds. Because of the war emergency, the number of meetings declined to only four in 1943. Presidents during the 1940s included William Darlington, August Hansen and Frank Morrison.

Farm Bureau, Extension Separate In 1944, the Farm Bureau and the Antelope County Agricultural Extension decided to become separate entities. With its new identity, the Antelope County Farm Bureau continued to grow, Vote to Support Extension with its highest all-time membership reaching A vote was put on the public ballot in the 1937 nearly 600. fall election: “Shall agricultural Extension work be Succeeding presidents include Fred Kampe, supported from the general funds of the county?” Harry Taylor, Lawrence Schnabel, Eldon The vote carried. Schooner, Ervin Mollhoff, Elvin Hutchinson, Lynn Assistance in financing Extension was given to Keetle, Bob Martin, Don Masat, Gordon Hughes, Farm Bureau by the county supervisors in the form Dennis Sanne, Ron Weber, Gordon Shrader, John of rent, clerical assistance and a monetary grant. L. Knievel, Claus Knuth, Roland Schrunk, Louise Some donations were received from businesses in Weber, Ted Hughes, Alden Zuhlke, Jim Keetle, the various towns, leaving a budget of $1,500. Maylo Knuth, Stacy Snodgrass, Ed Johnston, By 1939, the Farm Bureau board met 12 times Mark Jisa and Steve Pellatz. and held three additional organizational meetings The first office was a room in the home to discuss the financial situation and solicit of Clarence Thorin, the county’s first full-time memberships. Thirty people attended the third insurance agent, for $5 a month rent. He also meeting, and the drive was successful, so sufficient furnished storage for fertilizer, which the members funds were available to carry the office to the close bought in volume and had shipped in by train; a of the year. project that netted savings for members and consid- In 1940, Extension work expanded consid- erable income for the organization. It did, of course, erably, and 35 members conducted a membership involve many hours of labor donated by members. drive and circulated a petition to place the question A number of Holt County farmers held of county support for Extension on the ballot. Five membership with Antelope County Farm Bureau hundred and one farmers signed the petition, and for a number of years. Marie Thorin and Louise the question carried at the November election by a Weber met with the Holt members at Page to vote of 3,051 to 2,666. organize Holt County Farm Bureau. On August 15, 1940, a picnic was held at For a short time, board meetings were held Riverside Park in Neligh to which all farmers in members’ homes. Other offices were above an were invited. The Neligh Chamber of Commerce implement shop, under a clothing store on Main donated $10 toward expenses, and business places Street and on ground level a half-block off of gave prizes. The Neligh High School Band played, Main Street. In 1988, the Antelope County Farm Val Peterson spoke and a baseball game between Bureau proudly moved into a new home, which it the north and south parts of the county was held. purchased on West Highway 275 in Neligh.

68 ANTELOPE

A number of members of the Antelope County and Carol Hall hosted legislative aides from Farm Bureau purchased shares in the Nebraska Washington in Nebraska Farm Bureau’s Legislative Non-Stock Cooperative Association, making it Assistants Visitation Program. Louise Weber possible to supply members with animal health served as historian and news reporter for the products at reasonable costs. The Safemark Antelope County Farm Bureau for many years. tire, battery and oil program was available to members and handled through Reinke’s Farm Current Activities and History & City Service. Presently the Antelope County Farm Bureau Over many years, county membership board is made up of a group of young and meetings were held monthly, and a number of ambitious members that are focused on strength- community groups also met monthly in homes ening our membership. We have been utilizing or rural schoolhouses in the county. The board the Invest in the Future Campaign to do this held separate monthly meetings. The board still and have won the title for signing on the most meets monthly and the membership meets for new members in our district in 2014 and 2015. the annual meeting in September of each year. Antelope County met its membership goals for In 2015, the 56th annual banquet and meeting 2015 and had the honor of being recognized was held in Clearwater, Nebraska at the L Bar B for that accomplishment at the Nebraska Farm Steakhouse. A free meal is provided for all Bureau State Convention. Current membership who attend. stands at more than 500. The county is also focusing on getting more Members Serve as State Leaders involved in community and county activities. Antelope County members have held numerous In 2015, Antelope County Farm Bureau hosted state leadership positions. Ervin and Ellnor a community chili soup supper with Tom Mollhoff have both served on the Nebraska Farm Osborne as speaker, sponsored a local FSA Bureau Board of Directors. Belva Shrader and producer meeting, sponsored a Farm Bureau Rena Hauptmann served as District 3 members on float in the local July 4th Celebration Parade the Nebraska Farm Bureau Women’s Committee. and passed out membership brochures and Ron Weber and John L. Knievel both served candy, sponsored events at the Antelope County as Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee Fair and set up a booth at the Antelope County members, representing District 3. Other members Fair. Members assisted with presenting the have served on various Nebraska Farm Bureau Ak-sar-ben Pioneer Farm Family Awards given committees and as voting delegates. out each year at the Antelope County Fair, which The Antelope County Farm Bureau women are also sponsored by the Nebraska Farm Bureau. hosted the Educational Service Unit No. 8 Ag in the The county also awarded two $500 scholarships Classroom teacher in-service workshop in 1990. for graduating high school seniors to use for Donations of money and items for the college expenses. fundraiser at the state conventions have been given over the years. Antelope County members Steve Pellatz, county history coordinator also participated in many Farm Bureau Service- to-Member programs. Claus and Maylo Knuth hosted AgLink students from Omaha in 1990 and 1991. Richard and Donna Uhrenholdt were AgLink hosts in 1991. Douglas and Marcelle Hughes and Allen

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 69 Arthur County Blaine County

ESTABLISHED JANUARY 1963 ESTABLISHED JANUARY 1962 CENTENNIAL 2063 CENTENNIAL 2062

The Blaine County Farm Bureau held its first meeting January 29, 1962. Forty-three people met at the Brewster Congregational Church. A meal was served, and, upon a motion by Lyle Hughes of Brewster, the County Constitution was adopted. A Uniform Agreement was also passed to be affiliated with the Nebraska Farm Bureau. The Blaine County Farm Bureau became the 75th county in the state organization. At that first meeting, Blaine County members elected officers: Philip S. Van Neste of Milburn, president; Lyle Hughes of Brewster, vice president; Don Spencer of Brewster, secretary; and The Arthur County Farm Bureau was formed Dick Smith of Dunning, treasurer. January 24, 1963, when individuals attending a Past Blaine County Farm Bureau Presidents: meeting in the community of Arthur voted to form the organization. Members present at that meeting 1962 Philip S. Van Neste also voted to ask for affiliation with the state 1963 Richard Shinn organization. 1966 Rex Miller Theo Frye was elected president; Norman 1970 Wayne Collier Kramer was elected vice president; and Don 1972 Bill Dunn Nielson was elected secretary-treasurer. 1974 Ted Spencer On November 14, 1963, the Arthur County 1976 Richard Fowler Farm Bureau signed the Uniform Agreement 1978 Duane Hall between it and the state federation, and signed its 1979 Ted Hanich county constitution. At that time, Philip Crouse was 1983 Eric Schipporeit county president, and Kenneth Reickenberg was 1986 Duane Hall county secretary. Since that time, Arthur County has 1987 Miller Heller seen Sherry Vinton as a state board member for the 1989 Doyle Dowse/Ted Hanich Nebraska Farm Bureau Board of Directors. 1990-92 Doyle Dowse Unfortunately, the Arthur County Farm Bureau 1993-94 Margaret Bradley has experienced decreased activity and membership 1995 Duane Hall through the years and has become less active. 1996 Lowell Minert However, the county Farm Bureau remains part of 1997-99 Dorothea Roseberry the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation as it works 2000 Kerry Lou Fink to serve Nebraska farmers and ranchers. 2001-02 Lela Hall 2003-06 Bette Nygren Tim Horn, 2016 northwest regional director of 2007-08 William Webb membership 2009-16 Margie Lloyd 2017 Chester Smith

70 ARTHUR – BLAINE – BOONE

Boone County

ESTABLISHED JANUARY 1930 CENTENNIAL 2030

The Boone County Farm Bureau was organized on January 27, 1930, at Albion. Election of officers resulted in selection of J.E. Donaldson of Albion as president, and R.R. Burns of St. Edward as secretary-treasurer. Directors chosen were: C.F. Foltz Manchester; A.R. Barnes Oakland; Fred Barnes, Ashland;, E.W. Atwater, Roselma; Robert Always, the membership has been at the Reynoldson Plum Creek; and S.C. Nore, Midland. forefront locally dealing with agricultural issues; Mrs. Charles Evans was the first office secretary. taking advantage of all that Farm Bureau had The membership agreement with Nebraska Farm to offer via food products, tires and batteries, Bureau was adopted. insurance and seminars; promoting membership; The primary purpose of the new organi- attending state and national conventions; and zation was to sponsor a county agent and county getting youth involved through Young Farmers and 4-H clubs. The first year’s membership was 80 Ranchers, the safety seminars, Ag in the Classroom, members, with yearly dues of $10 per family. and offering college loans and scholarships. The first annual 4-H club and Farm Bureau From 2009 through 2016, the Blaine County picnic was held at Primrose on July 31, 1930. Farm Bureau provided a pizza party for fifth- and It was the first of many summer picnics. Work sixth-grade students in appreciation for agricul- continued through the county agent with the tural posters provided for the month of March, Boone County Farm Bureau sponsoring corn which were displayed in local businesses. In 2015, husking contests, milo topping contests, corn donations of fruit by the Blaine County Farm shows, varietal test plots, soil conservation tours, Bureau led to the County Baskets program. This grasshopper bait and the early farm programs. program is managed through the courthouse and Membership reached a low of 32 in 1934-35, with participation continues to date. The American dues of $4, and in 1935-36 with dues of $2.50. Farm Bureau has helped provide large banners 1936-37 found only 25 members in Boone County. for the Blaine County Fair. The banners feature livestock and poultry in agriculture, and when the series is complete there will be six. Since the start of AFan, we have supported the program and been a sponsor. Help and donations have been provided to neighboring counties following disasters such as fire or storms.

Sue Oiler Dowse, 1992 county history chairman Margie Lloyd, 2016 county history chairman

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 71 In 1936-37, tax money was also given to the Top 10 for YF&R Excellence in Ag on the support 4-H programs. A budget of $2,200 was national level. approved by county commissioners with the Farm In January, 2014 the county decided to Bureau board overseeing expenditures. The end of transition from an OA position to PKR and at this the arrangement with the Extension Service and time the board went to a cash rent agreement with the founding of the Extension Board happened in the local Farm Bureau agent. Currently our dues 1946, while the Farm Bureau continued to be a are $55 per year and there are 396 members of legislative-oriented organization. Boone County Farm Bureau. On January 1, 1978, Boone County Non-Stock Co-Op, a subsidiary corporation, was formed to sell Duane Pont, 1992, county history chairman animal health products; it was discontinued in 1992. Sharon Ketteler, 2016 county history chairman Some of our past board members included: June Bentley, Paul Robert, Mary Lou Smith, Dale Bowman, Dan Choat, Larry Petsche, Kenny Jasa, Box Butte County Jerry Carder, Dan Reinhart, Wayne Choat and Cathy Hill-Klein. ESTABLISHED SEPTEMBER 1962 The current board members and their positions CENTENNIAL 2062 are: Brian Maricle, president; Gale Carlson, vice president; Dave Merrell, treasurer and membership chairman; Eric Johnson, ag promotion; and Morgan Mogensen, Youth at large/YF&R chairman. Dave Merrell has served on the county board since 1989 and held the president position for many of those years. Dave has served at the state level for the Farm Bureau on SLPC; state board of directors; and he and his wife, Cyndee, have served on YF&R/Youth at large. Other county board members and their wives who have served on the state YF&R/Youth at large committee include: Brian and Hilary Maricle; The Box Butte County Farm Bureau was formed Wayne and Jodi Choat; and Dan and Terri Choat. September 19, 1962, at a meeting in Alliance. Neal Paul Robert and Mary Lou Smith dedicated Holthus made a motion to ask for affiliation with many years of service as county board members the state organization and to adopt the uniform and served as chairmen of the fruit and nut sales agreement and county constitution. These were and the bi-annual county Farm Bureau newsletters. accomplished by unanimous votes, and Holthus Kenny Jasa held other Farm Bureau positions, was elected as county president. Box Butte County serving as district director of member services was the 88th to affiliate with the state federation. and as a Farm Bureau agent. Sharon Ketteler has At the following meeting on October 15, been the Boone County Farm Bureau Federation Holthus asked to resign from the presidency secretary since May of 2000. because the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation, Hilary Maricle was chairman of YF&R, needing a district director who lived at Alliance, served on the board of directors and now is P & had contacted him about the position. E chairman. Brian and Hilary have won all three According to Henry Kuhlmann, Farm Bureau YF&R contests at the state level. They were in director at large from Central City, “his wish was

72 BOONE – BOX BUTTE – BOYD

reluctantly granted.” Jack Anderson was elected recognized, and the organization was promoted to president, and Kenneth Libsack was elected the public. The Boyd County Farm Bureau also has secretary-treasurer. “The meeting was adjourned promoted the organization for many years at the with much enthusiasm for the future of Box Butte Boyd County Fair. We had a booth in the exhibit County Farm Bureau,” Kuhlmann wrote. hall and a float in the parade for several years. The Box Butte County Farm Bureau has experi- Currently, the organization sponsors award halters enced growth on and off through the years. We for the beef and horse shows. continue to be active in our community, support The Boyd County Farm Bureau has in the past youth in agriculture and have a strong desire to participated in the marketing programs established elevate the Nebraska Farm Bureau as it works to by Nebraska Farm Bureau. We had a very active serve Nebraska farmers and ranchers. Citrus and Fruit Program. The late Mrs. Edith Woodruff was responsible for this, as she was Natasha Schumacher, 2017 county Farm Bureau coordinator for many years. president The Ag in the Classroom Program has been supported by the Boyd County Farm Bureau since 1991. Members have been Ag Pen Pals to schools Boyd County in Omaha and Grand Island. Letters including stories about life on the farm, pictures and videos ESTABLISHED 1946 were sent to elementary classrooms to introduce CENTENNIAL 2046 students to farm activities and products. In 1999, the Boyd County Farm Bureau The Boyd County Farm Bureau was organized began promoting the Young Farmer and Rancher at Naper in 1946. Mr. Wm. Peppel of Naper the program within the county. The organization first president, and membership was small in the sponsors the attendance of the Young Farmer and early years. Rancher chairman to the annual conference. On March 18, 1955, the Boyd County Farm The Boyd County Farm Bureau has encouraged Bureau established a formal constitution. President delegate participation at the Nebraska State Farm at this time was Ben Woodruff, and secretary Bureau Convention over the years. This county was Mrs. Evelyn McNair. In April of 1955, Boyd organization has been well represented and active County also signed the Uniform Agreement with in policy discussion and legislative issues. the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation. As an effort to support the students in Boyd In 1958, Mrs. Paul Reel was appointed women’s County and encourage them to return to their chairman and an active Women’s Committee began. home communities, the Boyd County Farm Bureau The women met on the fourth Wednesday of every sponsors two scholarships for high school seniors month. They sponsored Boyd County’s participation in the Boyd County area. with the “Nurses Loan Program” and the “Charles As the years have passed, our organization is Marshall Educational Fund.” They also were not as active as it once was, but we continue to responsible for our county’s Book of Events. In later meet our membership quotas. We continue to offer years, the women’s committee sponsored and helped our members all the advantages that the Farm send many students from our county to the Youth Bureau has to offer. Citizenship Seminar. For many years, the Boyd County Farm Bureau Mrs. Robert Dahlberg, 1992 county history chairman held an annual banquet for the community. Mrs. Oliver Nelson, 2016 county history chairman Officers’ and members’ accomplishments were

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 73 Brown County Allen, Blair Williams, Bob Allen, Err Johnson, Harold Schelm, Harold Johnson, Darwin Evans, ESTABLISHED 1960 Rex Coleman, Don Zwiebel, Chet Wilkins, Glen CENTENNIAL 2060 Fling, Larry Sisson, Marvin Sisson, Marvin Bauer, Will Williams, Jim Pinney, Dave Cheatum, Henry Beel, Glenna Abbott. Insurance agents serving the county have been Melvin Jones, Irvin Stouffer, Ed Daniels, Todd Luth, Judy Densberger and currently Angie Davis. In 1992, Marty Graff won a trip to Kansas City for his role in membership. Will Williams received the 2005 Young Farmer and Rancher Achievement Award. Henry and Mary Beel received the 2007 Young Farmer and Rancher Achievement Award and participated in the 2008 AFBF YF&R contest in New Orleans, Louisiana. Henry and Mary Beel served as District 6 The Brown County Farm Bureau was started in representatives on the Nebraska Young Farmers 1962. The first president was Francis Bejot. From and Ranchers committee from 2007-2008. Becky then until 1970, membership was near 70 members. Schelm served on the Ag Promotion committee In 2015, membership was at 425 members. representing District 6 from 2008-2010. Some of the county Farm Bureau presidents Some of the activities the Brown County were Rex Coleman, Dwight Moody, Francis Farm Bureau has been involved with are giving Bejot, Don Zwibel, Harold Johnson, Gordon scholarships to seniors, supporting 4-H and FFA Margary, Ray Preston, Larry Duden, Henry Beel programs, watermelon feeds, the local food pantry and Will Williams. and horse shows. Past county directors include Guy Bollor, Henry Bollor, Francis Bejot, Wayne L. Johnson, Jay Fling, Melvin Jones, Sid Salzman, William Buffalo County Gudgel, Paul Plate, Roy Oatman, Wilbur Saner, Bruce Johnson, Duane Wilkens, Bert Huff, Albert ESTABLISHED SEPTEMBER 1918 CENTENNIAL 2018

The Buffalo County Farm Bureau was formally organized on September 20, 1918, under the guidance of Paul H. Stewart. The first executive board members were: O.G. Smith, Kearney, president; Pat Fitzgerald, Kearney, vice-president; and J.H. Haug, Shelton, secretary-treasurer. Some of the many committees started in those early years included wool, grain and potato associations. Disease and pest control were also studied, using practices designed to eradicate or control them.

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started a “100 Club” where members paid $100 dues, and there were 10 members that year. The first Junior Farm Bureau was formed in 1945 and later a state Junior Farm Bureau was formed. The first president of the Junior Farm Bureau was Wayne Webb of Odessa. Three of the four founders of the Farm Bureau Insurance Company of Nebraska came from Buffalo County: Herman Link of Ravenna, and Dale Stubblefield and Harvey Lippencott, both of Shelton. The other was then state president Charles Marshall. Membership grew from 300 charter members Women were an important part of the Buffalo to more than 1,100 in 1920. That year people County Farm Bureau from the beginning, with in Buffalo County became concerned with soil Mrs. C.A. Bearss of Glenwood elected to the conservation. Joseph Dusek had purchased one of board of directors in 1921. With the formation of the hilliest farms in the county in the early 1890s. a Women’s Committee, members wrote letters to He brought with him conservation practices from senators, contacted major television networks on his native Bohemia and began to use them with issues and held the first Women’s Training Meeting, dramatic results. the “College of Knowledge,” in Kearney in 1952. During those first years, the Farm Bureau Adelaide Stubblefield and Frances Link both went worked hand-in-hand with county agents and the on to serve at the state level. Extension Service. They also set about investing in In 1983, a successful fundraising drive ended the future through children and formed a junior with the purchase of a Buffalo County Farm Bureau organization, which became 4-H club work. office, which was paid off in 1991. Throughout the next two decades, the Farm The Buffalo County Farm Bureau continues to Bureau led the way in improving farm practices. It be a very active organization in the new millennium. sponsored the first county cornhusking contest in It is the fifth largest county organization in the state 1928, led the way in irrigation, kept hog cholera with more than 3,300 members. serum at the county office and worked with black A major change in recent years was the sale of leg vaccinations for cattle. the office building. Records are now housed in the The Farm Bureau managed the entire Buffalo office of one of the insurance agents. County Fair in 1931. The Buffalo County Farm Emphasis on youth, as the future of agriculture, Bureau hit the airwaves in 1936 with twice-weekly continues. The Buffalo County Farm Bureau broadcasts from the KGFW studios. presents eight or more college scholarships to Grasshoppers were so severe in 1937 that more students in agriculture. They purchase T-shirts for than 500 tons of poison bait was distributed under all Buffalo County 4-H members, fund the free direction of the agricultural agent. In 1937, the State barbecue at the Buffalo County Fair, help fund 4-H Husking Contest was held northwest of Kearney, auctions and help with livestock shows. In addition, drawing a record 35,000 people. county FFA chapters receive funding. In 1942, the county was divided into eight Because most youth today are at least two community units. In this new era of the Farm or three generations removed from the farm, the Bureau, each unit could be more active locally and Buffalo County Farm Bureau has started a new discuss current interests. In 1944, Buffalo County program for students ages 13-16 who show an

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 75 interest in agriculture. The program is called BRAG Burt County Fair Activity – Big Red Ag Growers. Goals of the group are to The Burt County Farm Bureau has always been help youth become ag literate, so they are prepared visible at the Burt County Fair in Oakland each to advocate for the industry, as the future of the summer. In addition to having watermelon feeds, industry rests with the youth of today. parade floats, Learning Barn exhibits and an The Buffalo County Farm Bureau continues information booth through the years, we have to change with society and the times, promoting successfully sponsored the “Kiddie Tractor Pull” agriculture and the growers of food, fiber and fuels. for 4- to 9-year-old children. Most years, 50-60 boys and girls participate. Some winners have Sharon Martin, 2016 county history chairman gone on to compete in the Nebraska State Fair contest. We have always supported 4-H activities by providing trophies for several 4-H contests and Burt County participating in the 4-H Livestock Auction at the fair, buying 4-Her’s cattle, hogs and sheep. ESTABLISHED 1920 CENTENNIAL 2020 Learning Barn Tells Ag Story In 1999, the Burt County Farm Bureau stepped up to the ag education plate by creating a red Learning Barn to tell agriculture’s story. It was built by our board members Gene Hansen and Jim Rieken in a triptych design that opens up and shows three shelves. These are used to display toy farm equipment, animal puppets, and books about seeds, farm animals and food, farm crops and so forth. There are grain samples, lesson plans and information about where our food comes from. The Learning Barn has been taken to all five county grade schools (Tekamah, Herman, Oakland, Lyons and Decatur) for use by their kindergartens, The Burt County Farm Bureau had its beginnings first through fourth grades and school libraries. in the Roaring 20s. It shared an office with the The Tekamah-Herman FFA chapter has been the county Extension agent. During the 20s and 30s, keeper and provided Learning Barn teachers for we helped farmers through the hog cholera scare the last five years. The Barn also traveled twice by financing vaccination serum, helped with the to the Interstate 80 Gretna rest stop during Ag REA formation by selling appliances and radios to Week, and again in August 2000-2001 when the rural customers, and by giving financial assistance State Promotion and Education Committee/Ag in during the Depression. the Classroom program had ag exhibits at all rest The Burt County Farm Bureau was incorpo- stops across the state featuring crops grown and rated in 1959. The current office building was livestock raised in the particular area. built in 1970. During 2015, the building was spruced up with a new roof, a coat of fresh paint Keeping Busy and other fix-it projects. Even the electric Farm Orange juice, peanuts and boxes of fruit – we had Bureau sign has been repaired. Now, all is in great them all. The Tekamah office became a distribution shape for the future. point in northeast Nebraska for all these products.

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Tires, batteries, oil filters, and other farm products been our guests. Even the Learning Barn has shown and services were provided. This program was up on occasion. headed by Gerald and Paul Chamberlain. The Burt County board is also pushing the U.S. Over the years we have held several “Meet Army Corp of Engineers to declare flood control the Candidate” forums during election years and on the Missouri River as its No. 1 priority. Another insurance and estate planning workshops. Several concern is the acquisition of flooded land along members have served on the Nebraska Farm the Missouri River (private property). Many Burt Bureau Board of Directors and state committees. County farmers were affected by the Missouri River They include: Emil Ahrens, Gene Hansen and Flood of 2011. Larry Mussack-state board members; Prudie Skinner-promotion and education committee; Larry Prudie Skinner, 2016 county history chairman Mussack-scouting reporter for northeast Nebraska. Larry is currently president of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association. Butler County Back in the 1990s, Burt County sponsored young people to attend the Nebraska Farm Bureau ESTABLISHED 1953 Youth Citizenship/Safety Seminar in Aurora for a CENTENNIAL 2053 great experience and to tour the Nebraska State Capitol and Madonna Rehabilitation Center. The Burt County Farm Bureau has had a close relationship with each of our insurance agents, who rent the office space in our Farm Bureau building. The board has felt strongly about continuing education for our area farm children. We now offer $500 scholarships to high school seniors of member families to help with their post-secondary education.

Who’s Running The Show The Burt County Farm Bureau Board of Directors gather for lunch and meetings six or seven times a year at the office building with great attendance. Prior to the organizing of the Butler County Farm Recent members have been Ray Petersen, president; Bureau in 1953, there was a precursor organi- Bill Method, vice president; Prudie Skinner, zation of Butler County residents that was involved secretary; and Dennis Fleischman, Gene Hansen, in rural and social issues for the good of the Larry Mussack, Vic Jensen, Jim Rieken, Dave area. This group, started in 1948, was under the Hunter, Mike Uhing, Roger Fehrer, Elden Wesely, leadership of Mr. Harold Stryker, who went on to Rod Bromm, Shannon Harney and Linda Hansen, serve as our state senator for 13 years. PKR. Several have served as president through the In March 1953, the first constitution for the years including Gene Hansen, Bruce Skinner, Larry Butler County Farm Bureau was adopted, with Mussack, Dennis Fleischman, Paul Chamberlain Mr. Loren Schmit serving as president, and Mrs. and Ty Grothe. Donice Bruner serving as secretary. The annual meeting includes a dinner, speakers Mr. Schmit went on to follow Mr. Stryker to and election. State Sen. Lydia Brasch comes every the state legislature in 1968, and served until term year for a legislative update. State officers have also limits forced him out of office in 2006.

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 77 County Presidents we have received reports from both sides of the Through the years, many people have contributed legislative fence, the legislators and the lobbyists their time and efforts to the Butler County Farm from the Farm Bureau. Bureau. The following people have served as The Butler County Farm Bureau has always president: Loren Schmit, 1953-54; Jim Hurt, benefitted from the services available through the 1955-56; Lloyd Vavrina, 1957; Joseph F. Plasek, Farm Bureau and has had the good fortune of 1958-59 and 1963-65; Alvin G. Gruenewald, having many dedicated people serve the county’s 1960-62; Albin L. Stara, 1962; Ellery Sack, needs through the years. 1966-68; Merle Hinze, 1969-70; Kenneth L. A Look to the Future White, 1971-72; Edwin C. Kopke, 1973-77; Donice Bruner, 1978-81; Norman Andrews, As with all histories, this one will close with a 1982-90; Thomas Kosch, 1991-92; D. Norman look to the future. Butler County is trying to make Andrews, 1993-2003; Marvin R. Coufal, 2004-05; arrangements to have its own office in David City and James B. Heins, 2006 to present. to be able to have a central meeting place and to Through the years, these people, their spouses better serve the needs of members who wish to and many others have contributed much time and take advantage of insurance services. effort to make the Farm Bureau program a success. There were problems with agriculture in 1953, Donice Bruner served on the Nebraska Farm Bureau just as there were in 1992. This does not point Policy Development Committee in 1981-82. Mrs. out any failure, but rather the continuing need for Verna Potter has served and is currently serving on the many volunteers out there who will continue the state Women’s Committee. Mr. William Eickhorst to step forward and offer their services, time and has served as the person keeping records for the efforts on behalf of the Butler County Farm Bureau Butler County Farm Bureau for many years and is and the Nebraska Farm Bureau. considered an irreplaceable fixture in Butler County. Many thanks for the research for this article that was conducted by Mrs. Donice Bruner. Holiday Bake Contests As Butler County moved into the next quarter While there were too many events conducted over century, the organization continued many of the the years to try to list them here, one that the programs that had been conducted through the history researchers thought was interesting was a years and tried some new ones. Holiday Bake Contest held in 1968 to support the Former president Norm Andrews remained on Farm Bureau Nurses Loan Fund. the county board until his death in 2013. At that Newspaper articles indicate that there were time, the county board decided to start a schol- 73 entries from 41 contestants. The highlight arship in his honor. The winners are as follows: of the event might have been the attendance Ryan Vavrina, 2014 and Mariah Aerts, 2015. of Miss Elise Manning, food editor from Farm Journal magazine, who flew from Philadelphia, Norman Andrews, 1992 county history chairman Pennsylvania, to cover the event. Winning entries Marilyn Carleo, 2015 county history chairman were made from an old Czech recipe handed down through several generations. For those unfamiliar with this area, Butler County is in the heart of an area settled by Czech immigrants. We in Butler County feel fortunate that we have been associated with the Nebraska Farm Bureau. With the active involvement of our state senators,

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Cass County Bornemeier as host. Our attendance was only 27 because of the county basketball tournament and ESTABLISHED 1945 several other meetings the same evening. CENTENNIAL 2045 Our chairman, Vernon Bornemeier, was in charge of the meeting. Along with the regular business session, we had a very lengthy discussion on Farm & Ranch Supply, open co-ops, mixed liquid fertilizers, bulk fertilizers, dry blended fertil- izers and the Farm Bureau program. Two films, furnished by the Nebraska Petroleum Council were shown – one educational and one comical. Richard Pratt was in charge of the films, using the Farm Bureau projector. Pie, coffee and chocolate milk were served. Mrs. Walter Oehlerking Jr. and Mrs. Vernon Bornemeier were in charge of the serving.

Day one of the Cass County Farm Bureau has been Mynard Unit News elusive. The date, time and place are not known The Mynard Farm Bureau Unit held a meeting at exactly. Reference has been made to the organi- the home of Mr. and Mrs. Royal Smith on Friday zation being around prior to its separation from the evening, January 26, 1962. Extension Service in 1945. But when we started is Cass County Farm Bureau Insurance Agent not as important as the fact that we are still here! Arnold Gebers and family were guests. Purpose of the meeting was to show two sets Bits and Pieces of slides with accompanying explanation on tape. After burrowing through old dusty files and After president Richard O. Cole explained that fighting off the curse of King Tut’s Tomb, the the Cass County Farm Bureau was one of 25 following bits and pieces of memories from the County Farm Bureaus in Nebraska to purchase early 1960s were uncovered. What goes around a slide projector and tape recorder in accordance comes around. Some articles still seem familiar, with the 1962 expanded program of Farm even today. Bureau, he showed “The Farm Bureau Story” and Cass County has had the privilege of providing “Communist Encirclement.” Much discussion was the state Farm Bureau Federation with a past held as to how to combat communism in the U.S. president, Mr. Charles Marshall of Avoca. As per Roy O. Cole showed an officially documented a newspaper clipping dated November 20, 1963, book entitled, “Documentations of the Red Stars Lincoln (UPI): “Charles Marshall, Avoca, was and Fellow Travelers in Hollywood and TV” re-elected to his seventh term as president of the by Myron C. Fagen. He also distributed leaflets Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation at the organi- entitled “Red Stars,” which explains how we as zation’s annual convention here Wednesday.” Americans can help drive out Red propaganda from the movies and television. Elmwood Unit News Mrs. Royal Smith served refreshments at the The Elmwood Unit of the Cass County Farm close of the meeting. Bureau met February 2, 1961, with Henry

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 79 Cass President Speaks These are remarks from County President Richard Cole in the 1960s: “This is Farm Bureau in Action,” I would like to inform you people that this is the time to act. “Perhaps two of the biggest issues of our state government are at hand. The first and probably the lesser is LB 208, increasing the mill levy for state park purposes from .13 to .35 mils. “An even greater bill is LB 421, that of a combination sales-income tax, introduced by Jensen, Waldo, Orme, Mccosh. Along with LB 421 is LB 422 by the same introducers, which would Since celebrating Farm Bureau’s 75th revoke property tax levies of the state, including Anniversary, the Cass County Farm Bureau has special levies effective in 1962. A public hearing is grown to more than 1,100 members. scheduled before the revenue committee March 16 We moved our office one more time to 2302 on these two bills and a companion bill, LB 423 W. 8th Avenue, Suite #1, in Plattsmouth. This by these legislators, substituting a gross income tax is just one block east of the Highway 66 and on dividends to replace the present direct tax on US 75 junction. intangible property. In 1993 and 1994, Cass, along with five “These taxes would bring in between 50 and neighboring counties, joined together to form AG 60 million dollars a year, with about 30 million FEST. It was to promote agriculture to our city and dollars going into the State Treasury to replace country neighbors. It was held in Omaha at the state property taxes, as the state Constitution Omaha Royals Rosenblatt Baseball Stadium. specified. The remaining 20 and 30 million dollars The afternoon was filled with interactive activities would be allotted back to counties, cities and with the public, followed by an evening of baseball towns to replace local taxes.” and Farm Bureau Members Appreciation Night. When Nebraska was participating in the Opponents Are Vocal Legislative Aide program, Cass County hosted two “Naturally our senators are hearing much in aides from Mississippi on two separate occasions opposition to the sales-income tax from those who to an eye-opening, hands-on weekend on the farm. enjoy evading their fair share of taxes. It is well It was a great program enjoyed by many. to note that if we should have a few crop failures, These past years, we have become more taxes would eat us up even with sound business involved in the Cass County Fair held near practices, but that one is not so likely to go broke Weeping Water. We donated a new backdrop paying sales-income tax, providing of course, that sign for exhibitors’ photos and, along with our one’s business practices are of equal soundness. insurance agents, we provide bottled water at the “Sen. Richard Marvel of Hastings said last show arenas for exhibitors and their families. We week he welcomed letters from his constituents. sponsor other activities during the fair, and one Other legislators echo that sentiment. Legislators of the most popular is the Pedal Tractor Pull for enjoy nothing more than to receive a letter written children and adults. In 2015, we had one of our from ‘home’ by someone who has a real interest largest turnouts ever with 145 participants. in legislation and explains simply why he is for or We are in the process of developing two schol- against some particular piece of legislation.” arships for ag-related studies for Cass County

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college bound students and are awarding FFA The first membership drive was held in October, graduating seniors with a youth membership to 1961. There is no record of original membership Farm Bureau. but some who served on committees in addition The future is ahead of us, and we plan to be a to the board members were Roy Thomas, Gunnar part of it. Swanson, Arnim Stark, Howard Pehrson, Clarence Miner, Lester Smith, Melvin Graham, Gifford Henry Bornemeir, secretary Anderson, Ray Lentz, David Luhr, Robert Dickey, Dennis Keil, 1992 and 2015 county history Clifford Guinn and Don Oxley. Every year we had chairman a membership drive until recently when so many people had to work off the farm during the day.

Cedar County Meetings Have Moved Around The first meeting was held at the Legion Hall in ESTABLISHED SEPTEMBER 1961 Belden, and after that at member’s homes, and CENTENNIAL 2061 then to the Methodist Church in Laurel. Later the meetings moved to the Belden Bank Parlors, The Cedar County Farm Bureau was organized Coleridge Fire Hall, Jerry Miller Implement, Senior September 27, 1961. Fifteen members of the Dixon Center in Harrington, Belden Library, rotating from County Farm Bureau who lived in Cedar County one town to another to eat a meal with the meeting. met and decided to organize in Cedar County. Board meetings were held the third Thursday of Art Lipp was chosen president, and Clyde Cook the month. Wives of the board members brought as vice president. Don Mohr was secretary-treasurer, and served lunch, which probably contributed to and Sophia Johnsen was appointed women’s the good attendance at the board meetings through chairman and asked to develop a youth program. the years. Currently, we have meals with some of The county was divided into eight districts, with the meetings. one board member per district. Those serving on Spring banquets were shared with Dixon the board that first year were Clarence Dahlquist, County for many years. Talent Find contests were Harold Tuttle, Earl Dirks, Clarence Johnsen, Curtis held for several years. Crandall, Alvin Roth and Don Arduser, in addition Many of our youth were sent to Leadership to the president, vice president, secretary-treasurer Camp and YF&R Conference. We have supported and woman’s chairman. the YF&R over the years with donations and silent auction items and we have hosted YF&R meetings in the county. We donate to all three FFA chapters in the county, and donate the Book of the Year to all the elementary schools in the county. We have honored the Ag Pen Pal families and teachers from Cedar County that have participated in the program at the annual meeting. The Farm Bureau Women have attended district and state meetings and helped promote the Nursing Fund and brought items to the state convention for sale. We have sponsored the Women in Ag Conference and promoted ag

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 81 education by distributing the materials from the Ag Lentz, Rebecca Graham, Brian Gould, and and Promotion Committee. currently Dallas Graham. Current Farm Bureau agents are Allen Walton, Travis Becker, and Lynette Public Meetings Sponsored Krei. District directors of field services serving Over the years, the Farm Bureau, to inform citizens Cedar County were Don Broadstone, Harold concerning safety, politics and agricultural issues, Chace, Elmer Gall, Shawn Kai, Clark Kinnison, sponsored several public meetings. The Farm and currently Jason Kvols. Bureau participated in Laurel’s Diamond Days We trust that even more young farm people in 1968 with a float. Melvin Graham supplied a will become actively involved in the days and years team and buggy, and several people painted and ahead and that Cedar County Farm Bureau will displayed signs. continue to be a strong voice for agriculture Annual meetings were held at various places in the county. Many included carry-in meals or Arlene Graham, Don Arduser and Doris Lipp, were served by board members’ wives. The first 1992 history committee one in 1962 had 60 people attending. Resolutions Rebecca Graham, 2016 county history chairman were developed and voted on, and sent to the state convention. The first spring banquet was held in Laurel with Dixon County Farm Bureau in 1963, Chase County with 271 people attending. The first picnic with Dixon County brought out 100 people, and Cedar ESTABLISHED OCTOBER 1935 County challenged Dixon County in a ball game. CENTENNIAL 2035 The Gary Lutes and Melvin Grahams won a trip to Washington, D.C., and the Milo Patefields The Chase County Farm Bureau was started on won a trip to Nashville for their membership work. October 9, 1935. It was located in the Cooperative We were involved in many more activities, such Extension Service office. Mr. E. J. Fruhling was the as having a booth at the fair, giving prizes to 4-H agriculture agent at that time. The earliest recorded winners and helping out where needed. board members for the Chase County Farm Bureau Cedar County Farm Bureau has sponsored a were: president – Max Hoffmeister, Imperial; Meet the Candidate Forum every two years, inviting vice-president – Walter Radcliff, Lamar; and candidates from local, county, state and national secretary-treasurer – Anna Roller, Imperial. offices. In opposite years, we host an appreciation Directors were: M. L. Bonner, Imperial; supper and a speaker. We have continued to sponsor Chas. Rowley, Wauneta; and Mrs. Earl Slack, 4-H trophies, Pedal Pull trophies and a fair booth. Enders. The Chase County Farm Bureau rented We have hosted county commissioners and state various buildings over the years and purchased its senators at monthly and annual meetings. Each year present building in June 1990. It is located at 512 we offer a tour to an ag business or value-added Broadway in Imperial. farm with a picnic following. In 1992, board members were: president – William Sorge, Lamar; vice-president – Doug County Presidents Spickelmier, Imperial; and secretary/treasurer Serving as county president over the years were: – Roger Moline, Lamar. Current directors are: Art Lipp, Clarence Johnsen, Roy Thomas, Bob Wayne Sharp, Enders; Marlin Wine, Wauneta; Dickey, Dick Lentz, Don Arduser, Arnim Stark, Boyd Mathews, Imperial; R. L. Glay, Wauneta; Lloyd Bohlken, Arlene Patefield, Milo Patefield, Will Tomky, Lamar; and Dean Large, Wauneta. Kenny Stark, Brian Holcomb, Joan Thies, Richard Agents are Tom Elder, Imperial, and Larry

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Hansen, Benkelman. Office assistant is Teresa Spickelmier, Imperial. The Chase County board has been inactive for many years. In 2007, Dustin Weiss became the agent and has grown the business to bring in additional staff consisting of two sales associates, Kelly Vitosh and Tarra Terry, and four service associates. We support and contribute to many local organizations, including, but not limited to, FFA, 4-H, Chase County schools, Pheasants Forever and the Chase County Community Hospital.

Bill and Wilms Sorge, 1992 Cyndi Weiss, 2016 county treasurer

The Sixties Cherry County 1966 – Wayne Rodgers, president; Ralph Daniels Jr., vice president; Rose Foster, secretary- ESTABLISHED MARCH 1919 treasurer; and Lovella Miles, women’s chairman. CENTENNIAL 2019 Cattle ranching is the county’s primary occupation, so policies dealt with this. The A document signed by Gov. S. M. McKelvie and Nebraska Farm Bureau awarded members a dated March 1, 1919, at Lincoln, was presented bus tour to Washington, D.C. Going were Clem to D. L. Bliss of Kilgore, as a Farm Bureau repre- Fosters and field director Eldon Schnoor, along sentative for the Cherry County Farm Bureau. No with 63 other Nebraska Farm Bureau members. records were found from 1919 until the 1950s. 1967 – Lawrence Turner, president; Ralph Daniels, Then a Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation repre- Jr., vice president; Rose Foster, secretary-treasurer; sentative gave a free steak dinner at a local cafe and Florence McAlevy, women’s chairman. The for about 24 people and the Farm Bureau was annual meeting speaker was Nebraska Farm organized. Growth was quite rapid, and the quota Bureau Chief Administrator Robert Thompson. of 82 was reached in 1966. He also addressed a breakfast of 60 rural/town Early officers were: Aloid and Annabelle folks. The president organized a petition drive Homan, president; Bernard Miles, vice president; to place the taxation of personal property on the Mrs. B. Miles, treasurer; and Inez (Mrs. Ervin) November ballot and 600 names were obtained. Wauer, secretary. Other prominent early Farm The County Farm Bureau donated $50 to Bureau families were the Turners, Fosters, Rodgers, Nebraskans for Fair Taxation. Stolzenburgs, Daniels, Kreyciks, Morelands, lskes, McAlevys, Cobbs, Newtons, Schneiders, 1968 – Cherry County held a membership kick-off Hannahs, Millers, Dittmers, Hoefs, Reisers, steak supper at the B. Miles home. They met at Perretts, Mundorfs, Youngs, Snyders and Bowdens. the Clem Fosters’ home at other times. Other Meetings were held in homes at first, then in halls family members of long standing were: the around the county. Youngs, Blisses, Powells, Josephs, Van Winkles, Ohlmanns, Wittes, Semins, Belvilles, Tetherows, Sinnetts, Reimers, Rieses, Cozads, Sharps, Bazyns,

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 83 Higgins, Krugers, Kroegers, Connerys, Dams, youth at large, Wayne Tetherow; delegates, Mrs. Dorseys, Andrews, Kimes, Luthers, Robertsons, Walt Dittmer and Dorothy Stolzenburg. Dues Osburns, Reisers, Walzs, Allards, Ryschons, were $30. Scholtes, Schmits, Colburns, Hockenbarys, 1975 – Meeting was at the Sand Hills Cafe in Ravenscrofts, Hintons, Welkers, Trumblees, Cody. Mileage rates were set at 12 cents for Boeckenhauers, Morrisons and Ewoldts. members’ travel to state Farm Bureau meetings. The Seventies R. Schmick, field services representative, spoke to the board on computer record systems. Dr. 1971 – Bill Powell was president. Thirty-two came Clanton of the North Platte agriculture station to the annual meeting. spoke at the annual meeting. The quota of 1972 – J. W. Bliss, president; Floyd Ohlmann, vice 82 was met. Officers were re-elected, except president; and Mrs. Walter Dittmer, secretary- L. Joseph was replaced by Violet Bliss as treasurer. Guest speaker at the annual meeting was women’s chairman. Nadeane Tetherow was M. M. Van Kirk of the Nebraska Farm Bureau. secretary-treasurer. Policy development was held in three towns. The Cherry County Farm Bureau opposed the federal 1976 – The board approved paying fruit coordinators government’s attempt to establish a “wilderness $90 for a large order they handled. The Tetherows area” along the Niobrara River. reported on the Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference. B. Miles reported on the Natural 1973 – Bill Powell was president. Rodney and Resources District and the “Wild and Scenic Theresa Hockenbary have been the only fruit River” legislation and members were urged to sign coordinators for the county, and the first a petition opposing the designation. The annual Florida fruit came. The county observed rural/ meeting was in Valentine. Quota of 61 was met. city exchange visits. Pat Power was secretary/ treasurer, and Steve Morland was youth at large. First Seminar Students John Eatinger was president; Rodney Hockenbary, 1977 – John Hoefs and John Hockenbary were the vice-president. Tape recordings from Nebraska first students to go to the youth seminar. Bernard Farm Bureau extolled the Farm Bureau to KVSH Miles received a gift as a charter member. radio listeners. Annual meetings were alternated Officers elected were: R. Hockenbary, president; from Valentine to Nenzel. Members numbered David Van Winkle, vice president; Violet Bliss, 59. An attendance incentive was a $10 jackpot women’s chairman; Wayne Tetherow, youth at drawing to a member present at the meeting. large; and Nadeane Tetherow, secretary-treasurer. A $25 contribution was made to the Charles Restricting beef imports became policy. Marshall Educational Loan Fund. There have been three students who received loans: a medical R. Schmick, field representative, discussed doctor, a veterinarian and an architect. Nebraska membership drives and incentives. One was to Farm Bureau President John Klinker was guest give $5 to a new member with supper free to speaker at the annual meeting. Lawrence Turner the member who hosted him. Kenneth Joseph reported on a hearing covering the “wilderness” replaced Gene Kehr as vice president. designation, which County Farm Bureaus 1978 – Wayne Rodgers and John Eatinger were continued to oppose. appointed to attend county budget hearings and 1974 – John Eatinger, president; R. Hockenbary, report to the board. Plans were made for county vice president; women’s chairman, Laura Joseph; fair activities. Women’s chairman Violet Bliss

84 CHERRY

circulated the “Bottle Bill” petition. Membership 1985 – A standing policy states livestock contracts dues were raised to $40. A moment of silence for feed and/or care bills are paid to those remembered Miriam Rodger’s passing. She providers before other liens are paid. helped start the first poster contest. 1986 – Members voted to pay $1 a carton on 1979 – Sen. Howard Lamb was guest speaker at the Florida fruit orders to the coordinators. $40 was annual meeting. He directed attention to water donated to “farm crisis” support for postage, etc. problems, the litter bill and tax reform. County A pancake supper was held for new members. commissioners present addressed the current tax President W. Rodgers received a watch from situation. Cherry County Farm Bureau went on the Nebraska Farm Bureau for Cherry County record once again to oppose the “Wild and Scenic reaching membership quota. Donations were River Designation.” The poster contest continued collected for the Charles Marshall Loan Fund. to grow with more than $50 in prize money awarded to county students. Winning posters were Into the Nineties taken to the state convention. The annual picnic 1989-90 – William Trumblee was elected president; was held on the Niobrara River. The officers Robert Sinnett, vice president; and Violet Bliss, were: R. Hockenbary, president; J. W. Bliss, vice women’s chairman and secretary-treasurer. president; Orrin Van Winkle, secretary-treasurer; The Cherry County Farm Bureau has partici- and Vicki Marshall, women’s chairman. County pated in most state programs and attended most budget publicity was requested. A moment of of the state functions. Member Wayne Rodgers silence remembered Ervin Wauer. has a high record of continuous participation in the County Farm Bureau, holding offices, serving The Eighties in many capacities and promoting the Farm 1980 – Wayne Rodgers, president, and J. W. Bliss, Bureau all his membership years. vice president. Sen. Howard Lamb was a guest speaker. Ed Daniels was also present. Robert 1991 – Tana Trumblee was elected women’s Thompson was guest speaker for the annual chairman. She was able to get Ag in the meeting. Classroom started in 1991. 1981 – President was Robert Sinnett; vice president, The 2000’s: Dale Stolzenburg; women’s chairman, Theresa 2000 – Bob Sinnett serves as a dedicated president Hockenbary; and youth at large, Tammy Turner. for Cherry County Farm Bureau until 2013.

1983 – Members J. W. Bliss and Violet Bliss 2013 – John Ravenscroft is elected president; Shane reported on the state quota incentive award, a bus Daniels, vice-president, Cheryl Ravenscroft, tour to Washington, D.C. Jack Moreland attended secretary/treasurer; Bob Sinnett, third committee the Nebraska Farm Bureau Safety Seminar. Safety member. The Pioneer Family from Cherry posters were displayed at the county fair. The County was honored at the fair parade. There county has sponsored Ag Day, Farm Safety Week, were 473 Farm Bureau members. and Beef for Father’s Day and Beef for Christmas, 2014 – John Ravenscroft, president; Shane Daniels, over local radio station KVSH. vice-president, Cheryl Ravenscroft, secretary/ 1984 – Tim Horn, Farm Bureau field service treasurer; Bob Sinnett, third committee member. representative, spoke at the annual meeting. Cherry County Farm Bureau hosted Governor The door prize was half of member dues to a Heineman on March 25th for Ag Appreciation paid-up member. Day at the Valentine High School. The State

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 85 FSA Meeting was hosted by Farm Bureau on this same day. In February, Cherry County Farm Bureau served cookies and coffee for people attending the annual Bull Bash activ- ities on Valentine’s Main Street. Many Farm Bureau coloring booklets were sent out to the Cherry County Rural School students for Ag Appreciation Week.

2015 – John Ravenscroft, president; Shane Daniels, vice-president, Cheryl Ravenscroft, secretary/ treasurer. Sallie Atkins becomes new northwest regional director. Cherry County elected to support A-Fan Foundation and donated money to promote Bureau Federation in that year. However, “Farm Farm Bureau at the Annual Bull Bash activities Bureau” in Cheyenne County actually dates back in Valentine. The money provided caps/jackets to December 29, 1917. for Bull Bash contributors. Pioneer Families were The Farm Bureau was brought into being to presented at the Cherry County Fair parade and promote the work of the county agent and to hosted a booth during fair week to promote Farm help in the war years, and to establish a closer Bureau. Annual meeting guest speaker was Lory connection between the Agriculture Extension Storm with 25 guests in attendance. Service and the people whom it was designed to serve. This sponsorship of the Extension Service 2016 – Newly elected officers: Andrew Ward, continued until 1951. president, John Ravenscroft, vice-president. During its early years, “the business of Annual dues were set at $45. Tammy Fiechtner Cheyenne County Farm Bureau was to conserve becomes Cherry County Farm Bureau’s new food, intensify farming, increase production of regional director. food and livestock, prevent and eradicate disease in There are records missing and some are unclear. livestock and plants, and in any service of kindred No names have been omitted or included with lines demanded.” preference in mind. Education, Legislation Emphasized Violet Bliss, 1992 county history chairman Since that time, the two major activities of Cheryl Ravenscroft, 2016 county history chairman the Cheyenne County Farm Bureau have been education and legislation. In addition, there have been various services to members such as crime Cheyenne County prevention, insurance, fruits and vegetables from Florida and Michigan, Safemark products and ESTABLISHED 1917 Peets Feeds. CENTENNIAL 2017 The first president of Cheyenne County Farm Bureau was Otto Perso, who served until his Legally, the Cheyenne County Farm Bureau death in 1933, when Emil Johnson moved into the was accepted as a Farm Bureau organization position. This was the year there was no county fair in 1924, as evidenced by a letter from W. H. because of the economic condition, so the Cheyenne Brokaw, Nebraska director of agriculture, and was County Farm Bureau held a picnic in June with 150 associated with the state and the American Farm boys, girls and parents in attendance.

86 CHERRY – CHEYENNE

Also in the 1930s, the Farm Bureau worked In September of 1989, we purchased our own to get rural electrification. As we all know, this office building at 940 9th Avenue in Sidney. This was very significant for rural America, and was a major step by the county and shows our the Farm Bureau was very involved in helping commitment to serve our farmers in the future. America’s farmers. We still own and operate out of the same office today in 2016. Farm Bureau Women The Cheyenne County Farm Bureau has experi- Women have been part of the Cheyenne County enced growth on and off through the years and Farm Bureau from its beginning, and “Women’s recently have embarked on a push toward bringing Lib” showed up in 1938 when Mrs. Frank G. Meier in a younger generation of leadership to our of Sidney was elected to the board of directors. local board. This renewed energy in our County The following year, Mrs. Clarence (Lucile) Meyer Board allowed us to continue being active in our of Lodgepole and Berton Cunningham of Gurley community by supporting youth in agriculture, became members of the board. local legislation and participating in various In 1950, the Cheyenne County Farm Bureau agricultural literacy programs. In recent years, donated money for the first Wheat Show at the we have supported and succeeded in assisting the County Fair, giving prizes to both certified and 4-H program, as well as increasing the scope of market exhibits. Also in 1950, the Cheyenne Agriculture in the Classroom, by implementing the County Farm Bureau band was organized and Raider Beef Program in the Sidney Public Schools. directed by J. R. Crabb. This band played for This has not only increased interest and membership various functions in the county and existed in the Farm Bureau, but it has also reached 1,200 through at least 1957. students by provided fresh local beef and educating Our membership over the years has continued to our youth on how food reaches their plate. In 2016, grow, as we continue to serve our county in various we also were successful in getting Cheyenne County ways. In 1936, there were 162 dues-paying member accepted as a Livestock Friendly County through families. In 1957 this grew to 307, in 1992 to 700. the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. There Unfortunately, in 2015, we fell to 450 members. are many exciting things happening in Cheyenne County, and Farm Bureau is at the forefront of Noxious Weeds to the MX Missile much of the agricultural work. We have been involved in activities on the county Cheyenne County Farm Bureau Presidents: level from the noxious weed program to the historical association to the development of a local 1918 C. J. Osborn trade school to the MX missile. Our Women’s 1919-1921 V. W. Wise Committee has been very involved, from the Nurses 1922-1933 Otto Perso Loan Fund, to safety/citizenship seminars, pancake 1933-1945 Emil A. Johnson feeds, kick-off breakfasts, bake sales, raffles, fair 1946-1947 Harvey Fisher booths and floats, and appreciation day activities. 1948 Clifton Berry In 1974, Dorothy Larson completed a history of 1949 Ed Block Cheyenne County Farm Bureau entitled “Yesterday 1950 J. R. Crabb and Today. The Story of Cheyenne County Farm 1951-1952 Walter Johnson Bureau.” We made our first real estate purchase, a 1953-1954 Ralph Talich warehouse that was partially leased to Peets Feed 1955-1956 Kenneth Morgan Company. This same year, the Cheyenne County 1957-1964 Harold Kettler Farm Bureau was incorporated. 1965- 1967 George Heumann

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 87 1967 Halsey Fuller to graduating seniors majoring in an ag related 1968-1970 Francis Runge field, provided awards to the Clay County 4-H 1971-1972 Bob Misegadis Achievement Program and participated in the 1973-1975 Kenneth Larson Investment in the Future Program. 1976-1979 Bob Misegadis It has also donated to Husker Food Connection, 1980-1983 Vern Beyer successfully promoted Ag in the Classroom, partic- 1984-1988 Lyle Johnson ipated in Food Check Out Day, received the Gold 1989-1994 Vern Beyer Star Achievement Award and supported National 1995-2002 Roger Jorgensen Ag Week with a poster contest. 2003-2006 Richard Mohatt 2007- 2010 Roger Jorgensen Lisa Griess, 2015 county history chairman 2011- 2013 Vern Beyer 2014-2016 Tyson Narjes Colfax County Kathy and Vern Beyer, 1992 county history chairmen Tyson Narjes, 2017 county Farm Bureau president ESTABLISHED APRIL 1918 CENTENNIAL 2018

The Colfax County Farm Bureau was formed Clay County April 1, 1918. The officers that year were: Joseph ESTABLISHED DECEMBER 1947 Semerad, president; Joseph Blecha, vice president; CENTENNIAL 2047 and J. C. Jonas, secretary-treasurer. The 1919 officers were: John Blecka, secretary, and B. J. In 2016, Leslie Novotny, treasurer. Boswell served as In 1920, the officers were: E. P. Svec, president; the District 4 NFBF W. C. Finley, vice president; P. J. Engel, secretary; Board Member. and W.A. Cuda, treasurer. The Clay County The Farm Bureau was the sponsor of the Farm Bureau Extension program. The Extension agent worked signed the Uniform with the farmers in all phases of farm operation. Cooperative The Farm Bureau began with its office in the Agreement between extension agent’s office in the courthouse. The it and the Nebraska office then moved to the post office, followed by Farm Bureau a move to a structure south of the Schuyler State Federation on Bank (now Pinnacle Bank). The final move was to December 10, 1947. Lester Nelson was Clay County the current location on the west edge of Schuyler, president, and Raymond Schwab was secretary. along Highway 30 in 1966. An addition to the The constitution of the Clay County Farm original structure was built in 1979. Bureau was adopted on October 13, 1954, and was Arlene Schmit sold the first fire policy. Earl signed by Einar Andersen as president and William Vondracek, an early agent, sold the first auto Witte as secretary. policy. Detailed records of our early history were Since the Farm Bureau’s 75th anniversary in lost in a flood. In the late 1950s, we had more than 1992, Clay County has sponsored students to the 300 members enrolled, and our big social event Citizenship/Safety Seminar, awarded scholarships was the county banquet.

88 CHEYENNE – CLAY – COLFAX – CUMING

The first official annual meeting was January 26, 1920, with R. V. Graff as president, C. Y. Thompson as secretary, and August Loewe, Fred Borgelt and William Keller as board members. They hired Kenneth Fouts as an agent and reduced the board from seven to five members. Newton Gaines was guest speaker. At that time, more than one million farmers belonged to the National Farm Bureau, which was associated with the Extension Service.

Life Memberships Supported Fair In 1992, the Colfax County Farm Bureau At the December 1922 annual meeting, it was officers were: Ervin Bergt, president; Ronald voted to have a $25 fee for a life membership to the Moenning, vice president; Gladys Krula, secretary; county fair. Three hundred life memberships would and Ronald Bohaty, treasurer. The Board of be required to have a fair, and it was decided to elect Directors were: Elgin Bergt, Donald Jedlicka, a board of managers to run the fair. Gary Krula, Robert Dvorak, Tom Svatora, Tim In March 1923, the Farm Bureau and Extension Svatora, Dave Svoboda and Lumir Jedlicka. The office was moved from the old Nebraska State membership was 367. Bank Building to rooms on the second floor of the Current board members are Matt Jedlicka, Carl Burnner Block; Kenneth Fouts was still agent. At Grotelueschen, Ron Bohaty, Mike Dvorak, Mark the meeting that month, Newton Gaines spoke Kratochvil, Jon Dinslage and Lum Jedlicka. about two new soybean varieties – Peking and Current membership is 250. Activities supported Manchu. At the July meeting, members were told include the Colfax County Fair and local FFA that Carl Jones had charge of the state livestock chapters. The county has always had a good clubs, and Ivan Wood, state engineer, would design involvement in local issues pertaining the Cuming County fairground building. to agriculture. In a fall 1924 petition, 550 farmers signed to retain the office of county agent. The Farm Bureau Matthew Jedlicka, 2016 county history chairman assisted with the fair and was responsible for good, clean entertainment. Agent Fouts left before 1929, and Clay Westcott was hired in February 1929. Cuming County

ESTABLISHED FEBRUARY 1919 CENTENNIAL 2019

The first Cuming County Farm Bureau meeting was held February 1, 1919. R. V. Graff was president. A discussion of discontinuing having a county agent resulted in a committee being appointed to go before the county supervisors. They agreed to the proposal, and the county agent’s office was eliminated.

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 89 . In 1973, president was Lynn Borgelt, with vice president, Leland Tietz, and woman at large was Mrs. Warren Ackerman. Avery Jaspersen reported on commodities, marketing and branding. Arlen Lierman was handling tires, and Henry Heller was agent and had sold enough policies to win a watch. This was also the first year of the Florida Fruit program. . In 1976, Nebraska Beef was now a member of the Iowa Beef Improvement Association. Sandy Lierman and Dan Metheny attended the Youth Citizenship Seminar in 1978. In 1935, Joe Watson was hired as county agent. At that time, there were 1,800 Farm Bureau Activities in the 1980s members. That same year, the federal government In 1980, Todd Hollman and Matt Kass attended separated the Farm Bureau and the Extension the Youth Citizenship Seminar. Annual dues were Service. At that time, Farm Bureau was discon- raised from $30 to $35. tinued in Cuming County. In 1985, Farm Bureau agent Bruce Dislage talked on problems within some insurance agencies, Reorganization in 1961 but noted Farm Bureau is much more stable. After being inactive for 26 years, a reorganiza- In 1986, Tom Beachell left as Nebraska Farm tional meeting was held August 31, 1961, and on Bureau director of field services for the area, and October 3, 1961, Cuming County became the 69th Shawn Kai replaced him. county to ask for affiliation with the Nebraska In 1988, Farm Bureau insurance agent John Farm Bureau Federation. A new constitution Matasousky reported on Keogh and IRA plans. was adopted, and Avery Jaspersen was elected Nebraska Farm Bureau Chief Administrator Doug president; Donald Miller, vice president; Delvin Gibson introduced the new field service repre- Miller, secretary; and Donald Maack, treasurer. sentative, Clark Kinnison. Jeff Warren, insurance agency manager, spoke on his responsibilities. Farm Labor Delegation to D.C. In 1989, Matasousky was replaced by Delmar Following are recaps of activities at selected annual Soll as insurance agent. Larry Mussack, state board meetings and monthly meetings through the years: member, spoke on legislative and tax problems. . In 1969, Avery Jaspersen and Randall We participated in the relief program for victims Bergt were part of a delegation that went to of Hurricane Hugo. A truck loaded with supplies Washington, D.C., in support of Farm Bureau’s of post and wire and miscellaneous items was sent stand on farm labor. to South Carolina, where building and fencing materials were in short supply. . In 1970, president was Russell Mowinkel, with vice president, Julius Behling. Elmer Gall, The Next 25 Years district field representative, showed slides on In January 1996, a motion was made and carried Proposition 10. to have a Farm Bureau Scholarship. Dave Brown . In 1972, it was decided to start a Beef shared information about the Farm Safety Camp Marketing Program. in West Point his daughter organized for third- through fifth-graders.

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In 1997, a motion was carried to offer a $250 to be displayed in their booth at the county fair. scholarship to college seniors whose parents are A successful steak fry was held in the Dinklage members of the County Farm Bureau. The new Building at the West Point park for new and insurance agent, Rick Brehmer, was introduced prospective young farmers in Cuming County. Grant to the group. In 1998, it was decided to send at Brockemeier from the Nebraska Corn Growers gave least three students to the Youth Citizenship/ a slide presentation at the annual meeting about his Safety Seminar in Aurora. The Cuming County trip to Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. Farm Bureau sponsored a “Meet the Candidate” In June of 2005, a motion was made and passed night at the Neligh House in West Point in to oppose the cross-deputization of tribal police with March of 1998 for District 16 candidates for board members to attend the meeting. It was also the State Legislature. decided to donate $100 to the Hurricane Katrina In September 1999, Rick Brehmer introduced Relief Fund through the American Farm Bureau. Nebraska Farm Bureau President Bryce Neidig as Three board members went to Lincoln in guest speaker for the annual meeting. Jason Schweers March of 2006, where they visited the Farm opened an office in Wisner to sell Farm Bureau Bureau offices and the State Capitol. They also insurance. In June of 2000, member names were met with Sens. Hagel and Nelson’s representatives submitted for the Investment for the Future program. and sat in on some legislative sessions. Janice That same year, changes were made to the bylaws, Morgan, Homeland Security Veterinarian for with board representation going from seven to four the State Department of Agriculture, spoke at districts and changing two at large positions to four. the 2006 annual meeting. She talked about and In April of 2001, a motion was made to donate showed a video on educational steps being taken $1,000 to the Cuming County Fair Foundation for local responders to use in case of an animal for the sidewalk project on the fairgrounds, which disease outbreak. qualified the county to have its name on a brick. At The 2007 annual meeting featured humorist the annual meeting, Keith Olsen, first vice president Joe Ferris from Winner, South Dakota. Robert of Nebraska Farm Bureau, discussed the importance Heller was also recognized for his years of service of keeping water issues a priority in agriculture. to the board. Les Wegner filled the Northeast In February 2002, it was decided to become an District board position. In 2008, a Smithsonian associate member of the West Point Chamber of Exhibit, “Between the Fences,” was displayed Commerce. At the annual meeting, Joel Lamplot, at the Wisner Heritage Museum. Because the Thurston County farmer and landowner, spoke about Nebraska Farm Bureau was promoting the exhibit, EPA attempts to turn control over county land to the members helped museum staff during the open Indian Tribal Council. If that happened, the council house. Political Action Committee handouts were would have power to control use of pesticides, clean discussed, and a motion was made and carried water enforcement, as well as clean air. to endorse Mike Johanns for Senate and Jeff In April 2003, it was decided to increase Fortenberry for Congress. publicity regarding county scholarships given by In 2009, Clark Kinneson updated members taking a picture of the presentations and publishing on bills dealing with the Humane Society of the those in the county papers. Bob Dickey of Laurel United States and its attempts to destroy animal was the annual meeting speaker. He served on the agriculture. A Young Farmers and Ranchers tour Nebraska Feed and Grain Council and presented a and picnic was sponsored at Urwiler Feeders Inc. talk on his recent trip to Southeast Asia. In April 2011, State Sen. Lydia Brasch, District President Dennis Schultz reported in April 2004 16, shared what it was like to be a “freshman” in that the Wisner FFA was building a Learning Barn the Legislature.

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 91 At the June 2012 meeting, it was decided the on a membership drive the next day. In 1931, a Young Farmers and Ranchers annual tour would vote was taken to have the County Farm Bureau meet at Dan Kluthe’s hog farm. Rena Hollman leave up to $500 in a revolving fund, deposited was recognized in 2015 for 40 years of service in the Security State Bank of Broken Bow, in the as secretary. James Kirch would serve as board hands of the trustees of the bank, provided that president and Joe Sateren would organize the arrangements could be made to raise $10,000 Leadership Academy. among depositors to avoid the bank going into receivership and being liquidated. Lyle Jaspersen, 1992 county history chairman We placed a $10 ad in the Custer County Chief James Kirch, 2015 county history chairman on October 15, 1932, welcoming the State Grange Convention to Broken Bow.

Custer County Opposition to Sunday Fair We went on record in 1935 opposing the county ESTABLISHED MARCH 1918 fair being held on a Sunday, and the Extension CENTENNIAL 2018 agents, who were hired by the Farm Bureau board, were not to participate if it was on that day. The first Custer County Farm Bureau meeting was The annual meeting in 1939 included a talk held at the courthouse in Broken Bow on March entitled “Gasoline from Farm Grain.” 13, 1918. Bylaws and a constitution were drawn At the annual meeting in 1940, it was voted to up. Annual meetings were to be held the second replace the Farm Bureau as the governing board Saturday of December. Regular monthly meetings of the Extension Service. In those years together, were to be the first Saturday. we had sold serums, seeds and poison bran for It was decided on October 11, 1919, to seek grasshopper control. We had donated $25 or more membership in the Nebraska Farm Bureau. This for an annual Fourth of July Picnic in cooperation was carried out on December 11, 1920, when with the Grange and Farmers Union. a contract was signed between Nebraska Farm For 18 years, the Farm Bureau became nonex- Bureau and Custer County Farm Bureau. istent in Custer County, except for a brief period We recommended at our annual meeting in starting in 1949. No records are available for that 1920 to go on record favoring a deep waterway organization, and possibly it was for the purpose from Chicago to the seaboard. of insurance. Mrs. C. C. Gibbons was our first delegate to the state convention on January 20, 1920. Reorganization in ’58 In May 1922, Mr. M. Linder was appointed A meeting was held November 28, 1958, to manager of the Bureau and Grain Growers for reorganize the Custer County Farm Bureau. It was Custer, Garfield, Valley, Dawson and Logan held at the W. A. Brass home near Sargent. It was Counties. Membership was $10. voted to adopt the Uniform Agreement, approve a county service agreement and request insurance Vote Against Oleo services. We voted to request membership in the We voted at the annual meeting in 1926 to go American and State Farm Bureaus. Mr. Brass was on record against the manufacture or sale of elected president. Regular monthly board meetings counterfeit butter, or oleo margarine, in Nebraska. were held in members’ homes the evening of the Nebraska Farm Bureau President Nellie Benson third Monday of each month. The Clear Creek unit spoke at a banquet, February 21, 1927, and helped was to have monthly meetings the first Friday of

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each month, and the Douglas Grove (Sargent) unit An office opened in the Lyric Theater Building the first Monday. An annual meeting was to be in in Broken Bow in May 1965, and a full-time October each year. secretary was hired. The first annual picnic was July 12, 1959, at the In 1967, we went on record favoring raising Sargent City Park. Other locations for the annual state senators’ salaries to $400 monthly. picnic have been Victoria Springs State Park, We decided to have a soup and pie supper Pressey Park and Tomahawk Park in Broken Bow. before our annual meeting in October 1968 and Our first newsletter was published July 9, 1959. have continued that tradition for many years. We had a booth at both the Sargent Fair and the County Fair in Broken Bow. In the late 1960s, Membership Challenge the booth at Sargent was discontinued, but the Buffalo County challenged us to a membership County Fair booth was continued. campaign in 1971. The first to meet quota would We sponsored our first “Meet Your Candidate have their board treated to a pancake feed by the Banquet” April 20, 1960, in Sargent with about losers. Unfortunately, we had to treat them to 250 in attendance. pancakes. We voted at our October 1973 board meeting Farm City Festivals to provide our members access to the Florida Fruit A Farm-City Festival was held in Sargent June 1, and Juice Program. Jim Millsap was appointed 1961. A Farm Bureau family was to invite a commodity coordinator. We later added the Michigan businessman and his wife as their guests. State Fruit and Vegetable Program. President Charles Marshall spoke on the need We exceeded 300 members for the first time in of closer ties between city and rural people. A 1974, with 308. Farm-City Festival has been held each year since We bought the Cappie Cafe Building in Broken at the 4-H building in Broken Bow. Bow in October of 1974 for an office and, after At our annual meeting in 1961, we recom- some remodeling, moved in during January 1975. mended resolutions favoring a sales and/or income Mariellen Thomas reported that a Youth tax, and opposing a compulsory farm program. We Citizenship Seminar was going to be sponsored had 208 members, surpassing 200 for the first time. by the Nebraska Farm Bureau in April 1975. We We held our first annual Christmas covered-dish voted to sponsor two students and continued until supper December 13, 1962. At times there was the program was eliminated. a special speaker, but usually the group sang We signed an agreement to offer Safemark tires, Christmas songs and had some games. grease and oil for our members in June of 1976. Garry Squier was our handler. We had a membership contest between the east and west halves of the county in 1978. The losers were to treat the winners to a pancake feed March 16. The west hosted the feed at the home of Frank Bartak. Our membership passed the 400 mark for the first time at 402.

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 93 We voted to offer members the opportunity to Chamber of Commerce. We help sponsor trophies market fat cattle through Central Beef in 1980. We and plaques for the county fair, and purchase also approved participation in the pharmaceutical livestock at the 4-H livestock auction. program being offered. With everyone (or most everyone) having We placed an ad in the county paper opposing computers, the bookkeeping is a lot simpler, so the a city sales tax that was being voted on by Broken county O/A does not work in the office as in the past. Bow residents in 1980. We have a Learning Barn that we have taken to We held a picnic supper for a busload of Illinois all the area schools and also to the county fair. Farm Bureau members on August 12, 1981, at We now have the annual meeting at a local Tomahawk Park in Broken Bow. restaurant with a buffet supper. Elections take place for officers and voting delegates, and New Building Purchased resolutions are offered. Over the years, several We sold our office in 1984 and bought a new, resolutions from Custer County have made it to 30-by-52-foot Morton building to replace it. the state policy book. We passed the 500-member goal in 1989. We sponsored an Ag in the Classroom supper Dean Horn, 1992 county history chairman for elementary teachers on September 24, 1990. Kent and Bonnie Myers, 2015 county Thirty-one teachers from 14 schools attended. history chairmen We donated money to any high school in the county that sponsored a non-alcoholic after-prom party. We also donated to the Broken Bow Chapter Dakota County of S.A.D.D. We were members of the Broken Bow Chamber of Commerce. ESTABLISHED FEBRUARY 1914 Our county was always represented at the CENTENNIAL 2014 Mid-Winter Women’s Conferences, Young Farmer and Rancher Leadership Conferences, leadership training meetings and other activities of the State Farm Bureau.

Changes Since 1992 Since Dean Horn wrote the last history a lot of changes have taken place. The office is located in the same building, but there are different agents and there are several past presidents. The Custer County Farm Bureau still owns the building, but rents the space to the agents. We passed the 900-member goal in 2015. Quite an accomplishment. That lets Custer County have six The Dakota County Farm Bureau was organized voting delegates to the state annual meeting, and, so February 9, 1914. At that time, it was called far, we are the only county to have this honor. Dakota County Farm Management Association. We have sponsored several scholarships to After the first year it was changed to Dakota area high school graduating seniors and college County Farmer’s Association, and in December students. We also donate to several organiza- 1917 its name was changed to Dakota County tions in the county and are members of the local Farm Bureau.

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For the first 2½ years, money was raised by The Dakota County Farm Bureau annually subscription. After that it was on county funds sponsors a farmer-businessman’s steak fry, with secured by petitioning the Board of County farmers inviting businessmen as their guests. This Commissioners. is usually held in July. The Farm Bureau was In 1920, the Dakota County Farm Bureau instrumental in implementing a rural planning and joined the Nebraska and American Farm Bureau zoning committee, promoting a free bridge across Federations. The membership fee was $10. the Missouri River and numerous safety promo- Dakota County was the seventh county in tions at highway intersections. the state to sponsor Extension Service activities, and those continued until 1946. At that time, the Action Got Quick Results organization separated from the Extension Service, On one occasion, the Dakota County Farm Bureau and, in 1953, the Extension Service terminated its took a stand regarding the repair of a railroad association with Farm Bureau Non-Stock, which crossing on a state highway. The next morning the handled veterinary supplies, tires, oil and grease. crossing underwent repair. Arthur Armbright was the first insurance agent. First Membership Drive The staff in 1992 included two insurance agents In 1946, Gilbert Erickson, state field director, assisted and a full-time secretary. The fruit and vegetable the county in its first membership drive. There were orders from Michigan and Florida were a member four units: Brushy Bend, Omadi, Jackson and Elk service for many years. Valley. Monthly meetings were held, with the annual Several youths were sponsored each year to meeting of all units held in October. the Youth Citizenship Safety Seminar. The 1992 The annual meetings at that time had skits, membership stood at 870. music and entertainment put on by the members. The Dakota County Farm Bureau’s property After the entertainment, the resolutions were was sold in 2000 for a city urban renewal project. discussed and voted upon. Sometimes meetings The Dakota County Farm Bureau moved to lasted until 1 in the morning, which necessitated 2220 Pigeon Avenue in Hubbard. The Dakota elimination of the entertainment to shorten meetings County Farm Bureau has experienced a decline so members would attend the next annual meeting. in membership in the last few years, but the Farm The annual meetings were held at Brushy Bend Bureau has continued to be the voice of agriculture School, Homer, Dakota City and South Sioux City. for more than 100 years. Past presidents were Charles F. Beermann, Earl Emde, Ted Larson, Orin Hawley, Roy Johnston, Maurice Crofoot, Jean Culbertson, Randy Lussier Gene Bradshaw, Charles L. Beermann, Lester and Charlotte Orr, 1992 county history committee Albrecht, Joe Kramper, Vincent Kramper, Lowell Randy Lussier, 2017 county Farm Bureau president Beermann, Paul Culbertson, Maurice Crofoot, Don Binkley, Roy Bartels, Roger Bartels, Rick Bousquet and Randy Lussier. Dawes County

Offices in South Sioux City ESTABLISHED 1914 The Farm Bureau offices were located in South CENTENNIAL 2014 Sioux City, first at 1908 Dakota Avenue, then 2513 Dakota Avenue, 311 E. 39th Street and 2605 Dawes County was the 69th county organized in Dakota Avenue. In the fall of 1991, a building was Nebraska. It was first organized in 1885 as one of purchased at 1913 Dakota Avenue. three counties – Dawes, Sheridan and Sioux –

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 95 formed by dividing the northwest corner of the organization solicited the state for certification as state, called Sioux Territory. Two years later, Dawes the local sponsor, director and financier of local County separated from the south half of itself, costs of a Dawes County agricultural agent and becoming two counties, Dawes and Box Butte. office. With certification granted, Dawes County By 1890, Dawes County had organized a county had its first organized Farm Bureau. agricultural society to provide a pipeline for infor- A local farmer-rancher, Charles S. Hawk, mation from agricultural colleges and experimental though untrained, agreed to serve as county agent farms through Farm Congresses or Farm Institutes. for about 16 months until a trained agent, Mr. These were held annually or semi-annually for inter- Taylor, was obtained. Mr. Hawk proved his ability ested agriculturalists; this was a common practice in to organize and administer the new program, and eastern states at the county level. Taylor was equally effective, so by the beginning By 1914, the various state and county agricul- of World War I, the county was ready for the tural societies had organized themselves into more emergency “Food for our Allies” and “World effective groups to provide a more cooperative Peace.” Dawes County was able to perform its state and national uniformity of the agricultural duties with speed and finesse. Extension programs. They renamed themselves Farm Bureaus. World War I and the 1920s The Dawes County Farm Bureau continued to Homesteading Complete in 1914 serve well, addressing the problems of Dawes In 1914, Dawes County was completely County farmers through the reconstruction period homesteaded. Consolidation of small units into after World War I, in the early 20s and into the larger, more viable units and improvement of the recession, which turned into a deep depression farm, quality of livestock and climatically adapted in the later 20s. As if these problems were not crops began in earnest. Interestingly, in 1914 the enough, a widespread drought developed, and New county population was about 9,200 and approxi- Deal agricultural and welfare programs, requiring mately 25 percent urban and 75 percent rural. The administration through the agricultural Extension population in 1990 was, for practical purposes, at office and personnel, were added to the agenda. about the same level, but proportionally reversed, Partisanship was added to local farmers’ 25 percent rural and 75 percent urban. problems, and dissension in Farm Bureau raised The need for a new agriculture Extension its ugly head. Finally, state law allowed the bureau Service in the county was far greater than the old to petition the county commissioners for limited agriculture society was able to provide, and it was county tax funds to help local financing and assist projected that a full-time, trained agriculturist the federal government in establishing its own and office was needed. Dawes County agricultural administrative organization and office – the ASCS. leaders got together and elected a president, secre- The state finally passed legislation providing for tary-treasurer and a board of directors – called vice an elected county agricultural society to sponsor presidents, one from each voting precinct in the and direct the Extension Service, to provide county. The vice presidents called meetings in each funding for local costs through the county budget precinct to attain precinct organization of school in connection with state and federal funds. In district leaders and families. 1946, the Dawes County Farm Bureau gratefully So in 1914, Dawes County became one of turned the Extension program over to the newly the first four counties in Nebraska to organize elected, countywide Agricultural Society. Being left a County Farm Bureau, even though it was the with no further responsibilities, the Dawes County 69th county organized in the state. The new Farm Bureau dissolved as a county organization.

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The Dawes County Agricultural Society, admin- istered by the Farm Bureau, performed yeoman service in spite of problems through the years. It ushered a newly homesteaded, undeveloped economy to a prosperous modern agricultural society and economy.

Many Worthwhile Accomplishments The Dawes County Farm Bureau can count a number of local accomplishments, including organization of producers into product groups to set their own needs, goals and procedures; organizing boys’ and girls’ clubs and activities to teach the became aware of and desired to join the new Farm young good agricultural practices and to prove their Bureau in opposition. benefits; and to organize farm women into home In September 1962, 17 people met at the economics clubs for educational, economic and county courthouse, elected a board of directors social events to improve home living. and executive board, adopted a constitution and Other accomplishments were to adopt a bylaws, and applied to the state Farm Bureau for a constitution with aims, purposes and bylaws in county charter. They received the state charter and order to sponsor, finance and direct an organized applied for most state Farm Bureau services. They effort to improve the economic, education and immediately, actively entered the effort for rural social interests and attainment of all Dawes people’s representation at the county, state and County families and businesses, which summarize national levels of government. rather well the present aims and purposes of the The new Dawes County Farm Bureau, though Nebraska Farm Bureau today. organized on the same basic principles, aims and The Boys and Girls Demonstration Club led to purposes as the first one, took on a much different improved gardening and small animal production, function. The new involvement of government in as well as today’s 4-H Club motto to “make the the agriculture economy had put the ag economy at best better.” the mercy of politicians. The Home Extension Clubs enabled improve- ments for both urban and rural homes by better Member Services food preservation and preparation, and also Farm Bureau membership services have served improved opportunities for school and religious Dawson County members well. The insurance participation. The overall increase of profitable program has filled the desires of many people, ag production and marketing had benefits that in addition to farmers and ranchers. The sales of accrued to family living. Florida citrus fruits, fresh and frozen, along with peanuts, were well-received in their day, as was the Farm Bureau Reorganized Michigan produce. Farm accounting, computer Fifteen or so years went by without a Dawes services, the tire and battery program, as well as County organization. A new Farm Bureau was the cooperative medicine and drug program, and organized, but for a different purpose. the veterinary medicine and vaccines program, The “brouhaha” over the New Omnibus Farm were appreciated. Bill drew fire from the existing county and state Farm Bureaus, and a few people in Dawes County

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 97 County Stays Active Dawson County Since the 75th anniversary celebration of the ESTABLISHED NOVEMBER 1917 Nebraska Farm Bureau, members of the Dawes CENTENNIAL 2017 County Farm Bureau continued to be active by attending state functions. At the local level, leadership slowly changed hands over the years. Ron Thieson, Tuffy Snook, Thorpe Thompson (2004-14), Tim Hruby (2014-15) and Travis Anderson (current) have all done a great job leading the Dawes County Farm Bureau. Thorpe and his wife, Shelly, worked hard to build the Young Farmer and Rancher program. Shelly took over as secretary/treasurer from 2006-14, after Doris Hebbert had served for many years. Stephanie Hruby is the current secretary/treasurer. The Dawes County Farm Bureau makes sure When the group of ag leaders gathered at the there are always funds to send Young Farmers and Dawson County Courthouse on November 20, 1917, Ranchers to the YF&R conference every January. they may not have thought of themselves as pioneers, They have also had good representation on the but they were. They helped form a fledgling farm Thorpe and Shelly Thompson, Tim and Steph organization and sponsor a county agent that would Hruby, and Travis and Nancy Anderson have all introduce Extension to their county. served as District 8 representatives on the state The first set of officers included Elmer E. YF&R committee. Shelly served as the YF&R Youngs, president; E. T. Anthony, secretary; and chair, which has a seat on the state board. Thorpe E. M. Tarbell, treasurer. In the ensuing months, and Shelly were the Ag Achievement Award the county organization petitioned the county winners the same year that Travis and Nancy commissioners for funds and endorsed the selection Anderson won the Excellence in Ag award. of Alvah R. Hecht as the first county agent and Luke and Erin Norman have also won the purchased a car for his work. Excellence in Ag Award. Tim and Steph Hruby were the Ag Achievement Award winners a few Intertwined with Extension years later. Thorpe Thompson, Tim Hruby and In those formative years, the Farm Bureau and Nancy Anderson have all won the state discussion Extension were intertwined, with local Farm meet and had the opportunity to compete at the Bureau units introducing the county agents AFBF convention. Farm Bureau has provided around. Operating funds came from federal, Dawes County members with many opportunities state and county sources, as well as local to grow both as leaders and build their network membership dues. across the state and nation. Major projects were county and community awareness, farm management and livestock disease Rosemarie and John Blundell, 1992 county control. At local meetings, Hecht explained the history chairmen Farm Bureau’s organization and worked hard Nancy and Travis Anderson, 2015 county to battle erroneous impressions. Former county history chairmen president Henry Orthman noted, “I remember my

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Dad telling me, ‘I don’t need any college kid In the 1920s, the Dawson County Farm Bureau telling me how to farm.’” was the proud owner of a film projector. Hecht One of the main items of business that first noted, “The motion picture machine which we year was work on hog cholera control. During have had for four months has had much to do in 1918 alone, the county agent held 75 hog cholera getting crowds. We usually run one reel, have what vaccination meetings attended by 324 farmers. business is necessary and then close with another Farmers were shown the proper way to vaccinate reel. These are all strictly educational reels.” and, as a result of the meetings, four neighbor- For two decades, a county unit structure hoods purchased their own instruments to do their following geographical lines was used. These own vaccinations. Farm Bureau owned its own set community units provided a base for social- to loan to other farmers. izing, as well as instruction. Velma Rickertsen Hecht wrote in his 1918 county agent’s report, of Lexington noted they would bring the whole “It is hard to estimate the value of this work. family to monthly meetings. Beyond a doubt many men would have left their hogs die as they have in former times. The Farm Depression Hit Hard Bureau, by keeping hog cholera serum on hand at The Depression hit county membership hard. all times, has saved the farmers thousands of dollars.” In 1929 there were 220 dues-paid members. By 1931, that total had dropped to 97. Membership Steady Membership Growth struggles continued through the 1930s, despite the Membership grew steadily, and Hecht promoted fact that the annual meetings continued to draw auto tours to show farmers firsthand what their 200-300 people. neighbors were trying in different parts of the In 1941, the Dawson County Extension county. One farmer told Hecht after the first tour, Association was organized and the Farm Bureau “I always believed that cattle would not eat sweet no longer served as the sponsoring organization clover but will have to change my views.” for the Dawson County Extension Service. As the county agent’s responsibilities grew, so Although the new association had nearly the did the paperwork, and, in March 1918, Katherine same set of officers, its mission split off from Farm McCabe was hired as the first office girl. Her monthly Bureau’s. Then World War II began, and the Farm salary: $25. Annual meetings began in 1918 and have Bureau all but died in Dawson County. In 1942 continued to be a highlight of the Farm Bureau year. there were no paid members, and only two paid The first county picnic on September 23, 1921, dues in 1943. drew 1,500 people. Seats and toilets were built for A major reorganization took place in 1945. the day, a county band played, horseshoe pitching Five local Farm Bureau units were set up, with took place and two speakers were engaged. Rounding four sending delegates to a meeting on October out the day was a baseball game between two rival 26, 1945, at the county courthouse. Clarence county teams. Anderson was elected president, and a membership goal of 400 was set. By August 31, 1950, 618 Three-part Meetings members were back on the rolls. Local precinct programs took on three parts. First, there were discussions on current issues and a short First Office business meeting, then there were literary discus- Franklin Evans was hired as Dawson County’s sions or readings, and the meeting would close first insurance agent, and he also served as county with a social hour and recreation time. field director. The county rented its first office on April 1, 1949, on the second floor of the

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 99 Rosenburg Building in Lexington. Evan’s first the marketing program is now solely under the secretary, Mildred Roether, noted the first office direction of Producers Inc. of Omaha. was furnished for $366.36. Budgeting was a constant struggle in the 1950s. Moving into the 21st Century Dawson County almost lost Evans in 1950 because During the 80s and 90s, the Dawson County Farm he wasn’t paid regularly. Finally, the board decided Bureau worked hard on policy development and to cancel insurance policies when dues fell delin- developing a variety of ag education programs. quent to keep that revenue source fluid. Members were encouraged to become Ag Pen Pals, During the 1950s there was a heavy emphasis and the Bruce Rickertsen family formed a special on civic awareness in county Farm Bureau activ- bond with an Omaha school, twice hosting classes ities. A hi-fidelity recording of the National on bus trips to their farm to observe agriculture up Anthem went to all county schools, and there was close and personal. Those successful trips earned a Freedom Bookshelf from which each county high Dawson County two awards in the 1997 County school could select a book with a patriotic theme. Idea Exchange Program at the American Farm Faced with an expanding insurance business, the Bureau convention in Nashville. county moved its office in 1961 to the 200 block of During that time, Dawson County joined other Sixth Street. Office hours were from 9:30 a.m. to county ag groups in developing stations at Ag noon and 1 to 5 p.m., six days a week. Fest, an ag education day for county fourth- and Fruit orders were a popular service in the fifth-graders held every other year at the Dawson 1960s, and at this point the Farm Bureau’s policy County Fairgrounds. Farm Bureau traditionally development process began to be fine-tuned. develops programming related to what can be grown on an acre in the county. These theme varia- More Space Needed tions earned the county awards in the 1999, 2001 A growing county membership and insurance and 2003 County Idea Exchange programs at those business prompted formation of a building AFBF conventions. committee in 1975. In May 1976, a tract on For many years the Farm Bureau had sponsored Lexington’s Ontario Street was purchased for the intermediate swine showmanship trophy at the $14,000. Dawson County Fair. During the late 1990s and Minutes reflect that the board had doubts beyond, the board expanded its support of 4-H about going into debt to build its own office. After and fair activities. wrestling for almost two years with that prospect, They are among annual sponsors of the 4-H the board decided against the Ontario Street Café, some years providing meal discounts to location, and in February of 1978 sold that tract county members. For several years, members for $25,000 and purchased the current office site took photos of 4-H members with their 4-H on the corner of U.S. Highway 30 and Tyler Street projects, whether it was clothing, foods, rockets for $20,000. or livestock, developing the prints overnight and Construction started in March 1978 and was bringing them to the fair for youth to pick up and completed by August 1. The board met for the first use in their 4-H record books. Most recently, they time in the new building on August 3, 1978, and have sponsored 4-H T-shirts for all members exhib- by March 1988 the building was paid off. iting at the fair. Other major activities in the 1970s were an Dawson County has worked with the informational campaign on rural zoning and NFBF-PAC to endorse candidates for office, hosted participation in the Fat Cattle Marketing Program candidate forums and made calls on state senators, organized in 1979. Known as Central Beef, along with phone calls and emails.

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The county also has had a number of leaders serve on state and national committees for the Farm Bureau, including Don Batie and Bruce Stuart on the NFBF Board of Directors. One of the biggest projects the past two years has been joining with the Dawson County Cattlemen to sponsor a “Beef in Our Schools” promotion during National Agriculture Week. The two groups joined together with Tyson and provided beef for a day in every county school. As always, Dawson County continues to look toward the future and created the Dawson County Farm Bureau Scholarship, awarded to graduating has no records as to when its local organization was high school seniors from Farm Bureau families. formed. Recollections of members date the organi- The county has also supported the Investment for zation’s early history back to the early 1920s. the Future program, hosted informational meetings The whole family attended the board meetings, and meals for potential Young Farmer-Rancher and children played in the country yards while the members, and paid for YF&R age couples to adults conducted their meetings. Fred Smith was attend the annual state YR&R conference. one of the group’s presidents during that period. Finally, this year the bureau is working with the Connecting Chapters project to develop Reorganization in 1936 partnerships between county Farm Bureaus and The first written record dates to June 30, 1936, the county’s FFA Chapters. when the Deuel County Farm Bureau was reorga- nized. John Bergstrom was elected as the first Barb Bierman Batie, 1992 and 2015 county president, and Virginia Smith, as a member of the history chairman board, served as secretary. Many members served the organization in every capacity. Early activities that the organization was involved in included supporting the county Deuel County Extension agent, helping conduct organized ESTABLISHED JUNE 1936 agricultural meetings in the southern Panhandle CENTENNIAL 2036 of Nebraska and being designated as adminis- trator of Acreage Allotments for the Agriculture In the early part of the century, farmers felt the Adjustment Act. This was changed to elected need to have organizations and meetings to learn committees in 1938, and Deuel County severed more about their profession. The University of ties with the Extension Service in 1953. Nebraska Agriculture Extension Service was For many years annual meetings had very good conducting agriculture institutes and giving attendance, with between 200 and 300 present information on improved agricultural practices for the dinner meetings. Outstanding speakers, through local meetings. Counties were encouraged including State President Charles Marshall, were to sponsor these institutes. Thus, Nebraska Farm obtained for the meetings. Bureau was born. The local organization was very active in Some eastern Nebraska counties formed a local getting a Soil Conservation Service office in the organization as early as 1917, but Deuel County county, and ours was one of the first western

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 101 Nebraska counties to have an SGS office. Farm Many Deuel County Farm Bureau members Bureau members also were involved with bringing have served their organization well as local officers rural electric service to the county. (sometimes several times over), and by calling on neighbors in membership drives to keep the organi- Policy Development Regarded Seriously zation growing. Several have served on the state The Deuel County Farm Bureau has always taken board of directors and on various state committees. the policy development program seriously. Every year we have offered county, state and national Virginia Smith Serves Well policies of concern to our members, followed Virginia Smith is the best known of this group. She them through our local community, and sent the was elected to the state board in the 1950s and state and national policies to the State Policy to the American Farm Bureau Federation Board Development Committee. of Directors in 1960. In 1974, she was elected to Several of our members have served on this Congress from Nebraska’s Third Congressional state committee through the years, and we always District of Nebraska and served in that capacity have delegates attending the meetings to promote for 16 years. our policies. We also have supported the many Other families who have had one or more service programs sponsored by the state organi- members serve the organization statewide are zation, including farm seeds, oil, tires, antibiotics, Neal Fornander, Carl Schou, Don Hayes, Allen feeds, insurance, and frozen fruits and vegetables. Klingman, Bill Hughes, Larry Rutt, Don Criswell, Through the years, the Deuel County Farm Gail Klingman and Theodore Smith. Others may Bureau had a strong women’s organization, meeting have been inadvertently omitted because of lack every month. They held bake sales to support the of records. state Nurses Loan Fund and sent students to the Youth Citizenship and Safety Seminars each year. County Work Continues They also made candy and many craft items for the The Deuel County Farm Bureau has continued the bazaar held at the state annual meeting each year work done in the first 75 years. to support the Nurses Loan Fund and the Charles Scholarships are still awarded to high school Marshall Loan Fund. Although the State Women’s seniors, however this has become difficult. The Committee dissolved in the early 1990s, the county original $250 scholarship is no longer a draw. Our still furnishes items to be used as door prizes or discussions note this will probably become a $500 other gifts at the state annual meeting. scholarship awarded every two years, with both Many members have attended leadership high school juniors and seniors being able to apply. training sessions conducted by the state office in Delegates are sent each year to Pre-Policy, Lincoln, visited the Legislature in session and met Annual Meeting and the Ag Edge Conference, with with our senator at a dinner meeting. We have had mileage, motel and registration paid. youth enter the talent and talk contests held at Present officers are Milt Rogers, president; the state annual meeting. Deuel County is always Connie Carter, secretary; and LaDene Rutt, represented at the state Farm Bureau annual treasurer. meetings, and several members have also attended the American Farm Bureau annual meetings. Gail Klingman, 1992 county history chairman Each year the local group has a booth at the LaDene Rutt, 2015 county history chairman county fair. Contests and prize drawings are a part of this activity, and handouts and iced tea are offered to visitors.

102 DEUEL – DIXON

Dixon County

ESTABLISHED JUNE 1947 CENTENNIAL 2047

Nebraska has more diversity from east to west across the state than exists in either direction from the Atlantic or Pacific. Of course, this affects what we do to make a living, with an equal diversification of careers across Nebraska. Dixon County – and fewer than a half a dozen counties in extreme northeast Nebraska bordering the Missouri River – was about two-thirds covered the District 56 schoolhouse. Henry Engle, Farm by the last glacier 35,000 years ago. As the glacier Bureau district director, explained the purpose and receded northeasterly, the Missouri River formed functions of the Farm Bureau. On June 3, 1947, around the west and south to drain this vast sheet an organizational meeting was held in the Amos of ice. Boeckenhauer home. The Loess Hills in Dixon County, eastern The following board members were elected: Nebraska and western Iowa were formed by Ivan Borman, president; Herbert Ecktenkamp, prevailing northwesterly winds whipping silt from vice-president; Vern Jones, secretary-treasurer; the Missouri River basin to the northwest. Our Mrs. Max Ash membership; Mrs. John Rounfelt soil is deep and relatively productive because we legislative; and Alice Boeckenhauer, publicity. also get more rainfall than most of Nebraska to the Charter members were signed up. The first west. All of Nebraska has a fascinating history, as Farm Bureau banquet was held in the Methodist do our people. Church in Allen on February 11, 1948. Later in 1948, the first annual meeting was held, and the Eggs, Cattle, Hay Important following were elected: Vern Jones, president; Dixon County is mostly agricultural. We boast the Norris Emry, vice-president; Gaylen Jackson, largest egg processing plant and egg production secretary; Edwin Fahrenholz, treasurer; Elmer facilities in the United States. We also have a large Boeckenhauer, membership chairman; K. R. cattle feeding facility and many hay production Mitchell, legislative; and Paul Koester and Paul facilities. Fischer, service chairmen. In 191,4 the Smith-Lever Act was passed, which provides that the Extension work of the Many Member Services state university be carried out at the county level. The Farm Bureau has provided services to its The act stated that this be sponsored by the Farm members and insurance of all kinds. We have Bureau. In Dixon County, this Farm Bureau had seed corn, fertilizer, gain bins, animal health was not immediately affiliated with the state or products, electric motors, oil and grease, tires and national organizations. batteries, and pharmaceutical products. We have always provided grassroots influence Organizational Meeting in ‘47 in our policy-making process, so essential to both In 1947, the Farm Bureau separated from the state and national policy. We were always concerned Extension Service in Dixon County. In 1947, a that we had delegates to represent our county at the preliminary Farm Bureau meeting was held in Nebraska annual meetings.

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 103 Insurance people were Vern Jones, 1948; Eldred Lisa Lunz served on the ag promotion Smith, 1951; Bob Hoppel, 1953; Wayne Lund, committee, Janice Newton served on creden- 1957; Virgil Buss, 1960; Clyde Cook, 1960; Oliver tials committee and worked with Ag Pen Pals, Noe,1960; Steve Snyder, 1979; Bill Kjer, 1981; and and Martey Stewart was a member of the 2008 Stan McAfee, 1981. Paul Fischer served 26 years. Leadership Academy, credential committee, SLPC, Dixon County Farm Bureau presidents were nominating committee and Ag Pen Pals. He most Ivan Borman, Vern Jones, Melvin Manz, Albert recently was appointed to the State Board of Stuhe, Gerald Jewell, Harvey Henningsen, Clarence Directors to fill the district position vacated by Joni Johnson, Edwin Fahrenholz, Vern Jones, Harold Albright, who ran for state senator. George, Leslie Noe, Sterling Borg, Courtland In 2005, the county board donated the office to Roberts, Arnold Brudigam, Carl Armstrong, the Dixon County Historical Society, which gave it Marvin Hartman, Dale Jackson, Arnold Witt, more space to display memorabilia in Allen. Larry Boswell, Mrs. Harold George, Duane Current Dixon County activities include a Koester, Verlyn Hingst, Paul Stewart, Larry 2-mile highway litter pickup every fall and spring, Boswell and Martey Stewart. a food drive for Dixon County Food Bank, a booth at county fair, sponsorship of a tractor and trolley Chartered in 1948 to haul people around fairgrounds, sponsoring 4-H Dixon County was chartered in 1948, and for and FFA trophies, as well as a County Learning many years we had members from Cedar County. Barn for the fair and local schools. Finally in 1961, Cedar County formed its own There is a Meet-the-Candidates Forum county Farm Bureau. As this history was written during election years, sponsorship of two $500 in 2015, there was one surviving charter member, scholarships for graduating seniors and a policy Galen Jackson. He and his wife still reside in Dixon development meeting each year. County, and he noted that farming is the only thing We have three FFA chapters in our county he wanted to do growing up. He heard about this and invited their instructors and officers to organization forming and wanted to learn about our annual meeting and banquet as part of the it. Someone from the state office came around, and Connecting Chapters project. We also have five he decided he would join. His son Dale Jackson, new members through the Investment in the son-in-law Larry Boswell, and grandson J. Jackson, Future program. have all been members, making the Jackson a Every member in our past history has made a three-generation Farm Bureau family. tremendous contribution to our organization. But Office secretaries were: Mrs. Cliften (hired in the Dixon County Farm Bureau owes a debt of 1951 at 75 cents per hour), Margaret Schneider, gratitude to organizer and charter member – “Mr. Mrs. Scarda, Rose Gotch, Melba Gillespie, Zoe Farm Bureau in Dixon County” – Vern Jones, who Weber, Amber Truly, Merna Jones, Mrs. Heckens contributed so much to our success. and Lois Stapleton. Edwin Fahrenholz, 1992 county history chairman Members Served State Organization Martey Stewart, 2015 county history chairman Edwin Fahrenholz served on the Nebraska Farm Bureau Board of Directors for two terms, 1982-1987. Dale Jackson was appointed to the state advisory committee on program and finances. Harold George served on the state national resources committee.

104 DIXON – DODGE

Dodge County assisted the county agent in carrying on his work and dispersing materials. ESTABLISHED MAY 1918 The main projects of Farm Bureau and the CENTENNIAL 2018 Extension Service the first year were:

1. Farm labor supply 2. Pocket gopher eradication 3. Introduction of a new variety of wheat, as well as other grains 4. Livestock improvement and disease control

One of the main projects the first year was soil improvement. Liming the soil proved to be valuable. Corn rootworm was another project getting attention, as well as seed selection. Crop smut in wheat and hog cholera also demanded the attention and advice of the Extension Service.

The Dodge County Farm Bureau was first Farm Records Encouraged organized on May 14, 1918. The purpose of the The end of the first year proved to be very busy Farm Bureau was to assist farmers with some of and successful, and the membership stood at 351. their problems in agricultural production. The The annual meeting was held in December, and first office was a temporary one in the county new officers were Frank Liston, Hooper, president; clerk’s office in the First National Bank Building Wm. Havekost, Hooper, vice president; and Warren in Fremont. Mulliken, Nickerson, secretary-treasurer. The Through the Board of Supervisors, the county Board of Directors elected were Dennis Musbach, appropriated $2,000 to carry on the work of Snyder; Chris Schow, Fremont; C.F. Leuking, the Farm Bureau and the county agent. The first Scribner; Emeal Sievers, Scribner; and Albert county agent was L.C. Christie. Gereke, Fremont. The first officers of the Dodge County Farm At the meeting, it was decided to continue Bureau were John Havekost, Hooper, president; under the new law which required a Farm Bureau William Eidam, Hooper, vice president; and W. to have a definite signed-up membership of at H. Mulliken, Nickerson, general secretary and least 300 farmers in the county and to petition treasurer. Executive committee members were the County Board of Supervisors to appropriate Albert Gereke, Fremont; Frank Davis, North Bend; the necessary funds for carrying on the work. The Frank Hahn, Scribner; Bernard Havekost, Scribner; Farm Bureau office moved to the new courthouse. and F. H. Liston, Hooper. Results of all the projects carried on during the year were favorable. At the annual meeting in Local Cooperators Fremont on December 21, 1918, it was decided The Extension Service outlined a plan in which that the work had just begun. There still remained Farm Bureau was to select a cooperator in each a great field for scientific and agricultural work in school district of the county. There were 85 school Dodge County. districts in Dodge County, which were divided At the close of 1923, the Dodge County Farm into “Locals,” and there were 25 in the county. Bureau was still in the ranks of those that had not These Locals had their own officers or leaders and yet become affiliated with the state or national

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 105 Farm Bureau Federations. Since the financial Emergency Programs support of the Dodge County Farm Bureau came In the years of 1934-35, much emphasis was given entirely from government (state and county) and to various farm programs and Farm Bureau’s not from membership funds, the leaders felt it was involvement. They were called Emergency the best policy to consider every bona fide resident Programs because of the severe drought and high in the county engaged in farming as a member of temperatures. The year 1940 proved to be much the organization, as far as service was concerned. better for agriculture due to more normal weather The privilege of voting and holding office, however, conditions. The late 1930s and early 1940s were was necessarily confined to the original three or the last of the severe Depression years. However, four hundred “charter” members who enrolled many farmers could not participate in the “better under the provision of the law to make the estab- times” because of their financial debts accrued in lishment of the work possible. These people were the 1930s. The Dodge County Farm Bureau helped responsible for the birth of the organization and to organize a local Production Credit Association, fostered it through its infancy. sharing its office and secretary with the PCA for many years. This proved to be very beneficial to Special Meeting many farmers who were not credit-worthy at the On March 16, 1926, a special meeting was held bank but had the ability to carry on and proved for the purpose of circulating the petitions for to be successful operators. We also cooperated 1927-28. The Farm Bureau petition circulated with Producers Livestock Association, which also until September 1, but fell short by 40 signers. A proved to be a successful venture. meeting was called September 30 as no funds were available for operating expenses. It was necessary Dodge County Growing to close the office September 30, 1926. Apparently, In these years the Dodge County Farm Bureau also the organization and extension work was discon- was affiliated with the Nebraska Farm Bureau and tinued until February 1, 1931. A petition consisting the American Farm Bureau. The Nebraska Farm of 685 signatures was filed with the county clerk Bureau Insurance Company of Nebraska offered on September 1, 1930. insurance coverage for members. We participated On October 24, 1930, a meeting of all in the state legislative programs and worked to get petitioners was called by Mr. R. E. Holland, a fairer tax system in the state. In 1992, Dodge district extension leader, for the purpose of County Farm Bureau membership reached more reorganizing a Dodge County Farm Bureau. A than 600. constitution was adopted by this organization As a significant patron of the Dodge County and the following men were elected to serve on Fair, the county Farm Bureau Board purchased and the Dodge County Farm Bureau board: Alfred refurbished a permanent building on the grounds Softly, Fremont, president; Robert McWhorter, in 2007 to house the kids zone and focus on North Bend, vice president; and Clair D. Johnson, agricultural education and an animal learning area. Fremont, secretary-treasurer. Directors were Ernst The CFB has their logo prominently displayed Schmidt, Fremont; Henry Vonseggern, Hooper; on the outside of the building and maintains the Peter Diedrichson, Scribner; and Floyd Snover, building throughout the year. In addition, the CFB North Bend. The board met December 23, 1930, continues their support of the county fair through and hired M. C. Townsend for the position of their donation to finance the announcer’s booth for county Extension agent. the event arena. Through a collaborative effort among various county livestock and economic groups within the

106 DODGE – DOUGLAS

county, the county Farm Bureau worked diligently to help achieve Livestock Friendly status in 2013 to support and promote livestock development. This has directly impacted the county through the introduction of a recent major livestock production facility. Since 1996 the CFB has maintained a schol- arship program, delivering over $10,000 in funds to local students. The county also maintains and supports two Learning Barns which are utilized within various county school districts. The Dodge County Farm Bureau is a at these meetings where policies of the Douglas presenting sponsor for the annual Fremont County Farm Bureau were formed and sent to the Corn Expo which sees an attendance of more Nebraska State Farm Bureau. than 400 local ag producers. During the 1950s a Farm Bureau office was built in Elkhorn. Insurance services to Farm Bureau Myron Naber, 1992 county history chairman members grew to 10 agents and five individual David Saalfeld, 2016 county president offices. The Elkhorn office was closed in 1992, and the Farm Bureau moved to Omaha. An additional service was offered, making Douglas County commercial fertilizer available to farmers. Since the beginning, the Douglas County Farm ESTABLISHED 1946 Bureau has been a booster of the county 4-H clubs. CENTENNIAL 2046 Trophies were sponsored to support youth livestock programs. Several years later, the Douglas County The Douglas County Farm Bureau was formed in Farm Bureau began supporting the 4-H horse shows the spring of 1946. A group of farmers met after with trophy sponsorships. having heard about Farm Bureau through friends In 1991, the Douglas County Farm Bureau in Washington County. By the fall of 1946, enough members distributed the Nebraska Beef Council’s interest had been generated to officially organize “Cowboys Then and Now” packets to all of the the Douglas County Farm Bureau. schools in Douglas County. The information was John Klinker was elected president, a position well received. he held for 10 years. Other officers were: Robert Since 1990, Douglas County Farm Bureau Gaines, Howard Nelson, Leonard Johannsen, has enjoyed exciting success with our goals of Henry Bauermeister and Jay Dillion. agriculture education, as well as membership A state insurance program was established in growth. Our membership for 2015 has grown 1948 as a service to members. Frank Luenenborg to more than 11,000 members. and Irvin Harrie were two of the first Douglas In 1992, Douglas County was one of eight County agents. A Farm Bureau office was opened counties in District One of the Nebraska Farm in the Clearview Home, later moving to the Vic Bureau to co-sponsor an Ag-Fest event in Wehrbein home. conjunction with a baseball game at Rosenblatt By 1950, there were 14 groups known as Stadium and in later years at the Ak-Sar-Ben “units” in which eight to 12 families met in their Rodeo or River City Roundup. The eight partici- homes each month to discuss farming issues. It was pating counties provided sack lunches for $1 each.

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 107 The lunch bag included a hard-boiled egg; a beef, The Douglas County Farm Bureau had turkey or ham sandwich on a hamburger-type aggressive years in 2014 and 2015. The county bun; a honey stick; milk; and potato chips. A label was the lead sponsor of a six-month exhibit at the was developed and attached to the lunch bag that Omaha Children’s Museum called “Once Upon A depicted the amount of money the farmer received Farm.” This exhibit was displayed from October for their products that produced these items. The 1, 2014, to April 1, 2015. This exhibit used the event had farm equipment displayed, pedal tractor entire second floor of the museum and had a pedal races and other ag-related games for children. tractor route for children to ride. There was also Douglas County utilized the fairgrounds in a full-size tractor, a combine that allowed children Waterloo for their county fair. In the mid-90s, to drop a plastic ball into the reel area and see the the fairgrounds were sold. The fair was moved ball pass through the combine and exit out the to Ak-Sar-Ben Field until the Ak-Sar-Ben facility auger through an air driven system. was closed. At that time, the Douglas County There were other displays such as the digestive Fair was merged with River City Roundup held system of a cow, an irrigation system, baby in late September. This change then resulted in chickens, seed growth and much more. As a result the Extension 4-H program for Douglas County of the success of this exhibit, the museum will be being merged with the Sarpy County Fair (held in designing a permanent, smaller agriculture exhibit. August). This allowed exhibitors to participate in The county received one of the 2015 American the Sarpy County Fair and be eligible to partic- Farm Bureau County Activities of Excellence ipate in the Nebraska State Fair. For some Douglas Awards for this exhibit. County exhibitor’s it became necessary to partic- In the summer of 2015, Douglas County ipate in the Washington County Fair. sponsored video educational agriculture spots Because of the Sarpy County Fair merger, shown on the Werner Baseball Park electronic the Douglas County Farm Bureau co-sponsored scoreboard. An Omaha Farmers Market was also construction of an agriculture building on the supported to show a side of agriculture other than Sarpy County Fairgrounds. Douglas County also grain production. donated to the Washington County agriculture building at the Arlington Fairgrounds. Funding was provided for busing Douglas Dundy County County school students to attend the University of Nebraska and the Extension Service Agriculture ESTABLISHED OCTOBER 1930 Literacy educational programs. The programs are CENTENNIAL 2030 held once a year at Mead and Arlington. For several years, Douglas County sponsored The Dundy County Farm Bureau story started in an educational program for Omaha teachers. These 1919 when Dundy County became the benefactor teachers received educational credits, as well as of legislation first endorsed by the newly organized being provided teaching materials on agriculture. Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation. This was The Douglas County Farm Bureau continues House Roll No. 98, authorizing $15,000 for the its financial support of the Nebraska Farm Bureau establishment of a game and fish substation in Ag in the Classroom program. In addition, each Dundy County. year we support county high school post-prom In July 1929, Mr. W. W. Heuermann became the parties. Each year we provide four scholarships permanent county Extension agent. Much credit for graduating seniors of Douglas County Farm is due him in stabilizing the Farm Bureau organi- Bureau members. zation and Extension program in a very difficult

108 DOUGLAS – DUNDY

A lot of paper and record keeping was involved, and Walter Pflum’s signature is on many forms, primarily hybrid seed corn orders. Another program the Farm Bureau was involved in was the corn-hog program. Farmers were trained as leaders to hold meetings throughout the county explaining the program and giving farmers the opportunity to sign up. Emergency government seed loans, drought relief and government cattle buying programs were handled through the Farm Bureau office. The Farm Bureau, along with local committees, organized and supervised cornhusking contests, which drew many Depression period. It was during the early part of contestants and large crowds of spectators. Another Mr. Heuermann’s tenure that Dundy County Farm service provided was making septic tank forms Bureau was organized and became the sponsoring available at the Extension office. organization for Extension work in the county. Many Farm Bureau meetings were held in board The Farm Bureau in Dundy County officially members’ homes. They called their potluck suppers had its beginning October 15, 1930, when 50 “eatin’ meetin’s.” The county Extension agent met farmers gathered at the courthouse and elected with the board and this pattern created fellowship an executive board consisting of Harry L. Dixon, and enthusiasm for the Farm Bureau program. president; J. H. Wright, vice president; Carl Alsbury, County agent Leo Barnell recognized a need for secretary-treasurer; Mrs. William Jones and Mrs. a health and recreation program in the rural area. Everett Sutton. An advisory board consisting of one He promoted square dances, and what a boost this man and one woman from each precinct was to be was to the farmers’ morale, to forget their troubles elected later. with an evening of fun! The organization was duly recognized as the During the years since, the Dundy County Dundy County Farm Bureau in accordance with and Farm Bureau has continued to be helpful to as provided by the laws of Agricultural Extension the Extension Service in any way possible. The Services and the College of Agriculture at the monthly meetings of the Dundy County Farm University of Nebraska. Bureau were held in the courthouse courtroom for The general purpose of the organization was to many years, until the 1980s when they were hosted cooperate with Nebraska’s experiment stations and alternately in the basement family room of Wilbur the Agricultural College to the extent of promoting and Velma Case in Benkelman and the basement of agricultural education through boys’ and girls’ 4-H the United Methodist Church in Haigler. Beginning clubs and the general promotion of improved and in 2010, board meetings have been held in the better agricultural practices. Farm Bureau Financial Service office in Benkelman. One of the services of the Dundy County Farm Farm Bureau services have changed with the Bureau was formation of a county non-stock needs of members. The insurance program is by corporation, an affiliate of Nebraska Farm Bureau far the largest service, with all types of policies Federation. This meant farmers could save money available to members through Jimmy Gleason, the to buy such necessities as seed, oil, cholera serum, current agent. grasshopper and prairie dog poison, and even The fruit and vegetable commodity exchange women’s dress forms. with the Michigan and Florida Farm Bureaus was

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 109 used by members for many years, and the Dundy legislation and other issues of the day. After several County Farm Bureau furnished the orange juice years, this group became inactive. used by the Red Cross Bloodmobile. Again sometime in the early 1930s, a group Annual meetings are held to elect officers and became active. In the late ‘30s or early ‘40s, the first conduct business in conjunction with a delicious office was established. It was in a small building, meal and an informative program. The Dundy actually a brooder house, behind the house that later County Farm Bureau began offering college schol- became known as the Goldenrod Motel on South arships in the 1990s. We also support the Ag in the 13th Street. We have no written records. In 1946, Classroom program, Ag Pen Pal Program and send George Engle was the representative for Nebraska delegates to the Nebraska Farm Bureau annual certified hybrid seed corn and sold fertilizer as well. conventions. Some members have also attended the American Farm Bureau annual conventions. Farm Bureau ‘Comes Alive’ Members 35 years and younger have partici- In 1955, more services were made available for pated in the Young Farmer and Rancher conferences members, and the Farm Bureau came alive in the and discussion meets. We have also sponsored county. It has been fairly strong since that time. In county fair booths and county fair parade entries. 1958, an office was opened in the basement of the Century Club members have included Don Oddfellow Hall in the west block of the Geneva and Virginia Harford, Verle Raichart and Karen business district. Mr. Earl Hill was elected president, Harford. and Mrs. George Ward was elected secretary. Dundy County owes much to those early Membership grew at this time. Mrs. John (Rowene) members and many others whose devotion and Pittard served as secretary during 1958-1960. Some time helped benefit agriculture, Nebraska’s of the women’s projects have been: scrapbooks, No. 1 industry. placing books in seven school libraries, contests sponsored for the youth of Farm Bureau families, Elmer Case, 2015 county history chairman helping with donations to the Nurses Loan Fund, sponsoring high school students to the Nebraska Farm Bureau Youth seminars, and holding Farmer- Fillmore County Merchant banquets, soup suppers, safety seminars, annual picnics and Christmas parties. ESTABLISHED 1918 In 1966, the office was moved to a two-room CENTENNIAL 2018 office on Main Street, just west of Geneva State Bank. Another move was made later to an office The early history of the Fillmore County Farm on Eighth Street. At that time, we had three Bureau (FCFB) is vague, as there was no office insurance agents, and the secretary was Virginia until later years. What we have gleaned from Conway. Other secretaries were Dee Chapman the few records found is that a group of farmers of Geneva, Doris Poch of Milligan and Nancy gathered in late 1918 at the courthouse in Geneva Cradduck of Ohiowa. to form a local Farm Bureau. This organization later became known as the Agricultural Extension Members Build New Building Service. L. Chestnut was elected chairman, and After all the moves made in the past, it was decided C. J. Watson, secretary, at that meeting. to build our own building. The Farm Bureau In February 1922, 75 men met again to organize, members did the construction work, and in 1978 with John P. Davis as chairman and J. H. Morgan the move was made to a new five-room office, built as secretary. They discussed problems of the farmer, at the south edge of Geneva on Highway 81.

110 DUNDY – FILLMORE – FRONTIER

Several Fillmore County members have taken Frontier County part in state study tours and policy meetings, and Ravanna Myers served two terms on the state ESTABLISHED FEBRUARY 1918 Women’s Committee. CENTENNIAL 2018 Membership in 1991 was 350 and still growing. There were two insurance agents, Irvin Stouffer and Ken Cool, with Jan Capek of Milligan as secretary and Jane Halama of Ohiowa as assistant. Fillmore County achieved its state membership goal a number of years. Trips to Washington, D.C., and Tennessee have been highlights for lucky members. A few members have been able to attend national conventions in Hawaii, Florida, Texas and California. In 1946, our dues were $10; they were $50 in 1992.

Past Presidents Our past presidents were: Earl Hill, John Pittard, Karl Brinkman, Stuart Gratopp, Vorus Myers, In 2016, Scott Moore serves as the District 7 NFBF Roger Christiancy, Roger Pittard, Gary Richards, Board Member. At a meeting of farmers in Frontier Joe Reinsch, Richard Janing, Marian Myers, County on February 1, 1918, the group was asked Hubert Johnson, and Lynn Yates, all of Geneva; to vote on whether to organize a Farm Bureau in Wayne Steiger and Calvin Serr of Grafton; Stanley the county. The vote was cast, and there were 35 Johnson of Shickley; and Robert Kohler of Milligan. for and 32 against. So the Frontier County Farm President in 1992 was Richard Girmus of Geneva. If Bureau was organized in 1918 to sponsor the others were officers, we have no record of such. County Extension Service, which it did until 1947. The officers were elected, and the first president Recent Years was Earl O. Riley of Stockville; E. J. Keogh, In recent years, the Fillmore County Farm Bureau has Stockville, was vice president; and D. C. Ballentine maintained a strong membership and presence within of Curtis was secretary-treasurer. Managing editor the county due mostly to the county insurance agent was Obadiah Hull, county agricultural agent. taking an active role within the community. The Representatives from each precinct were chosen to FCFB has been active in providing scholarships to be on the board, and the county commissioners were local students engaged in agriculture, supportive of its asked to appropriate money for the county agent. local FFA chapters and 4-H groups, and has donated Some of the topics covered then are still being generously to the Fillmore County Fair. emphasized today. Farm record information and In 2016, the Fillmore County Farm Bureau, a book to keep the records in was available for in collaboration with the county insurance agent 15 cents. Treating oats for smut was advocated. and 4-H Extension, hosted an ATV safety day. We Proper range management was promoted. Farmers provided helmets and lunch to all participating were told not to let cattle into the pastures too children. This is anticipated as an annual event. early in the spring; also, they were told to haul manure to the fields to increase soil fertility. Marian Myers, 1992 county history chairman In 1945, a group of Hayes County Farm Bureau Kent Myers, 2016 county history chairman members, along with personnel from the Nebraska

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 111 Farm Bureau Federation, had a membership drive roads, rural fire departments, and gas tax refunds in western Frontier County. This involved the Bluff for gasoline used in farming, property tax reduction View and Quick neighborhoods. After the first and broadening of tax bases were areas of accom- meeting in the Quick Church (Garden Prairie), plishment. Animal health supplies were made available units were organized. There were six units: Curtis, to those who wanted them. The Farm Bureau also Quick, Stockville, Farnam, Afton and Sunny helped with many local projects and was instrumental Side, until 1952 when another, Maywood, was in helping Curtis secure a swimming pool. organized. Each unit had their own officers and In 1951 the Farm Bureau board voted to they would meet monthly or bi-monthly. They each request that life insurance be made available as a had representatives on the county board. member service. Part-time insurance agents served Most of the county board meetings were held in the county from 1951 until the spring of 1962 the county agent’s office or the SCS office. In 1961, when Burdette Melchert was hired as a full-time the county decided to have an office of its own. agent in Frontier County. On October 1, 1962, Ernest Nelson replaced Melchert and was agent or County Office Opens agency manager until 1987. The office in the Mercer appliance shop in Curtis Frontier County Farm Bureau had other was opened on July 1, 1961. The rent and labor programs in addition to insurance. Members took was $50 a month. In October 1963, the office part in the Florida citrus program and the Michigan was moved into the Stan Phillips (Brown Bag) fruit and vegetable program. The Safemark tires and Building in Curtis. In 1969 it was moved again batteries and the computerized farm record system to the Brown Brothers Auto Shop building. The were also popular. space was crowded, as more members were being Frontier County has had many members serve acquired, so the members decided to purchase a on state committees, such as policy development, building on Main Street. This was done in 1977, education, legislative and membership. At least two and 215 Center Avenue in Curtis was the address. have served on the state board: Don Teel was state In 1964, the units were dissolved and the board member from District 7, serving six years, county was divided into seven districts. There and Eva Votaw was woman-at-large and state were quite a few Frontier County members in the women’s chairman for six years. southern half of Lincoln County so another district Frontier County has been active in youth was added in 1966, making eight districts. programs such as the Citizenship and Safety Seminars. Involvement in State Programs In 1991, Frontier County had the Young Farmer Frontier County has been very active in most of & Rancher Achievement Award Winners, Harris the programs the state federation has offered. It and Michelle Grunden from Curtis. They were won the Gold Cup in 1963-64 for sales volume awarded a trip to the 1992 American Farm Bureau accomplishment with a 157.72 percent increase. It Convention in Kansas City to compete nationally. ranked first in the State Farm and Ranch Program in percent of goal two years in a row, so it had Farm Bureau Women permanent possession of the Gold Cup. The county The Farm Bureau women of Frontier County won again in 1966. Several years it ranked in the contributed to the Educational Loan Fund, upper five in insurance sales. through donations of money, craft items and One of the early services the Frontier County baked goods. Several students from Frontier Farm Bureau offered was bringing in train carloads County have been awarded loans from the of fertilizer for members. Seed corn, graveling county Charles Marshall Loan Fund.

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During the years of the women’s committee, and Kim Mortensen. The Farm Bureau building in there was usually a booth at both of the Frontier Curtis was sold in February of 1997. The board County Fairs in Stockville and Eustis. meetings are now held at the Farm Bureau Insurance The women usually planned the social part Office at 106 First Street in Curtis. of Farm Bureau for the whole family. They had We are proud of our diligence to invest in the talent contests, and during the time they had the future of agriculture with annual scholarships units members would dance after the meetings. to graduating high school seniors. Dick Neel, Square dancing was very popular, but other kinds southwest regional director of membership and of dancing were done also. Frontier County initiated a Youth Ambassador Frontier County Farm Bureau usually has a Program in 2003 that has become a tradition and picnic each year, and homemade ice cream is one highly sought honor for a high school senior who of the features. is willing to accept the responsibility of promoting the Farm Bureau and our agriculture industry. Pancake Supper Moves Around The individual works with an FFA advisor, our The county board has a pancake supper for the promotion and education chair and the current spring meeting. This is held in different parts of regional director of membership to endorse the the county each year so more people can attend, Farm Bureau in a number of activities throughout as it is quite a distance from one part of the the year. The board feels this program has been county to the other. a great transition from high school to collegiate To celebrate Agriculture Week, Frontier County involvement in agriculture. holds open house and gives away products grown Our first Youth Ambassador, Quenton on the farm during drawings. Members serve Mortensen, was chosen in the fall of 2003, cookies and coffee. They hold another open house graduated high school in May of 2004, went to in November for Farm and City Week. Prizes are Colby Community College where he helped to given, and refreshments are served. organize a collegiate chapter of the Kansas Farm People who have served as presidents and vice Bureau, and after graduation he came back to presidents of the county board since 1950 are Jay farm and ranch with his family. He currently Ruppert, Lloyd Riddell, Ernest Nelson, William Tiller, holds an active seat on the Frontier County Farm Virgil Nelson, Leo Wolf, H. J. Nelson, Lee Waddell, Bureau board. Rex Stuart, Ivan Schultz, Don Cole, Leo Fletcher, We, along with many Nebraska Farm Bureau Don Teel, Cliff Hess, Marion Johnson, H. Hansen, Counties, co-sponsor a Farm Safety Day with the Gilbert Hess, Huston Anderson, Harvey Jorgensen, Progressive Agriculture Foundation. We invite Robert Phillips, Elwin Hansen, Irvin Hess, Truman fifth- and sixth-graders from our county schools Barrett, Dewey Teel, Harold Jorgensen, Ray Rieker, and neighboring counties. This event is held at Stanley Snyder, Ivan Mortensen, Marlyn Wolf, Gerald the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Lenz, Allan Mortensen and Gary Snyder. Curtis and fills a day with topics such as general Since 1992, the Frontier County Farm Bureau good health and safety issues. has continued to strengthen our agricultural The Frontier County Farm Bureau has had state. The county board is aggressive in building many changes throughout the past 100 years, but membership and encourages county youth to our mission is the same: Keeping agriculture strong become informed voices in agriculture. and progressive in Nebraska and the nation. The current Frontier County board consists of Darrell Fisher, Rod Anderson, Quenton Mortensen, Eva Votaw, 1992 county history chairman Larry Schurr, Jeff Lueth, Stan Moore, Tyler Pieper Kim Mortensen, 2015 county history chairman

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 113 Gage County Legislative School held in Lincoln. That same year, Glen Segrist was hired as the first insurance agent. ESTABLISHED 1946 Several charter members were honored in CENTENNIAL 2046 March 1992: Mrs. Roy Coburn, Mrs. Don Morton, and Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Boesiger. At the State Convention in December 2011, Eugene Bargman was awarded the Silver Eagle Award. Gene was deeply honored to have received this award. He had many memories to be thankful for. A lot of good things had been done over the many years he was with Gage County Farm Bureau. In 2016, Gage County Farm Bureau will have been in existence for 70 years. As of September 2015, the County had 826 members. Recently, the County Board has been active with many sponsor- ships including The Learning Barn, Relay for Life, Can Caravan, Gage County Fair and Nebraska The Gage County Farm Bureau was organized in Foundation for Agriculture. The Gage County 1946 on a countywide basis with 62 members and Farm Bureau has also been a member of the Don Morton as president. Within the year, local Beatrice Chamber of Commerce for many years. community units were organized, the first being Jered Tiedeman is the current county president, the Sicily unit; five more units followed. From this and Curtis Spilker is the insurance agent. small beginning, the organization grew to 400 families in eight years. County Presidents In 1947, the board of directors held monthly Recognition will also be given to the county presi- meetings at the home of Lillie Lash, 904 E. Court dents since 1946: S,, in Beatrice. For secretarial service, Lillie was Donald Morton 1946-1949 paid 75 cents per hour and $5 a month for the Henry Brandt, Jr. 1950-1951 meeting room. Clyde Rathbun 1952 In November of that year, several members D. O. Boesiger 1953-1954 attended their first state Farm Bureau convention. Eugene Bargman 1955-1956 In 1950 a Gage County Plat Book was published Berl Damkroger 1957 and made available through the Gage County J. Carl Claassen 1957 Farm Bureau to its members, businesses and farmer Claude C. Bartlett 1958-1959 friends as a service to the community. Franklin Spilker 1960-1961 In 1961, Lillie and the office moved to 819 Jerry Wallman 1962-1963 N. Sixth Street in Beatrice. For many years Alvin Huneke 1964-1965 the monthly board meetings were held in the Richard Niemeyer 1966-1967 afternoon, along with women’s meetings and social Clarence Boesiger 1968-1969 events. Lillie was honored by the Gage County Raymond Spilker 1970-1971 Farm Bureau in March 1966 at a banquet recog- William Goossen 1972-1973 nizing her for many years of dedicated service. Bruce Carsten 1974-1975 In October of 1953, Eugene Bargman and Richard Bauman 1976-1977 Don McPherson attended the first Farm Bureau Clarence McKinzie 1978-1980

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Don Finch 1981-1983 participate in the state meetings as that is how Homer Schwaninger 1984-1986 we keep current on issues concerning farming Harold Otto 1987-1988 and ranching. We are proud to be members of an Michael Goossen 1989-1992 organization that does so much for rural America. Delferd Schlake 1993-1994 Unfortunately, the Garden County Farm Bureau Scott Spilker 2006-2007 has experienced decreased activity and membership Steve Kyser 2009-2011 through the years and has become less active. Brice Volker 2012-2013 However, the county Farm Bureau remains part of Jered Tiedeman 2015- the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation as it works to serve Nebraska farmers and ranchers. 2015 Gage county officers Jim Rittenhouse, 1992 county history chairman Tim Horn, 2016 northwest regional director of Garden County membership

ESTABLISHED 1957 CENTENNIAL 2057 Garfield County

The Garden County Farm Bureau originated in ESTABLISHED DECEMBER 1961 the late ‘50s. Wesley Dunn, with the help of A.M. CENTENNIAL 2061 Frazell, laid the groundwork for the new organi- zation. Their leadership and enthusiasm helped The Garfield County Farm Bureau, headquartered Garden County gain an organization that was very in Burwell, was organized December 4, 1961. In important to the area farmers and ranchers. With 1992, membership showed five of the original membership drives each year, the Garden County members and descendants of four more were still Farm Bureau continues to grow in strength. By members. The Garfield County Farm Bureau has participating in this organization, new and old always been a family organization. Each year the members alike have found great enjoyment in annual meetings have included wives and children, supporting the youth of our county. who attend for a meal and entertainment. The Garden County Farm Bureau helped area Several county presidents and membership youth by sponsoring students to attend the annual chairmen have won trips, along with watches and Nebraska Farm Bureau Youth Citizenship and Safety Seminars in Aurora. The year 1990 was a great for memberships, and we made quota. Quota may have been achieved in other years as well. Being a county with a small population, we work hard to keep as many members as we can in the organization. The Garden County Farm Bureau has five or six meetings a year. One of these is the fall Ash Hollow Picnic, which is held at Ash Hollow State Historical Park. The other great get-together is our annual meeting in November, which involves election of officers. Of course, all officers are encouraged to

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 115 other recognition, for achieving 100 percent of Meetings at the Ballwegs’ the Garfield County Farm Bureau’s membership Farm Bureau members Paul and Eileen Ballweg quota many years in a row. It has submitted policy graciously offered their home in Spalding as a resolutions to the state, some of which became state meeting place for the Greeley County Farm Bureau policy. Several insurance representatives have served in July 1970. The board members continued our county and worked well with our people. meeting there monthly for many years. Farm The Farm Bureau has sponsored many meetings Bureau business and other farm-related issues were with our representatives from the county, state and discussed, and if a controversial issue arose, the national offices. For many years youth have attended board wrote letters to senators and congressmen, the Nebraska Farm Bureau Young Farmers and asking them to support farmers. At the close of Ranchers Conference and gained from learning how the meeting, members would play cards, and the others operate their farms and ranches. The Garfield hostess would serve cake and coffee. County Farm Bureau has also donated toward FFA The citrus and fruit coordinator collected many and Farm Safety Day Camp. Farm Bureau has been orders for Florida juice and nuts. The orange juice, good for Garfield County agriculture. lemonade and peanuts were a delicious bonus for being Farm Bureau members in their day. Emma Striker, 1992 county history chairman Several times a year, the Greeley County Farm Andrea Simon, 2016 county history chairman Bureau took advantage of videos that the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation offered the counties.

Greeley County Membership Quota Reached In 1967, Greeley County Farm Bureau achieved ESTABLISHED DECEMBER 1961 membership quota for the first time. Our quota was CENTENNIAL 2061 46 and we exceeded that number with 47 members. We made quota several other times through the years. The Greeley County Farm Bureau was formed During the 1990-91membership year, we surpassed December 6, 1961. The meetings were held our quota of 56 with a total of 60 members. monthly at either a member’s home or a public In the early years, from 1966 through the 1970s, meeting place. The first president was James a picnic was held in the summer for members to Stromp, who was still a member in 1992, and enjoy with their families. The organization provided Magdeline Scheef was secretary-treasurer. ice cream, coffee and Kool-Aid, and had games and A complete list of 45 members was recorded prizes for the children who attended. in 1969. Seventeen of these were still dues-paying A fair booth was set up from 1966-69 to promote members in 1992, including Mr. and Mrs. Paul membership. Pamphlets were passed out to interested Ballweg, Mr. and Mrs. Lemoine Burke, Mrs. Julia adults at the fair, who registered for a drawing. A Feik, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Gilroy, Mr. Richard Glaser, balloon-throwing contest and a guess the amount Mrs. Mary Noonan, Mr. and Mrs. Pat Ryan, Mr. of candy in a jar competition attracted the younger and Mrs. Ambrose Seamann, Mr. and Mrs. James crowd, who were awarded cash prizes and pencils. Stromp, Mr. and Mrs. Malvin Winters, Mr. and For the Nebraska Centennial, celebrated in Mrs. George Stromp, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Stromp, 1967, Greeley County decorated a float representing Mr. Dewayne Schoonover, Mr. and Mrs. Lee Loseke, the Farm Bureau. It was displayed in the parade on Mr. and Mrs. Everett Caudill, Mr. Walt Valasek and July 4 in Spalding and earned a $5 prize. We also Mrs. Mary Peterson. paraded the float in Greeley, celebrating the state’s centennial, and again in the Greeley County fair

116 GARFIELD – GREELEY – HALL parade. Farm Bureau members Pat Ryan and Lee Hall County Loseke were on a committee to organize a tractor- pulling contest during the celebration. ESTABLISHED 1942 A Junior Farm Bureau was formed in 1969 for CENTENNIAL 2042 junior members to assist their parents with Farm Bureau activities. After a short period, this organi- The Hall County Farm Bureau started in the zation ceased. early 1940s. Like many organizations, it started The annual meeting drew a large crowd to the with just a few people going around, talking to Senior Center building in Spalding for many years. other people about the idea of the Farm Bureau A banquet is catered before the meeting and then organization. elections begin. It has been a tradition to give several The Hall County organization began with door prizes during the evening. local groups of eight units. From each of these The Greeley County Farm Bureau filed articles units, two people were elected to the county of incorporation as a nonprofit organization on board of directors. April 25, 1989. In the beginning, the meetings took place at the homes of the unit members. But as the units grew 1991-92 Officers in membership, they had to move to places such as President – Joseph Seamann; Vice-President – churches, schools and the barracks at the airport. Paul Ballweg; Secretary – Elizabeth Seamann ‘The Farm Bureau Informer’ Treasurer/PKR – Sharon Seamann Membership Campaign Chairman – Walter Valasek In early years we had a monthly newspaper sent County Affairs Chairman – Richard Glaser to our membership called “The Farm Bureau State Affairs Chairman – Julia Feik Informer.” It covered news items and meetings National Affairs Chairman – Walter Valasek on the local, state and national front. Women’s Chairman – Eileen Ballweg One of the activities we enjoyed as a group Young Farmers & Ranchers Chairman – Richard Esch was the summer picnic. Everyone would bring a covered dish, and in the afternoon it was fun and Fruit Coordinator – Sharon Seamann games. Another activity was the Christmas party Safemark Chairman – Walter Valasek during which the kids would watch cartoons, and District Board Members: James Stromp, Mary Santa would come and pass out goodies. Not only Peterson, Lloyd Reuter, Richard Glaser, Julia, did the kids have fun, but the adults would square Feik, Mary Noonan, Walter Valasek and dance and have other activities. Ambrose Seamann

Recent Years The Greeley County Farm Bureau has experi- enced growth on and off through the years. We continue to be active in our community, support youth in agriculture and have a strong desire to elevate Nebraska Farm Bureau as it works to serve Nebraska farmers and ranchers.

Sharon Seamann, 1992 county history chairman Richard Esch, 2017 county Farm Bureau president/treasurer

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 117 As the membership grew, the units decided to to replace the old cubicle screens and half-walls. stop having their own boards and let the county Now agents could have private conversations board of directors handle their affairs. within their own offices. The Hall County Farm Bureau sold a lot of Another HVAC system was added and a sacked fertilizer to farmers who were members. professional-looking, smoked-glass front door Because it was brought in on railcars, it was a with a matching glass side panel made the front lot of trouble getting all the farmers together on of the building much more attractive. Like many one day to pick up their orders. So the board of remodeling projects, this one expanded to include directors decided to build a building for storing new vinyl siding on the exterior and new shingles. the fertilizer, buy it in larger amounts and get it When it was done, the old plumber shop was a at a cheaper price. This building was located on fairly nice office building. West Lincoln Highway in Grand Island, along the During that time, in its role as a farm organi- railroad tracks. The building was also used by zation, the HCFB participated in various programs the county insurance agent and was where county coordinated by the NFBF. Each year, the HCFB meetings were held. would craft resolutions of farm policy and then We have also sold tires, grease, batteries, serum send delegates to the NFBF state convention to and other products used by farmers, as well as vote on which policies to officially adopt. frozen fruit and vegetables, juices, nuts and other items in season from other state Farm Bureaus. Impact on Local Issues Over the years, the Hall County Farm Bureau has New Building had some effect on local issues as well. We have In 1975, the Hall County board started looking provided ag-related representation on Platte River for a new building because the Lincoln Highway issues, including the determination of “fully appro- location wasn’t large enough for the additional priated” areas of the river and the COHYST model agents and county members. In February of 1976, linking ground water with water flowing in the the Hall County Farm Bureau (HCFB) Board Platte. We’ve participated in promotion of ethanol of Directors bought a plumber’s shop on Kent in automotive fuel, animal agriculture zoning issues Avenue on the west side of Grand Island. It was and rural bridges. to serve as an office for the county Farm Bureau Whenever possible, we’ve also promoted Farm and a better place to work for the agent who Bureau values to the local Chamber of Commerce was selling Farm Bureau insurance. It was not an and local government boards. We even teamed attractive building, but it was serviceable and the up with the Howard County Farm Bureau to tell price was low. Just what you’d expect a committee agriculture’s story to motorists at the Interstate 80 of farmers to select. But it was an improvement rest stop near Grand Island. We’ve also teamed over the dusty, industrial office cubicle at the up with other county Farm Bureaus for election railroad siding that had been the Hall County candidate forums and for bus tours to give elected Farm Bureau’s previous site of operations. government officers a chance to see the positive In the early 1980s, Farm Bureau Insurance aspects of agriculture up close. made more of an effort to expand the number Since the future is in the hands of young people, of agents in Hall County. The County Board we also promote the Farm Bureau to county remodeled the Kent Avenue building interior 4-H clubs and FFA chapters. At local schools, several times to accommodate the new growth. elementary teachers may borrow our real life Finally, in 1982, the board made a major Learning Barn. It is a plywood, red-with-white-trim investment, and real carpenters built real walls “barn” that folds together for transport, but

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opens up to reveal shelves of ag-related toys and more time to participate in programs and activ- age-appropriate learning activities to help kids ities that are a priority with the Nebraska Farm learn about life on the farm. We help support Bureau Federation. other organizations that provide ag programs for children, too. An example is the “Little Feet on the Edith Niemoth, 1992 county history chairman Farm” program of the Chamber of Commerce. Mark Haskins, 2015 county history chairman We’ve made some other changes along the way. In 1989 we reorganized our legal structure. We chose to focus on our strength in promoting Hamilton County agricultural policies that lead to improved ag profitability and rural living, and dissolved the old ESTABLISHED FEBRUARY 1948 Hall County Non-Stock Cooperative. The Hall CENTENNIAL 2048 County Farm Bureau became a new non-profit corporation with new articles of incorporation and a new set of bylaws recommended by the NFBF. A new county board structure was adopted to include members spread geographically throughout the county, women, and young farmers and ranchers. Not long after the new incorporation in 1989, the Internal Revenue Service made some rulings that changed our relationship with the Farm Bureau insurance agents. The old system of sharing insurance commissions with the agents in exchange for use of the office building had to end. The “Ag Organization” part of Farm Bureau had to be financially separated from the insurance. The records we have found do not show the This led to several years of working with a beginning of Farm Bureau work in Hamilton complicated building lease agreement between County. However, four units became active in the the county board and Farm Bureau Insurance late 1940s. The first of these to organize was the Company. West Hamilton Unit, electing the following officers The HCFB board found that landlord-type on January 10, 1947: Harold Beins, president; issues consumed much of its time, and it was being William Sundermeier, vice-president; M. H. less effective in the core work it was doing as a Eggert, secretary-treasurer; and Helen Schuster, Farm Bureau. In 2007, after much discussion and news reporter. Other member families present thought about the future, the HCFB board decided were Mr. and Mrs. Ben Obermeier, Paul Schuster, to sell the office building to a partnership of the Raymond Falmlen, Ed Obermeier, Paul Weber, Art two insurance agents already using the building. It Sundermeier and Bill Obermeier. A letter to the turned out to be an advantageous transaction for secretary of the West Hamilton Unit dated February both the agents and the HCFB. 16, 1948, announced that the Farm Bureau Since the building sale, the County Board has Insurance Company of Nebraska would officially been free to concentrate on issues that continue to start at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, February 23, 1948. impact farm life. We’ve been in a better financial position to support and promote agriculture in Hall County, and, more importantly, we’ve had

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 119 Champ Unit secretary; and Kenneth Dangler, treasurer. Other The Champ Local Unit in Hamilton County held an members included Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Hunnicutt, organizational meeting in April 1948. Field Director Thomas Harris, Otto Hunnicutt, Melvin Obermeier, Arnold Joseph explained the benefits of belonging Fred Britton, Ed Obermeier, Orville Heaston, C. to the Farm Bureau. Officers elected were: Leonard C. Robertshaw, Earl Bachman, Don Detamore, Tucker, president; A. H. Nachtigal, vice-president; Keith Hunnicutt, Art Kline, Elmer Bachman, Lloyd and J. C. Nachtigal, secretary-treasurer, to be O’Donnell, Blake Mankin, Raymond Obermeier, assisted by George Campbell. At the second meeting Oscar Dangler, Clarence Obermeier, A. H. Stewart on May 11, Field Director Joseph commended the and George Bachman. members for their orders of seed corn and fertilizer, Resolutions of the Go-Getters Unit were on emphasizing that service to members was a very the topics of taxes, schools, roads, license fees, real part of Farm Bureau. At this meeting, chairmen watershed programs, producer-consumer relations, were elected for entertainment, refreshments, government, economy and inflation control. Among membership and women’s activities. the records of the unit were some copies of the state The Champ Unit was active through the ‘50s and Farm Bureau paper, “Nebraska Agriculture,” from early ‘60s, holding many social activities, pancake 1950 and 1951. The November 1950 issue carried suppers, oyster stews, waffle suppers, covered-dish an article on the Hamilton County Annual Meeting suppers, summer picnics, and Christmas parties held October 26, at which state President Charles with entire families taking part in most of the Marshall was the speaker and a Mr. Yost from meetings. The resolutions discussed were in line Sutton showed colored slides of a trip to Germany. with farmers’ concerns, usually involving taxes and County President Harley Bergen presided over the the farm program as it affected crop and livestock election of officers for the coming year. production. Prices were different in that era, as the At its September 20, 1950, meeting, the Giltner minutes note that for Christmas gift exchanges the Unit passed a resolution, “Opposed to compulsory limit was 50 cents for adult gifts and 25 cents for health insurance or any form of Socialized children. The treasury rarely showed a balance of Medicine.” Members were also encouraged to vote more than $15. Active members of the Champ unit against a proposed increase in the state gasoline tax. included the families of George Campbell, Roy Holloway, A. H. Nachtigal, J. C. Nachtigal, Bernard Marquette Unit Nelson, Marion Salmon, Leonard Tucker, Wesley The Marquette Unit was organized at a meeting Huenefeld, Evon Traudt, Willard Epp, Dennis at the Marquette High School in March 1953 Meismer, Melvin Tucker, Bob Tyler, LeRoy Jemison, with these officers: Don Vetter, president; Herluff Ted Regier, John Smith, Franz Penner, Hardin Anderson, vice president; Mrs. R. M. Gustafson, Stenger, Earl Bell, Merle Goertzen and Ed Warren. secretary-treasurer; and Elton Elge, legislative chair. The last meeting record of the Champ Local unit is The next meeting for which we have records was dated December 14, 1964. March 24, 1954. The unit met regularly through 1954, but the last meeting of record was December 7, Giltner Go-Getters 1954. The earliest records for the Farm Bureau What appears to have been the largest of the units, as a county organization are from 1952 when the in terms of membership and attendance, was the officers were Wesley Huenefeld, president; Otto Giltner Go-Getters, which was organized at a Hunnicutt, vice president; Gerald Hunnicutt, meeting at the Giltner Opera House October 19, secretary; George Campbell, treasurer; and Mrs. 1949. Officers elected were Albert LaBrie, president; A. J. Labrie, chairman for women’s activities. Paul O’Donnell, vice president; Mrs. Ed Obermeier,

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Others who have served as county president include: county. In 1978, dues were raised to $24, and, in 1979, Ken Steinbeck became insurance agent. 1953-1954 Herluff Anderson 1955-1957 Myron Gustafson County Organization Incorporated 1958-1959, 1986-1989, 1990 Norman Holmberg In 1982, the Hamilton County Farm Bureau was 1960 Tom Sherman incorporated, and in 1985 the Log House was 1961-1962 Ed Warren purchased for use as the county office. The “Pack 1963 Calvin Hansen ’n Ship” franchise was added to county activities 1964-1965 Dewey Regier in 1988. Policy resolutions reflect the concerns of 1966-1967 Keith Coffey Farm Bureau members through the years. Most 1968-1969 and 1977-1979 Bob Kremer years taxes have been an issue in one form or 1970 Walter Jacobs another. Property, income, sales – always with the 1971 George Pool question of which tax was most fair-and whether 1972-1974 Larry Epp tax monies were used effectively. 1975-1976 Steve Larson In 1963, a call was made to return to a two-house 1980-1981 and 1991-94 Ardell Epp legislature. In 1964, underground water and highway 1982-1985 and 2011-2012 Bob Oswald littering were addressed. Soil and water conservation 1995-98 Russel Warren are ongoing concerns, along with highway safety and 1999-2008 Diane Epp care in the use of pesticides and other farm chemicals. 2009-2010 and 2013-2016 Zach Hunnicutt One year a resolution concerned the danger posed to farmers in the fields harvesting corn and milo by the Non-Stock Corporation opening of pheasant hunting season. By forming a non-stock corporation, the county Government regulations, whether by the organization was able to provide better service USDA or by various regulatory boards, were often to the members. In Hamilton County, services mentioned in policy resolutions, as were foreign included obtaining seed corn, fertilizer, animal aid, social welfare and school lunch programs. health supplies and insurance. Fertilizer had to Education and schools have been a recurring be purchased in carload lots, and, because few topic of discussion. Research and development of farmers could use that much, combining the new crops and new uses for crops already being orders and working together to unload the cars produced, including a gasohol program, have made the county service chairman’s job a serious been addressed. In fact, all the issues which are responsibility. important to farm families have been considered in In 1957, Elton Elge was named general agent the county’s policy development process. for Farm Bureau Insurance. In 1959, agent Elge In recent years, Hamilton County has put reported that casualty and fire coverage had forth policy that has been focused on agriculture been doubled in the county. In 1960, Norman technology, specifically drone use on farms, “big Holmberg gave a report on opening a county office data,” and farmers’ rights regarding data and in Aurora, and Elton Elge spoke of the advantages technology ownership. and benefits. Action was taken to rent space in the In 2012-2014, Zach and Anna Hunnicutt were Ross building for $35 a month. In 1961, Maylon selected to serve a two-year term on the American Hansen was named animal health chairman, and Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers membership dues were raised to $20, effective in Committee. During the second year, Zach was 1962. Plans also were made to place “Freedom elected the chairman of the committee and served Books” in schools and public libraries in the on the AFBF Board of Directors.

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 121 Office Assistants Important Since the opening of the county office in 1960, the office assistant has been an important link in Farm Bureau work in the county. Delores Oswald served in 1961. Others were: Jo Schultz 1962 and 1966-67. Iola Lantzer, 1963-65 and 1968-73; Lois Roberts, 1974; Linda Eberhardt, 1975-78; Cheryl Radcliff, 1979-82; Marilyn Zimmerman, 1983-84; and lone Arnett, 1985-2016. Women who have served as chairman of women’s activities include Ruth Tucker, Irene Warren, Rosemary Hansen, Eileen Forsman, Darlene Coffey, Cindi Smith, Lee Meyer and Diane Epp. Being a voluntary organization, the Farm by tax funds. The name chosen for this organi- Bureau activities have varied with the enthusiasm zation was “Harlan County Farm Bureau.” Annual and dedication of the members. meetings were held beginning in 1937. These dinner meetings were held in various places in the county. Russel Warren and Rosemary Hansen, 1992 In 1940, the Ladies Aid served 168 plates at 32 county history chairmen cents a plate. The Farm Bureau continued to grow, Zach Hunnicutt, 2016 county history chairman and by 1947 there were 480 county members. County Agent Bert Danly was instrumental in the organization of Farm Bureau. Following his retirement in November 1941, Jess W. Skinner Harlan/Furnas County served for one year. W. Rundall Peterson then ESTABLISHED AUGUST 1936 (HARLAN COUNTY) became the agent, serving until retirement in CENTENNIAL 2036 1980. During the earlier years, Farm Bureau not only sponsored and directed Extension work, but HARLAN AND FURNAS COUNTY FARM BUREAUS supported it financially. MERGED IN 2005 Because the Farm Bureau became more involved with commercial and political activities, the state In 1935, representatives of all farmers’ organizations Extension Service and the state Farm Bureau met for the purpose of organizing Extension work agreed the two should be divided in 1953. The in Harlan County. Eleven individuals attended and Harlan County Farm Bureau was incorporated in elected these officers: John Kahle, Oxford, president; January 1981. Incorporators were Aldon Thieszen, C.E. Sohus, Ragan, vice president; Mrs. Lillian Kenneth Ohrt and Ray Winz. The county office Potter, Alma, secretary-treasurer; Mrs. Lloyd Short, has been in three locations in Alma. In 1990, the Orleans and M.H. Haskins, Republican City, board county board purchased the Alma Co-op building members. An advisory committee was appointed on Main Street, where it presently resides. and membership dues were $3. The first series of Nadine Winz was appointed as county infor- meetings brought 50 members, and after a county mation chairman in 1984 and presently holds the canvass there were 337. position. Verlene Schroder was county history A petition bearing 345 names was circulated in chairman in 1992 for the 75th Anniversary of the August 1936, to put Extension on the November Nebraska Farm Bureau. Furnas County did not ballot. Extension was voted in, to be supported have an organization until it joined Harlan County

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in 2005, creating the Harlan-Furnas County Farm Camp, and $200 is given to each of the Harlan Bureau. Incorporators were Max Schultz, Douglas and Furnas County 4-H Councils. Livestock is Winz and Bill Wiedel. In 2005, Douglas Winz purchased each year at both county fairs. was elected president of the organization and is The Harlan County Farm Bureau Women’s presently serving. Committee was actively involved for more than A number of our members have served the 50 years. The food booth at the 4-H Fair was Farm Bureau at the state level: Ray Winz – Board its main project. Donna Bose was the project of Directors, 1979-85; Erna Thieszen – Women’s chairman for many years. Women who served as Committee, 1982-87; Douglas Winz – Young Women’s Committee Chairman were Helen Blum, Farmers & Ranchers Committee, 1986-88; Mrs. Vosberg, Adelyn Hess, Donna Bose, Carlyn Nadine Winz – Women’s Committee 1988-91; DeVries, Teresa McBride, Erna Thieszen, Vicki Glenn Hess – Young Farmers & Ranchers McNiel, Linda Brown and Nadine Winz. Committee, 1990-92; and Nadine Winz – Board The Harlan County Farm Bureau received of Directors woman at large member and state the Meritorious Service Award presented at the women’s chairman 1991-96. Eric Haussermann counties 38th Annual 4-H Achievement Banquet served on the state legislative policy committee in 1982. The Women’s Committee provided the from 2011-14. Beth Fisher was member of the computer program “Farm & Food Bytes” to Leadership Academy in 2014 and a member of the each Harlan County School in 1986. Virginia School Funding Task Force from 2014-16. Collins headed the project. The conclusion of the The county has actively taken part in month-long “Ag in the Classroom” project in the membership, with the insurance agents playing an Orleans Schools ended with a visit by Gov. Robert important role. For several years Harlan County Kerrey with more than 300 guests. alone had more than 500 members. With population For many years, a “Book of Events” won an declining in the counties, membership quota for 2015 award at the Nebraska Farm Bureau Convention. was 327. The county participates in the “Investment Erna Thieszen assembled most of the books and in the Future” program to obtain new members. received the “Woman of the Year” plaque at In years past, the Farm Bureau held a pancake the county annual meeting. Harlan County sent supper n the spring and a summer picnic. Farm students to the Nebraska Farm Bureau Youth Bureau orange juice and lemonade were served Citizenship/Safety Seminar at Aurora until the at these functions. Sometimes the county hosts a program was no longer offered. “Meet the Candidates” session during election Glenn Hess was the state Young Farmers years. To show appreciation, a “Senator’s Supper” and Ranchers discussion meet winner at the is held in January. Senators attending include Tom Nebraska Farm Bureau Convention in 1989. He Carlson, Mark Christensen and Dan Hughes. The was awarded a trip to the America Farm Bureau Republican River Basin has been of interest to convention and participated in the discussion meet. many because of drought conditions for several The county has participated in the Agriculture Pen years and water concerns for irrigation. Pals Program since it began in 1991. Families have County insurance agent Ray Bunnell reported visited classrooms in Alma, Lincoln and Omaha, that, due to the summer of 2014 storm damage, and letters from the classrooms are shared at the Nebraska Farm Bureau had more than $200 monthly board meetings. million of claims. Harlan and Furnas counties had Anne Ohrt and Nadine Winz participated in major losses of pivots, crops and buildings. the “Urban Ag Awareness” project on Interstate The Harlan County Farm Bureau has supported 80 west of Kearney in August 2007. A bushel of 4-H participants attending the South Central 4-H wheat was displayed, explaining how much wheat

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 123 contributes to the cost of a loaf of bread. Travelers In 1936, membership jumped to 194 and peaked were given a book of agricultural puzzles provided in 1946 at 219. Unfortunately, by 1966 membership by the state promotion and education committee. declined to 73. Things turned around again, and by Treg, Beth, Garison, Anna and Chet Fisher were 1975 membership had increased to 142 members. honored to be “Ag Family of the Day” at the 2011 Quota was reach in 1984 with 184 members and Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island. in 1991 with 194 members. It climbed back to The Harlan County Reservoir Water Jamboree 218 members in 2000. Membership at the end of is held in April with more than 500 students September 2015 was 125. attending. Dick Neel, Shondra Haussermann and Dues started at $20 and increased to $30 in Beth Fisher assisted. In 2013, the county provided 1974, $40 in 1982 and, as of this publication, they teachers with a book titled “Fantastic Corn Quest.” are at $45. For years the board would conduct a In September 2014, Dick Neel retired after serving countywide membership drive in January to renew as the southwest Regional director of membership members and recruit new members. for 24 years. In 2015 the county purchased 16 sets In 1966, the Hayes County Farm Bureau of “The Chaney Twins Series” books about growing became a participating member of the tire and up on a farm. The books were donated to the Ag battery service offered by the Nebraska Farm Pen Pal Classrooms and all elementary schools and Bureau. Don Fagerstone was the salesman until the public libraries in the two counties. program was phased out. The Livestock Friendly County program was Hayes County also participated in the created in 2003 by the Nebraska Legislature. It Florida and Michigan fruit programs. Charles is designed to recognize counties that support and SaraMae Walker and Tom and Mary Ann expansion in the livestock industry. In 2007, Anderjaska were the coordinators. Harlan County began the application process, In 1967, the county participated in Nebraska but stopped when county supervisors and others Centennial activities by making a float for the were in opposition. In 2014, the Farm Bureau parade held in Hayes Center. In 1968, the Farm board decided to pursue the designation again, and Bureau sponsored Ron Repass’s trip to the Chris Schluntz submitted the required forms and, National Agricultural Institute. pending approval in 2016, Harlan County will be Once the Farm Bureau purchased a lamb designated a Livestock Friendly County. belonging to Jerry Repass at the Hayes County Fair, and this was the only time it bought an Verlene Schroder, 1992 county history chairman animal. Instead, it now sponsors a trophy each Nadine Winz, 2016 county history chairman year and most recently it has been given in the horticulture category. Other county fair activities sponsored by the Farm Bureau over the years include a successful Hayes County water testing booth, an Ugly Cake contest and a ESTABLISHED 1935 “Guess How Many Items Are in the Jar” contest. CENTENNIAL 2035 In 2015, it provided cookies and Farm Bureau literature for the fair-goers. The history of the Hayes County Farm Bureau Service to the county included creation and has some gaps in it because the records of the donation of a Farm Bureau wall hanging by early years have been lost, with the exception of Ruth Ward in 1979 for the meeting room in the membership records. These records go back to courthouse basement. Ernest Nelson and Roland 1935 when membership was 20. Schobert made a latch hook Farm Bureau emblem

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and Lisa Wolcott, finalists for the Outstanding Young Farmer and Rancher award; Kim Wolcott on the YF&R Committee from 1985-87; Andy Ruppert, state discussion meet participant; Ruth Ward, Charles Walker, Don Fagerstone and Glynn Fagerstone, state policy development committee; Tom Anderjaska, Don Fagerstone and Glynn Fagerstone on the nominating committee; Tom Anderjaska on the American Farm Bureau Federation Wheat Advisory Board from 1996-97; and Glynn Fagerstone on the state convention revision committee. Special activities sponsored by the Hayes to be hung in the meeting room, and they also County Farm Bureau in the last two decades donated to the new carpet fund. Schobert, an included Meet the Candidate Forums in 1998 and insurance agent, gave the Hayes County Farm in 2006. The 1998 event featured Tom Baker and Bureau a painting for reaching membership Steve Smith, candidates for the 44th Legislative quota. The picture hangs in AmFirst Bank in District seat. In 2006, the forum was held at the Hayes Center. Hayes County fairgrounds in Hayes Center and The Hayes County Farm Bureau incorporated once again involved those people running for the in 1981, a process that involved Don Fagerstone, 44th Legislative District seat. Area county Farm Murel and Helen McNutt, Tom and Mary Ann Bureaus helped Jay Ferris of the Nebraska Farm Anderjaska, Vernon Orman and District 7 field Bureau Federation with moderating the forum and representative Louise Lanham. the area media present. From 1957-82, Helen Hansen filled the person In 2010, the Hayes County Farm Bureau partic- keeping records (PKR) position and upon her ipated in the State Fair program by buying a paver retirement, Mary Ann Anderjaska was hired to fill with the county name on it to be displayed at the the post, which she still holds. new Nebraska State Fairgrounds in Grand Island. In 1983, Ruth Ward won the membership Over the years the county has provided orange slogan contest with the slogan “Doing More in juice for the Bloodmobile when it was in Hayes ’84.” In 1989, Boni Hathaway gave a memorial Center. Each year it buys and donates the book in memory of Turner Hathaway, a Farm Bureau selected by the Nebraska Farm Bureau promotion insurance agent, to be used for a scholarship for and education committee as the Children’s high school senior from Farm Bureau member Agriculture Book of the Year to the Hayes Center families. Each year the county gives one schol- Elementary Library. arship to a graduating senior. Several members have participated in the Ag Over the years, several couples have received Pen Pal program and contributions have been trips to Washington, D.C., because as membership made to the FFA program at Hayes Center High chairman they helped reach quota. Hayes County School, to the Hayes County ambulance fund, and also sponsored students to the Youth Citizenship/ in 2002 to help update facilities at the Leadership Safety Seminar and the Future Leaders Leadership Center at Aurora. Conference held in Aurora for many years. The Farm Bureau has helped support KRVN Among those honored or serving on the state and distributed Nebraska activity books to fourth- level were: Lloyd and Karen Lapp and Kim graders at Hayes Center Elementary.

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 125 Glynn Fagerstone was the first woman president E. J. Dahnke, Stratton, vice president; Dean W. from 1997-99. Insurance agents over the years Hoyt, McCook, secretary-treasurer; T. W. Jones, have included Dick Nelson, Ernest Nelson, Roland Trenton, and N. E. Diehl, Stratton, directors. Schobert, Gene Carlson, Jerry Felker, Turner Forrest J. Scrivner was agricultural agent and Hathaway, Beverly Troudt, Greg Sandman, Joe Harry B. Gehner, office assistant. Langin, Shannon Messersmith and Zach Richards. The county commissioners provided offices in Troudt was the first agent to have an office in Hayes the courthouse. The program included Extension Center. Dustin Weiss in Imperial is the insurance projects, the Agricultural Administration Program agent currently serving Hayes County. and emergency work. Expenses for the entire The Hayes County Farm Bureau actively program were met through the county Wheat supports the YF&R program by paying expenses Production Control and County Corn-Hog for one person from Hayes County to attend Production Associations. the annual conference. It also donated to YF&R Later, financing the county Extension and Farm conference expenses when it was in McCook. Bureau program was by a paid membership drive Field representatives the last 25 years have held January 16, 1936. A membership fee of $3 been Louise Lanham of Holdrege, Dick Neal of was decided upon. Two dollars of this was to be McCook and currently Dana Wasserburger of retained by the local organization and the other North Platte, under the new name of regional dollar was to secure a membership in both the state director of membership. and national Farm Bureaus. The Farm Bureau has been an active force in Records for 1941-1945 do not exist from the Hayes County for many years and will continue Extension Service or Farm Bureau in the county. working for the best interests of agriculture in Apparently there was no Extension agent or Hayes County and in the state of Nebraska. The services during that time, and the two groups Hayes County Farm Bureau is proud that in were longer together. October of 2015, Hayes County was designated Farm Bureau reorganized in January 1947 at as a Livestock Friendly County. the Trenton Town Hall with Farm Bureau repre- sentative Kenneth Schwartz present. Officers Helen and Murel McNutt, 1992 history chairmen elected at that meeting were: Dale Hidy, president; Glynn Fagerstone, 2015 history chairman Clarence Hay, vice president; Frank Sramek, secretary-treasurer; Charles Hall, membership chairman; Ralph Baker, news reporter; and W. E. Hitchcock County (Bill) Carlson, legislative chairman. On April 27, 1947, at a special meeting, ESTABLISHED MARCH 1935 District Field Director Bob McCoy helped to CENTENNIAL 2035 organize the affiliation with the state and national Farm Bureaus. At that time, Ralph Baker was Although there may have been a Farm Bureau elected president with other positions remaining organization in Hitchcock County earlier, there the same. Dale Hidy and Bill Carlson were elected are no records before 1935. On March 8, 1935, as delegates to attend the state convention. H. G. Gould, district Extension supervisor, met Information was received in April of 1950, which with a small group of interested leaders from led to a constitution and bylaws being adopted in different parts of the county, and a Farm Bureau April of 1952. In 1964, they were amended with was organized. The following officers were a dissolution clause. The Hitchcock County Farm elected: Dr. W. E. Stewart, Stratton, president; Bureau was incorporated in 1977.

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Many dedicated members have served in various board positions. Clarence Gummere was one of the first of Hitchcock County’s members to serve on the state board of directors in 1950. Many county students participated in the Leadership Seminar held in Aurora in the spring. As the years went on, school activities interfered with atten- dance at the seminar and it was discontinued. Later, in the 2000,s the Leadership Academy was begun. Tessa Hangs was one of the first members to attend the academy. In 2000, Susan Ladenburger was elected to the state board of directors for two consecutive terms. In January 1948, Mrs. Ruth (Charles) Hall was Several members served on various state appointed the first women’s chairman. Its activ- committees and are active in the Nebraska ities included a newsletter, conservation and safety Farm Bureau activities. In 2006, Nick and Kati posters, 4-H promotion, farm safety, citizenship, Ladenburger served two terms as district repre- voter registration, health promotions, Ag in the sentatives on the state Young Farmer and Rancher Classroom projects, and planning the county committee. Dustin Ladenburger also served on the annual banquet and meetings. From 1950 until NFBF’s Young Farmer and Rancher committee and the 1990s, the Women’s Committee continued its went on to serve on the American Farm Bureau various activities winning awards for its efforts. Young Farmer and Rancher’s Committee. Dustin Through the years, the program changed to the currently has a position on the American Farm Promotion and Education committee and today is Bureau Foundation for Agriculture Committee. the Ag Promotion committee. From the beginning, legislation, both state and national, has been one of the major points of Permanent Office Found interest. Taxes, farm and ag land valuations were The Hitchcock County Farm Bureau board convened the main topics of concern in 1947. Alternate in different places until a permanent office was found. fuels, OSHA, the farm bill, FSA activities, PETA Records, animal health and other products were and HSUS issues, immigration and water issues, located in the Trenton Gambles store, owned by Paul along with the previous issues are the major and Jean Roose. They maintained the records and concerns today. telephone calls. In 1968, the county Farm Bureau Beginning in 2004, the county board began rented office space in a laundry building across the discussing and working on the Livestock Friendly street from the courthouse, until purchasing the program designed to promote and encourage present building on Main Street in 1976. Monthly outside livestock businesses to move into the county. meetings are still held in that building. Several members testified to promote the program In the early 1980s, talk of remodeling began. in Nebraska. Later that year, Hitchcock County Near-new carpeting from a local bank installing was designated as a Livestock Friendly county. new carpet was obtained and installed. The awning Each year the county has had a booth was removed, and stuccoing updated the outside. promoting Farm Bureau activities and the A new outside lighted sign was added. In 2007, a insurance programs at the Hitchcock County small loan of $3,200 was taken out to remodel the Fair. In 2014, the county board began taking building interior, and it was paid off in 2010. other measures to make the Farm Bureau more

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 127 visible. Furnishing free water bottles at livestock judging days became a project. A stock tank filled with ice and water bottles was made available for judges. Many positive comments for this project came from the public. For this effort, Hitchcock County was entered into AFBF’s County Excellence contest. Through the early years and continuing today, Hitchcock County has taken active interest in the purposes of the Farm Bureau. Promoting membership has been a priority, but is becoming an issue since the decline of farms and the aging of farmers. Hitchcock County strives to continue those purposes and ideals that make the Farm activities and projects in 1962 was to sell 60 boxes Bureau great. of greeting cards to buy a coffeemaker. The Farm Bureau women also set up talent and Susan Ladenburger, 2015 county history chairman safety poster contests and the Holt County Fair booth; raised money for the Nurses Loan Fund; and obtained recipes for a cookbook. At the February 3, 1964, meeting, a motion was Holt County made to shop for office equipment. We were able to ESTABLISHED AUGUST 1961 acquire some from Page School. CENTENNIAL 2061 Holt County held its first annual Farm Bureau Banquet on October 18, 1965, at the Knights of The organizational meeting of the Holt County Columbus Hall in Atkinson, with 220 present. Farm Bureau (HCFB) was held in O’Neill on On March 7, 1966, Farm Bureau tires were August 28, 1961. The first regular meeting of Holt installed at local dealers and were available only to County Farm Bureau was held September 11, Farm Bureau members. 1961, at the Courthouse Annex. The state Farm The first 10 years Farm Bureau members met Bureau regional director was present to explain for family picnics, pancake suppers, banquets and how policies were developed. He also explained the Christmas parties. Virginia Smith was the speaker at Farm Bureau’s many member services. one banquet, and entertainment often was provided The first annual meeting was October 9, 1961, by Farm Bureau family members. at the Courthouse Annex. At this time, Holt County Among Holt County’s accomplishments was was divided into eight districts. One of the resolu- getting a full-time insurance agent; establishing the tions passed at this meeting lowered the age for first office; and seeing resolutions passed that helped obtaining a learner’s permit to 13½. rural family practice and concerned the coal slurry Knowledgeable and organized membership pipeline across Nebraska. drives were formed and because quota was being Holt County was very active in local issues and met in Holt County, some committee members legislative issues on a state and national level. During qualified for trips to Washington, D.C. the 1950s, there was an emphasis on patriotism, and On May 7, 1962, the Holt County Farm Bureau the county tried to become knowledgeable about the Woman’s Committee was formed, and a woman threat of Communism. Our organization sponsored was appointed from each district. One of the special speakers on Americanism.

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The 1970s were a busy time for Holt County. than 400 members, we had only 10 attend the annual Programs such as 4-H, the Nurses Loan Fund and meeting, at which State Sen. Cap Dierks spoke. tractor safety were sponsored. The county took an Zoning became a hot topic in 1997 with Farm active role in issues pertaining to land use, the beef Bureau representation on the planning committee. referendum, check-off programs, rural schools, Commercial hog operations had moved into the pesticides and chemicals. county, and the opposition to zoning 20 years ago More time was spent on promoting the tire was in a panic mode. New enterprises were building program, and the fruit program was started during wherever it was convenient, and there were several this time. The first order was in October 1976 for nuisance lawsuits. In the same vein, a resolution was 110 cases of juice concentrate. introduced to improve oversight on meat packers On August 20, 1973, the Holt County Board of and livestock ownership and provide greater trans- Directors voted to rent office space in the Cleveland parency in regard to daily sales reports. Building. Resolutions in the next two years dealt with In April 1977, Holt County became a patrol genetic engineering, concern about E. coli found in county by the insurance company. This allowed an a Nebraska packing plant, and the inspection and adjuster to come to our office on a regular basis to labeling of imported meat. A call for no more than settle claims. one-third of a school district’s revenues to come By September 1, 1981, the county was able to from property taxes was made. have the office open full-time five days a week. HCFB made a contribution to the Thedford Membership increased from 50 members in 1961 to Fire Department to assist in its replacement of 425 members in 1992. equipment lost in a massive fire during 1999, which During 1992, Holt County Farm Bureau was a very dry year. We asked the Department of continued to improve its office facilities and had a Roads to release the right-of-way for hay harvesting full board of directors with all districts represented. in drought years. Every annual meeting included one or more resolu- We passed a resolution that would require that tions on property taxes. We also addressed waste uncontested insurance claims be paid within 30 days disposal, landfills, education, health care and other and asked for better attorney accountability rules, issues. We strongly supported the repeal of the $4 similar to the rules of other licensed professionals. per ton fertilizer tax and removal of the tax on We asked for redress when federal agencies caused livestock. We did not support the Farm Bureau PAC. damage due to negligence. In addition to the property tax problem, eminent In 2002, an office remodel was completed and domain and preservation of private property rights a permanent flagpole installed. We gave strong are issues that Farm Bureau has confronted from its support for the ethanol legislation. During 2003, inception. There is nothing in the future that will the BSE problem with Canada surfaced, and change this. In our 1994 resolutions, we asked that Ross Garwood reported on the USMEF meeting curbs be put on EPA as to how it was enforcing the he attended in St. Louis. The county topped the Clean Water Act (20 years ago!). 500-member mark. Holt County Farm Bureau continued to grow At the 2004 annual meeting, President Larry through the 1990s, although it had become Kornock reported on the Livestock Friendly desig- more difficult to bring on new board members. nation for counties, and a detailed report on the Competition for people’s time was, and remains, Fair Tax Proposal was given. Participation in the a serious problem. Not just Farm Bureau, but also “Ag in the Classroom” program was approved, and almost every organization is confronted with this the county endorsed Ross Garwood for the NFBF challenge. In 1996, dues increased to $50. With more Board of Directors. He was elected.

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 129 Brandon Locht became Youth-at-Large on the opt out of Obama’s Affordable Care Act and for a board in 2005, and written opposition to legis- repeal of the Federal Estate Tax. lation that could close the Nebraska Tractor Testing Our primary goal is protecting the interests of Laboratory was sent to state senators. A county production agriculture. In spite of these roadblocks resolution asked the board to seek the Livestock and interruptions such as insurance and office Friendly designation. concerns, Holt County has always had a Board The 2006 annual meeting was held at Shamrock of Directors dedicated to the organization’s goals. Livestock Market where new bylaws were adopted The next decade will see changes in production and a record membership of 584 was reported. agriculture that are only dreams today. We endorsed the zoning requests by Cottonwood Feedlots to establish a 25,000 to Ruth Osborne, 1992 county office assistant 40,000 head feedlot north of Stuart at the 2008 Paul Nelson, 2015 county history chairman annual meeting. In 2009, cards were signed opposing Natural Resources Defense Council efforts to ban 2,4-D, and Ag in the Classroom Howard County books were distributed to all county kindergarten students. ESTABLISHED 1924 A donation was made in 2010 to the County CENTENNIAL 2024 Fair and Ag Awareness program, along with purchase of a State Fair paving brick. The earliest records are dated 1924, and the During 2011, HCFB had a joint dinner meeting president was C.V. Svoboda. Records show there with the Knox County Farm Bureau, and State Sen. were 17 members in 1936, 30 members in 1937, Tyson Larson was the speaker. A scholarship fund and 31 members in 1938. There are no records was established to honor founding charter members. from 1939-1945. Membership was 22 in 1946, The county participated in the Can Car-A-Van as a 82 in 1947, 103 in 1948, and 261 in 1949. The co-sponsor with KOLN-KGIN TV. membership dropped to 52 in 1950 when the A 2012 hearing with county supervisors on policy of charging dues started. There has been a becoming a Livestock Friendly County was very continual growth in membership since that time. positive. Holt County officially was designated From 1945 to 1950, the Howard County Farm a Livestock Friendly County on November 30, Bureau met in two units: one in Cushing and one 2012, despite opposition by the county attorney, in St. Paul. Harry Prochaska was president at that a rancher, who didn’t fill out the annual one-page time. Others involved were Blanche Sevcik, Henry report. Two college scholarships were awarded, and a donation was made to the Thedford Fire Recovery Fund to assist in replacing equipment lost in wildfires. We asked for and received endorsement of a resolution opposing the Humane Society of the United States from the O’Neill Chamber of Commerce. During 2013, a substantial donation went to the County Fair and all four county FFA chapters. HCFB was a co-sponsor with UNL Extension Service for the North Central Ag Progress Show. Resolutions included a request for Nebraska to

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Sevcik, Robert Lautenschlager, George Spilger, 1985, Tom Mortimer joined the agency as career Walter Harvey, R.G. Rasmussen, Stanley Tesnier, agent. Clayton Gravatt is the current agent. Jerry Svoboda, Eleanor Svoboda, Jim Spears, The Howard County Farm Bureau office was Arnold Nowak, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Brengleman, opened in 1960 in a rental building on Howard Ted Sazama and Lester Jacobsen. Avenue in St. Paul. The office was moved to a In 1961 and 1962, Leonard Kiolbasa was rental location in a locker building two years later. president, and Riley Stevens was vice president. In 1985, land was purchased, and a new office Kiolbasa worked in the insurance department of complex was built at 904 Second Street in St. Paul. Farm Bureau Insurance Company of Nebraska Ferne Wescott served as office assistant for 24 after his presidency. Gary Spilger was president in years. She retired in 1984 and died in April 1985. 1963-1966, and Edward Boltz was vice president. Joyce Bierbaum worked part-time in the office Other board members included William Keller, in 1984-1985. Margie Townsend began as office Larry Glause and Elmer Leschinsky. Other presi- assistant in April 1985; she retired in 2015. dents were Elmer Maddox in 1967, Harold Rickertsen 1968-1969, Alvin Deertz 1970, Mary Ann Rickertsen, 2015 county history Gerald Rathman 1971-1972, Richard Bierbaum coordinator 1973-1981, Richard Maddox 1982-1983, Fred Meyer 1984-1986, Dennis Brandt 1987-1988, Greg Keep 1989-1992, John L. Dvoracek Jefferson County 1993-1998, Tim Scheer 1999-2003, John L. Dvoracek 2004, Michael Thede 2005-2007, Tim ESTABLISHED APRIL 1937 Scheer 2008, Kenneth Kozisek 2009-2010, Ben CENTENNIAL 2037 Keep 2011-2013 and Craig Kuszak 2014-2015. Howard County Farm Bureau has been active in developing State Farm Bureau policies and in promoting the federation through the years. Several members have served on a number of Nebraska Farm Bureau committees. The county supports the NFB Foundation for Agriculture. Several farm families are involved in the Ag Pen Pal program. We sponsor at least one Farmer-Rancher to the YF&R Conference. A scholarship(s) is offered yearly to a high school senior; first priority is given to a student pursuing an education in an agriculture-related field. Members were instru- In April 1937, a County Farm Bureau was mental in helping Howard County be named a organized in Jefferson County. Membership of Livestock Friendly County. about 300 was achieved during the year. The Vaughn Powers became agency manager of extreme drought and the insect menace helped Howard County Farm Bureau on March 1, 1957. show farmers the importance of working together. In 1966, he also became manager of Greeley As the years progressed, Farm Bureau struggled. County Farm Bureau. Powers retired in 1986 In 1966, efforts were made to get it back on its because of ill health; he died in March 1987. His feet. Programs on taxation and legislation were service and friendship as an insurance agent among offered. Potluck and soup suppers were held to the members will always be remembered. In May attract new members.

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 131 In 1967, a trophy was provided for the Blue presented at the County Fair. A food skit at State Valley Beef Review. Memberships exceeded more Convention, “Hog Wash,” received second place. than 85 percent of county quota that year. A Bob Devaney spoke at the Spring Banquet. The booth was made for the county fair, and the idea Women’s Committee received the outstanding continued the following years. Women’s Program Award and traveling trophy for District 4. Martha Duis served on the state Busy Years in the 1970s woman’s committee. A bake sale was held with In 1974, trophies were given for dairy, beef and proceeds going to the Nurses Loan Fund. sheep showmanship, and the champion market Dave and Char Mees were county Young hog at the county fair. Goat showmanship was Farmer-Rancher Award winners. Efforts to added several years later, and the awards became combine the numerous envelope drives were made a tradition. to no avail. Floats were entered in the Diller and Newsletters were sent to members every two Western parades, plus the Germanfest in Fairbury months in 1974, and members decided to participate for several years. in the state fruit program. Janet Wallman became the A special day was planned for Farm Bureau first candidate to attend the Youth Citizenship/Safety women with speaker Mrs. Dan Gerdes from the Seminar. A scrapbook chairman, Susan Logan, was state office. Films on sun and breast cancer also named, and Young Farmer-Ranchers were to make a were featured. Doyle and Marlene Wolken were banner for the county. It was white with an outline of the County Farmer-Rancher Award winners. In Nebraska and a star depicting Jefferson County with 1984, the first salad luncheon was held with a “Jefferson County Farm Bureau” inscribed in red. program on crafts. Meetings were held at the First National Bank Animal activists were beginning to rumble, meeting room through the 1990s. This was the and considerable time was spent studying their beginning of local farm tours that included local demands. The county voted to support an FFA businessmen. The tours started with a picnic dinner Commodity Drive for the camp at Aurora that and ended with ice cream. Farm Bureau used for the Youth Citizenship and The Gene Thomases received the county Young Safety seminars. The Dell Schmidts attended the Farmer-Rancher Award and went on to win state Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference. and national awards. Steven Dux won Young In 1983, the county supported selling Farmer-Rancher and the Safety Essay Contest, cookbooks compiled by the Nebraska Farm then won state and competed for national honors Bureau Woman’s Committee. Safety posters were in Chicago. The County Farm Bureau purchased a displayed at the county fair, and the women’s marking tool for machinery identification. Martha committee served iced tea and lemonade for the Duis was honored as “Woman of the Year,” and 4-H Style Review. Mark Knobel was the Young John and Cheryl Jarchow won county and state Farmer-Rancher of the Year. Young Farmer awards. In 1977, Safemark tires were introduced State Discussion Meet Winner with Jr. Wells of Plymouth as distributor. The In 1988, Mark Knobel won the state Young Lyle Wegels received the county and state Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet and was Farmer-Rancher awards. a semi-finalist at the AFBF convention in New Orleans. Nebraska products were promoted in County Fair, Convention Activities local stores, and these stores were recognized at the During the following year, a trophy for Young spring and annual meetings. Homemaker was added to the list of trophies

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Kendall Schalke, new career insurance agent, The Tradition Continues requested an office be located in Fairbury. Farm The Jefferson County Farm Bureau continues the Bureau purchased some furnishings for the office tradition started in 1937 to show the importance of and contributed $50 each month toward rent. bringing together farmers and ranchers. In the early Ag in the Classroom was sponsored in the 1990s, activities included agriculture awareness, Jefferson County Schools. Ron Tejral was selected fruit and nut sales, the Citizenship/Safety Seminar, as a junior counselor during the 1988 Youth county fair, policy development meetings, Ag in the Citizenship/Safety Seminar and attended a national Classroom, and the Future Leaders Conference. safety seminar in Orlando, Florida. Mary Niemeier Jefferson County Farm Bureau also was proud of Fairbury Schools was selected the following to sponsor an Ag in the Classroom teacher. Policies year to attend the Emerging Leaders Conference discussed in 1999 included ethanol, the fertilizer at Hutchison, Kansas. tax and agriculture land valuations. In fall 1999, Tony Likens was sponsored by Farmstead Beautification Contest Jefferson County Farm Bureau in LEAD 19. In 1989, a county Farmstead Beautification In 2002, the county encouraged college-bound Contest was held. Farmsteads were judged on students to apply for the Charles Marshall Loan general appearance, buildings and lots, landscape and the Kenneth E. Schwartz Memorial Agricultural and windbreaks. This contest was held for three Scholarship. In 2002, Jefferson County Farm Bureau years. Free water testing for nitrates was provided received the Gold Star and Top County Award, and at the county fair. in 2004, it received the Silver Star Award. Legislative assistants to urban members of In fall 2006, both Lana Likens and Brian Starck Congress were hosted by the Gene Thomas, Eldean were sponsored in LEAD 26. Banahan and Ralph Knobel families. On June 5, 2007, Jefferson County Farm A grocery raffle was sponsored for Zeb Bureau President Brian Starck testified at the House Zimmerman at a local benefit. He was a 5-year-old Ag Committee’s Subcommittee Field Hearing on leukemia patient. Jon Runhke received the Kenneth the 2007 Farm Bill in Salina, Kansas. On June Schwartz Memorial Agricultural Scholarship. 22, 2009, Gov. Dave Heineman announced that In 1989, a relief effort for Hurricane Hugo Jefferson County was the 13th county in Nebraska victims in South Carolina, especially farmers certified as Livestock Friendly. Jefferson County whose buildings and fences were destroyed, was a Farm Bureau took the LFC idea to the planning countywide project. Fairbury was a collection point, and zoning body, then the county commissioners and the idea, started by county president Gene helped complete the application. Thomas, mushroomed into a statewide project. The Can Care-A-Van was something that A Courteous Driver Award Program also was Jefferson County Farm Bureau had been actively sponsored with four awards given to teens obeying involved in for many years. In 2010, the Car-A-Van Nebraska laws. The sheriff’s department handed did not stop in Jefferson County so Farm Bureau out the awards. stepped in and held a drive allowing the local food Through the years, many hours have been spent pantry to restock! on policy development, local affairs and various Dustin Fairley of Fairbury was among 14 state meetings by members of Jefferson County members of Nebraska Farm Bureau’s 2011 Farm Farm Bureau, each trying to improve the county, Bureau Leadership Academy program. In 2012, state and nation in which we live. county Farm Bureau members constructed and donated two Learning Barns to Central Elementary School and Diller/Odell Public schools.

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 133 Jefferson County Farm Bureau’s membership has continued to increase, and as of November 2015, membership was 494. Due to quality leadership, we have had many years of success in this county. These leaders have helped us stay active on the local, state and national level of Farm Bureau. Among the county leadership we include Judy Zimmerman of Fairbury, for her 15-plus years of service as secretary-treasurer, as well as the coordinator of many events. We have been fortunate through the years to have many active members, and we look forward to what the future holds for the Jefferson County Farm Bureau. Both Dustin and Amanda Fairley were elected to the State Young Farmers and Ranchers Jean Zabel, 1992 county history chairman Committee in 2012, and they will complete a Amanda Fairley, 2015 county history coordinator four-year term this year. The Young Farmers and Ranchers of Jefferson County held a successful YF&R Social at Pla-mor Lanes in Fairbury. Dustin Fairley of Fairbury was named the Johnson County 2013 Nebraska Discussion Meet Winner, and he ESTABLISHED DECEMBER 1917 competed at the AFBF Discussion Meet in San CENTENNIAL 2017 Antonio, Texas. In 2014, Amanda Fairley was selected for Nebraska Farm Bureau’s Leadership A meeting was called on December 13, 1917, in Academy program. the District Courtroom of the Johnson County The Jefferson County Farm Bureau has always Courthouse in Tecumseh for the purpose of played an active role at the Jefferson County organizing Johnson County Farm Bureau. These Fair by hosting a booth, conducting a children’s organizers met to adopt a constitution and elect scavenger hunt, contributing to a watermelon officers. Elected were president, H.C. Lintz, and feed, and sponsoring trophies and medals given to secretary-treasurer, Fred Panko. Farm Bureau livestock exhibitors. hired Clarence Weber as county agent. Farm In November 2013, Brooke Engleman was Bureau hired the county agents at this time and chosen and sponsored for LEAD 33. In April 2014, paid part of their salary. The agents were to Kara Riggle of Endicott was the Jefferson County help farmers in three ways: promote agricultural Farm Bureau scholarship winner. Also in 2014, we products; protect farmers’ interests and sponsor were able to construct a Learning Barn for Meridian services, including insurance and support School students. In spring 2015, Jefferson County education; and develop self-help programs had its annual YF&R social, which consisted of for farmers. tours through the Endicott Clay Factory, McBattas In April 1918, the Johnson County Farm Manufacturing, and PVI in Fairbury. Bureau approved the publication of a monthly Dustin and Amanda Fairley of Fairbury were bulletin called “Farmers Exchange” to be sent to Nebraska’s 2015 Excellence in Agriculture winners Farm Bureau members. Farm Bureau continued and competed at the 2016 AFBFI competition in to meet at the courthouse in Tecumseh, a hall in Orlando, Florida. Crab Orchard and the Commissioners’ Office in

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Tecumseh. The District Courtroom became the directors. Each precinct would have a member. Farm Bureau meeting place for several years. There are nine precincts in Johnson County: In March 1919, the State Farm Agri-leader Sterling, Helena, Spring Creek, Vesta, Maple talked about the helpfulness of the county agent Grove, Nemaha, Lincoln, Todd Creek and Western. to the farmer. Farm Bureau was expanding These include the communities of Sterling, St. Mary, and required more office help. The salary Farm Tecumseh, Cook, Vesta, Elk Creek and Crab Bureau paid the agent was $2,000 per year and an Orchard. In 1926, the county board voted to have additional $400 per year for traveling expenses. At two people from each precinct serve on the board. the annual meeting in December 1919, a motion Times were hard in 1931-34, and the salaries had was made that the Johnson County Farm Bureau to be cut for the agent and office help. A committee become a member of the state Farm Bureau was formed to work with the county commis- Association, which was a member of the new sioners to secure loans to purchase feed for the American Farm Bureau Federation, the latter now general public in this time of crisis. composed of 33 of the 48 states. A new consti- tution and bylaws were drafted at this time. Drought in the 1930s The year 1937 brought drought, and farmers Programs in 1920 learned to use substitute forages and pasture crops The year 1920 became busy with programs in to increase livestock numbers. During the 1940s, controlling plant and animal diseases, improving Farm Bureau and the Extension Service separated, seed grain varieties, improving livestock in cooper- and Farm Bureau did not pay the salary or hire the ation with the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, improving Extension agents. These two groups had worked soil fertility through planting of legumes, securing closely together to improve agriculture. farm labor, and distributing hog cholera serum During the 1950s, Farm Bureau purchased and blackleg vaccine. In April 1920, a Gopher fertilizer for the farmers. Back in 1936, each Eradication Club was formed in School District precinct had a booth exhibit at the fair. But in No. 46, in which 24 sections were involved, with 1955, Farm Bureau started having only one booth one man serving as a captain in each section. at the fair and has continued this each year. In The annual Farm Bureau meeting was held in May 1966, Johnson County Farm Bureau was the December. A membership campaign was planned, first county organization in the state to complete and dues were set at $10. its enrollment in the nationwide Tire Program of In 1924, there was concern about how the “Service to Members.” Likewise, Yoders Tire and county would be represented on the board of Battery Service in Tecumseh was the first handler in Nebraska to distribute the Farm Bureau Safemark tires. Johnson County Farm Bureau contributed to the Charles Marshall Fund for nurses’ loans. Dorothy Keebler received a loan in 1969, being the first in Johnson County to receive one.

Two State Awards in 1976 At the 1976 Nebraska Farm Bureau convention at the Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln, Johnson County received two awards. The first was for having attained its membership goal for five consecutive years. The second award was extended

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 135 to Johnson County Farm Bureau as one of eight Kearney County outstanding counties in the state. Another first at the convention, Ken Kuhl was nominated from ESTABLISHED 1945 the floor and won the election to serve Johnson CENTENNIAL 2045 County and the adjoining counties as the new state board member for District 1. Franklin County The Johnson County Fair of 1982 featured a ESTABLISHED AUGUST 1962 unique and also popular contest, judging by the 49 CENTENNIAL 2062 entries and large crowd on hand. It was patterned after the Annual International Chicken Flying KEARNEY AND FRANKLIN COUNTY FARM Meet held in Rio Grands, Ohio. Johnson County BUREAUS MERGED IN THE 2000s Farm Bureau put the county on the chicken world map by becoming the first group in Nebraska to In the summer of 1945, Kearney County organized officially sponsor a Chicken Flying Contest. Also four local Farm Bureau units within the county. in 1982, Johnson County was praised as the first The units were Keene, Axtell, Wilcox and Lowell. county Farm Bureau in the state to achieve its 1982 Dues were $5. Prior to 1945, dues were $1 and membership quota of 146 members. were used to support a county agent. At the state convention in North Platte in 1982, These units met in the homes of individual state director Ken Kuhl finished his six years on members where they discussed farm policy and had the state board. He was called Nebraska Farm a brief program. These meetings also were social Bureau’s “poet laureate” for his contributions to gatherings that wives and children attended. the state board and the administrative board and Member recruitment was quite different then for his tributes in verse to retiring Farm Bureau from what it is now. During harvest season, employees. Kuhl also gave the invocation at the Howard Peterson, Buffalo County agent, came 1982 annual banquet. down to Kearney County and met with Harlan In September 1987, Johnson County opened Danielson, an Axtell area member. The two its first county office. With the help of Ken Kuhl, drove into Axtell to Tillbury’s Blacksmith Shop. now a Farm Bureau insurance agent, this office is Danielson would invite them two at a time to sit serving members in Johnson and Pawnee County in the car where Peterson would give his speech. and is used for federation and insurance purposes. Danielson recalls they recruited about 40 members Since 1949, Johnson County has had many in one day. insurance agents. The first was Otis Rohrs. As in the past, Johnson County Farm Bureau Cooperative Recruitment has been first at many things and will continue to Recruitment was also a cooperative effort between always try to be of “Service to Members.” counties. Farm Bureau members from other counties would come to Kearney County and Erma Diedrichsen, 1992 county history chairman meet with local members. They would then drive James Erickson, 2016 county history chairman from farm to farm, where the local member would introduce the other person and then walk away. The member from the other county would then try to recruit the farmer. This method was used because they wanted farmers to join Farm Bureau based on its merits rather than neighborly pressure.

136 JOHNSON – KEARNEY/FRANKLIN – KEITH

Farm Bureau was appointed to serve as secretary-treasurer. Meetings the only source of were set for the second Thursday of the month. fertilizer available Franklin County Farm Bureau signed the in the county in the uniform agreement between it and the state late 1940s. Since federation and also the county constitution at that membership was meeting. It became the 85th County Farm Bureau required to purchase to affiliate with Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation the granular fertilizer, and was the 23rd new county to ask for affiliation many additional in a little more than a year. farmers joined. In 1999, the state board of directors approved In 1955, the guidelines and policy allowing multiple counties four individual to merge to allow for greater efficiencies in serving units merged into members, as well as for general board operations. one unit and elected a board. County presi- dents through 1992 were: Martin O. Monsoon, Bruce and Carol Anderbery, 1992 Kearney county 1936-37; Herman Jensen, 1938; William Latter, history chairmen 1939-40; records missing from 1941-44; Otto Schmidt, 1945; Dale Wells, 1946; Warner Wendell, 1947; Wilmer Talbert, 1948; Osee Keith County Newbold, 1949; Robert Ramsey, 1950; Dale Wells, 19151; Wilmer Talberg, 1952; C.W. Lynn, ESTABLISHED NOVEMBER 1920 1953; Roy E. Anderson, 1954; R.H. Stratman, CENTENNIAL 2020 1955-56; Robert Ramsey, 1957-58; Stanley Peterson, 1959-60; Leroy Nyquist, 1961-62; Early records show that on November 13, 1920, Warren Eckloff, 1963; Emerald Olson, 1964-65; Keith County Farm Bureau started with these Fred Carlson, 1966-67; Roland Nyquist, 1968; words: “The Keith County Farm Bureau and the Philip Anderbery, 1969-70; Calvin Soderquist, Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation are mutually 1971-72; Clark Abrahamson, 1973-74; Leroy desirous of obtaining a large membership of Lammers, 1975-76; Leland Anderson, 1977-78; farmers in both County Farm Bureau and the Robert Winholz, 1979-80; Neil Carlson, 1981-82; Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation for the purpose Steve Nelson, 1983-84; Dudley Nelson, 1985-86; of mutual help and benefit to the individual farmer Robert Winholz, 1987-88; Russell Liljehorn and for the obtaining of larger and broader results 1989-90; and Bruce Anderbery, 1991-92. of statewide and nationwide organization of Through the years, many Kearney County agricultural interests.” members have served on state committees and the Membership fees were set at $10 per year and state board of directors, including David Grimes, were split equally by the county and state. Keith at-large NFBF board member. The county is proud County Farm Bureau’s first president, C.A. Eicker, to claim current State President Steve Nelson. signed this document. Franklin County Farm Bureau was formed In 1929, the Keith County Farmers Non-Stock August 16, 1962, at a meeting in Brad’s Cafe in Cooperative Association was formed. This associ- Franklin, and the decision to form the organi- ation also became involved in selling seed corn in zation carried unanimously. Clarence Kugler was the late 1940s. It was dissolved on May 22, 1961. elected president and Harold Sindt was named vice president after a close ballot. Mrs. Will Sindt was

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 137 Administrator of Extension Funds The Agricultural Extension Service, the College of Agriculture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the State of Nebraska and Keith County Farm Bureau entered an agreement on December 3, 1935, to make the Keith County Farm Bureau the admin- istrator of county funds available for cooperative Extension work. This document was signed by then-Keith County Farm Bureau President H.B. Snyder. Keith County was then selected as a demonstration county for pump irrigation under federal aid on June 29, 1939. On September 10, 1943, Arthur County was considered first for joining in the Keith County Farm Bureau, and Separation from Extension these counties still work together. February 28, 1952, was the first consideration of A uniform cooperative agreement was signed separation of the Keith County Farm Bureau and on May 27, 1944, between Nebraska Farm the Extension Service. The main reason was the Bureau and Keith County Farm Bureau with organization of other farm and ranch groups, and annual fees remaining at $10. On May 22, 1945, the Extension Service felt it should not be tied to the Keith County Farm Bureau Board of Directors only one organization. At the annual meeting on applied for an official Junior Farm Bureau club October 27, 1952, a vote by ballot was taken to with then-President Gene Holscher signing the separate the Keith County Farm Bureau and the application. In February 1945, Keith County Extension Service with 28 votes for separation became involved in the acquisition of the county’s and 15 against. The Keith County Farm Bureau rural fire equipment. continued to be a big supporter of 4-H activities The Keith County Farm Bureau constitution and continued hosting the 4-H leaders banquet for was approved and signed by President Roy L. many years. We continue to support 4-H activities. Terhune on March 3, 1946. This was also the first A quota of 350 members was set for 1952, but year Keith County held its annual meeting prior to membership dropped to 229 in 1955. We feel this the state annual meeting. was partly due to the December separation from The Keith County Farm Bureau acquired an the Extension Service. agricultural sprayer on August 22, 1947, for use by On November 10, 1954, the Keith County its members at a rented rate of $2 per farm or $2 Farm Bureau Board of Directors signed a county a day and a $5 deposit. By 1952, sprayer rent had service agreement with Farm Bureau Insurance climbed to 50 cents per hour or $5 a day. Company of Nebraska. It was resolved by the Board of Directors of the Keith County Farm Bureau signed a contract Keith County Farm Bureau in official session on on April 18, 1962, with Farm & Ranch Supply the third day of April 1951, “(that we) do hereby Company of Nebraska to supply Keith County request that the program of life insurance under members with petroleum products, plant foods, the sponsorship of the Nebraska Farm Bureau fertilizers, minerals, chemicals, feeds, seeds, paints, Federation be made available to the membership of insecticides, serums, vaccines, and livestock and this Keith County Farm Bureau.” Reports show 10 fowl products. policies were sold the first month, and 40 were sold In 1965, dues were raised to $20. Membership by August 6, 1951. continued to fall to 148 members in 1966. On

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October 14, 1967, the Keith County Farm Bureau Educational Loan Approved held a talent and speech contest. Julana Hansmeier On June 21, 1988, Jody McQuillan received a and Richard Schwasinger won their respective age Charles Marshall educational loan. In August, the groups and both were awarded cash prizes. Keith County Board of Directors voted to go on Farm Bureau’s computerized bookkeeping system. Opposition to Area Plan That same year Keith County had 39 members From June 1968 until March 1969, the Keith contribute to the Political Action Committee. County Farm Bureau opposed the initial plan by At the 1989 annual meeting, members the Extension Service to set up a six-county area approved Keith County Farm Bureau’s incorpo- serviced by three home agents stationed in North ration. The papers were signed on January 16, Platte. Keith County’s policy was to keep home 1990, by the Board of Directors. Keith County agents in their respective counties. Alvin Siffring Farm Bureau moved into offices at the Farm Credit spearheaded the drive. Services Building, 1401 W. First in Ogallala, on In July 1974, the Board of Directors accepted January 1, 1990. Membership quota for 1990 was the Accidental Death and Property Protection plan. 410, and. Keith County members totaled 439, 107 The Board members also approved the Florida percent of quota. Citrus Fruit Program, and in 1975, dues increased Doug Neverve, insurance agent in Farm Bureau’s to $30. In 1976, Betsy Geisert and Laurie Siffring Keith-Arthur agency, was named to the Farm were sent to Aurora to participate in the Youth Bureau “Royal Court of Honor,” which recognized Citizenship/Safety Seminar. It was also the year the top 10 percent of agents for sales in 1990. In Keith County Farm Bureau started its county crime 1991, Justin Bates represented Keith County at the prevention and property identification programs. Youth Citizenship/Safety Seminar in Aurora. In 1977, Keith County Farm Bureau opposed During the past years, Keith County Farm the nationwide organization of a farm strike but Bureau has continued to promote and be involved moved to support the beef referendum. with Farm Bureau. Several members have served The Keith County Farm Bureau Board of on various state boards including SLPC, Young Directors approved participation in the pharma- Farmers and Ranchers Committee, Ag Promotion ceutical services program for Farm Bureau members Committee, and the Board of Directors. We also on April 16, 1980. In September of that year, we work on the local level doing many activities. We started supplying orange juice tor the Bloodmobile have set up booths at fairs, participated in Youth in Keith County. Safety Day and held legislative updates with local In 1981, Keith County quota was raised to 199 senators. Some do Ag in the Classroom, as well as members. On June 17, the office got its first copy many other activities. machine. The Keith County Board of Directors Our biggest activity is our Ag Day for county’s opposed a joint agency with Perkins County on fifth graders. We have had great participation April 21, 1982. On January 13, 1983, the Keith by local ag dealers, seed salesmen, pivot dealers, County Farm Bureau Board of Directors approved FFA chapters, crop scouts, Extension and local participation in the Trans-National Travel Service. members. It has been a great activity with many That same year, Jim Siffring and Nathan Geisert great reviews. These young people are the key for were sent to the Youth Citizenship/Safety Seminar ag to remain strong in our area. at Aurora. In 1984, dues were raised from $40 to $45, and Greg Allen, 1992 county history chairman Bruce Siffring was Keith County’s representative to Wayne Thunker, 2015 county history chairman the Youth Citizenship/Safety Seminar.

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 139 Keya Paha County These are the families who have held offices or have been on the Board of Directors since 1976: ESTABLISHED APRIL 1962 Manfred Peterson, Galen Nilson, Marvyn Doyle, CENTENNIAL 2062 Bell Zahl, Louis Kienke, Robert Tuttle, Meredith Worth, Mickey Goodrich, Greg Bammerlin, Where is Keya Paha County? That is asked a Frank Peterson, Curtis Hitchcock, Elton Serr, lot when we go to a larger town. If you would Neil Clopton, Andy Rowan, Jim Ferguson, Jack fold a Nebraska map in half east to west, Keya Reinoehl, Karl Connell, Denis Palmer, Clayton Paha County would be on the crease at the South Ritterbush, Darrel Titus, Glenn Kienke, James Carr, Dakota border. We are bordered on the west by Gary Ludemann, Mike McCoy, Dennis Anderson, Cherry County, and on the east is Boyd County. Norman Nelson, Bruce Ferguson, Richard Kirsch, On the south of Keya Paha flows the beautiful Ron Heerten, Robert Fellows, Orrin Thiede, Jeff Niobrara River. Our neighboring Brown and Rock Kirsch, Russ Wentworth, David Carr, Robert counties are across the river. We are crossed from Rowan, Dale Paulson and Ben Weston. north to south by U.S. Highway 183 and east to Enid Worth held the secretary’s office for many west by State Highway 12. We have no railroad in years. Other women who have been involved are our county, although there is a lot of truck traffic. Georgia Serr, Cristy Ludemann, Mavis Tuttle, The county seat is Springview, and this is where we Betty Palmer, Marilyn Nelson, Avis Kirsch, Suzy have our county high school, Keya Paha County Wentworth, Joan Thiede, Vicki Ferguson, Ruth High School. Other small villages in our county are Paulson, Lila Heerten and Ann Carr. In 1992, Norden, Burton, Mills and Jamison. Betty Palmer was on her second and final term with the State Legislature Policy Committee. First Organized in 1962 Keya Paha County Farm Bureau members In April 1962, a group of interested people met were active in ordering the juice, fruit and to organize a Farm Bureau in our county with vegetable products when that program operated. 10 members signing up. Henry E. Kuhlman of Central City, Farm Bureau director of organi- County Fair Activities zation at large, presided. Manfred Peterson The Farm Bureau had an information booth at the was elected president; Harold Prentice, vice Keya Paha County Fair in Norden for many years president; Arnold Linse, treasurer; Mrs. Rolland with drawings for gifts. We also have had water Kurzenberger, secretary; and Mrs. Graydon testing for nitrates at the fair. The Farm Bureau Kurzenberger, news reporter. This organization sponsored county youth at the Citizenship and lasted about three years and then disbanded. Safety seminars for many years as well. On October 26, 1976, a large group met in Keya Paha Farm Bureau donated to the Charles Springview to reorganize Keya Paha Farm Bureau. Marshall Loan Fund, sent cookies and table favors Elmer Gall of Nebraska Farm Bureau was present to state meetings, and contributed recipes to the to help elect officers, pass a constitution, and Farm Bureau cookbook. develop rules and regulations for the organi- In 1987-1988, one of our young men was chosen zation. Norman Nelson was elected president; to participate in the LEAD (Leadership, Education, Dale Paulson, vice president; Mrs. Meredith Action and Development) program, and the Farm Worth, secretary; and Ben Weston, treasurer. Bureau gave Ron Heerten a donation to help with Serving as our presidents over the years have been his expenses. Norman Nelson, Dale Paulson, Robert D. Tuttle, The Keya Paha Farm Bureau promotes agriculture Glenn Kienke, Gary Ludemann and Orrin Thiede. with a poster contest for Ag Day in Nebraska.

140 KEYA PAHA – KIMBALL/BANNER

a Skills USA team, FFA, 4-H, food pantries, and books at the county library. We have helped our insurance representative with a booth at the county fair with information to distribute and a prize drawing. Several times we have sponsored “Meet the Candidate Forums” before local and state elections and given memberships through the Investment in the Future Program. On the state level, we promote Food Check-Off Day, Ag Promotion Day and Husker Connections. We also hand out scholarship forms at the high school. We are proud of the attendance record at our The Keya Paha County Farm Bureau directors meetings; many times there is a full board in atten- and officers meet monthly with directors, taking dance or just one member absent. Everyone works turns hosting the meetings in either their homes or together well and is generous with their time. at a meeting room. We have an annual picnic and a holiday supper, usually in November, because Mavis Tuttle, 1992 county history chairman December is so busy. Doris Eichenberger, 2015 county history Keya Paha County Farm Bureau continues to be coordinator an active organization, meeting at least nine months of the year. At many meetings, we have speakers from the community (business leaders, county officials, exchange students or political candidates, Kimball County for example) or Farm Bureau state officers. ESTABLISHED MAY 1919 Our members are encouraged to stay informed on CENTENNIAL 2019 agriculture issues and legislation. We send in local, state and federal policy development ideas every year. Several families have participated in the Ag. Pen Pal Banner County Program, as we need to educate the younger gener- ESTABLISHED 1935 ation about where and how their food is produced. CENTENNIAL 2035 Since the last update, our county presidents have been Glen Kienke, Dolly Kienke, Ted KIMBALL AND BANNER COUNTY FARM BUREAUS Eichenberger, Mavis Tuttle and Jim Ferguson. MERGED IN 2001 For our members we host a family picnic/ potluck in August, free pizza at our annual meeting Kimball County Farm Bureau traces its begin- in October, a free dinner at a local steakhouse nings to 1897 when the Kimball County Livestock for those who have attended at least five of our Association conducted its first meeting. In 1915, meetings during the year, and an appreciation the group adopted the name of Kimball County pancake supper in January. We try to send flowers Farm Management Association with 85 members to our board members who are in the hospital or and an annual membership of $1. Officers included have lost a family member. E. Ernst, E.A. Bergman and R.D. Wilson. Community activities that we support through Business included selection of a demonstrator, a donations are Post Prom, community fireworks, precursor to the county agent, for the coming year

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 141 and a discussion of real estate agents who were making false statements about Kimball County. By 1916, the Kimball county commissioners had pledged some money to hire a demonstrator, and the board agreed to raise the rest. When the first demonstrator resigned in December, he was soon replaced by R.E. Holland, who was given the title of county agent. Controlling gophers; putting on agriculture shows, contests and demonstrations; buying seed corn for farmers; promoting 4-H work and awards; obtaining and keeping members; paying the farmers and ranchers in the county. Lester bills; and raising funds to keep the organization Van Pelt was the first Farm Bureau president. progressive and practical kept the group busy for One of the first projects was to establish a the next few years. county fair in 1936, and Van Pelt became the On March 3, 1917, the board voted to change first president of the newly formed County Fair the name of the association to Kimball County Association. E.C. Winter, general secretary of the Farm Bureau. In May 1919, a motion was made Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation, was the main and passed that Kimball County join the state speaker at the first county fair. Farm Bureau. Through the 1950s, Banner County Farm Important projects for the young Farm Bureau Bureau met in conjunction with the Banner County were vaccination for hog cholera and blackleg and Extension Service. Membership peaked in 1958 other vaccines for cattle. with 141 members. In 1924, Farm Bureau recognized the need for In Kimball County during the 1940s and 1950s, programs involving women. The members voted to the county was divided into districts or “units” hire a home demonstration agent and to furnish her that would hold their own meetings with officers office, providing that women’s clubs of the county and affairs persons elected much the same as on would take responsibility for the work. In 1926, the county level. Along with regular business, there Mrs. Guy McClanahan was added to the board. also were fun activities such as box suppers, games Insurance was added as a service in 1926, and square dancing. As late as 1970, meetings were when State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance still being held at the “Prairie Dog” unit in the Company started a plan for selling automobile District 16 schoolhouse about 15 miles southwest insurance. By 1948, Farm Bureau members decided of Kimball and at the “Owasco Unit” in the to start an insurance program of their own as a District 4 schoolhouse three miles east of Kimball. membership service. The 1941 Nebraska Farm Bureau convention Other services provided to members through was held in Kimball. The Western Nebraska the years included treating seed potatoes for Observer from November 27, 1941, noted, disease; arranging for a sugar beet dump at the “Everything is set in this western town to entertain Owasco siding on the Union Pacific Railroad; a great convention. The program is set and experimenting with new crops; and working to includes some of the nation’s outstanding agricul- eradicate prairie dogs, ground squirrels, potato tural authorities and Congressional leaders. bugs, grasshoppers and numerous other pests. “As one member from Kimball put it: ‘We have Banner County Farm Bureau was organized in waited 22 years for the opportunity to entertain 1935. At that time, membership included half of the rest of the state out here in Kimball and we

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certainly are not going to muff the ball now that Bureau families honored as the Outstanding our big opportunity has come.” Farm/Ranch family, the Grand Marshall, parade Kimball had just completed building a chairmen and so forth. gymnasium that would hold 800 people, and Many creative ideas from members have a later article in the Observer noted about 600 been used to promote the event, such as using attended the state convention. store windows for displays to feature the old, Back in Banner County, changes had to be weathered area barn pictures and stories of made as membership dropped in correlation their place in county history. For several years, with the decrease in the county population. In area agricultural products such as wheat, proso December 1961, they gave up their insurance millet, wine, corn, peas, sugar beets and animal agent and turned their insurance program over byproducts were displayed in an empty storefront to Kimball County. or the Kimball Library. In January 1973, they did away with a schol- The Farm Bureau even sponsored a cow chip arship for the high school and for a Boys State throwing contest. Enterprising members Lois and delegate. In their place, they sponsored two high Rod James decided during a trip to the Black Hills school sophomores or juniors to the Nebraska in South Dakota to pick up some bison chips. Farm Bureau Youth Citizenship/Safety Seminar, A park ranger stopped and informed the Farm along with a 4-H trophy. Bureau couple they could not take ANYTHING In 1985, Tim and Carol Gifford served on the from a national park. The local contest continued Nebraska Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) to feature Angus or Hereford chips. Committee. Soon after, Carol was elected chairman Joining with the Friends of the Library group, of the YF&R committee. In 1988, at the American Farm Bureau co-sponsored the Smithsonian Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) convention in traveling exhibit titled “Key Ingredients” in 2005. San Antonio, Carol was elected as the first woman During the month-long display at the library, chairman of the AFBF YF&R Committee. a buffalo meal, including historic salad and By the 1980s, the Banner County Farm Bureau dessert recipes, was shared with area residents in conducted most of its meetings as carry-in suppers celebration of the display. at members’ homes. By the 1990s, meetings consisted After several attempts to become a “Livestock of the annual meeting in October and a summer Friendly” county, Kimball County earned the desig- picnic with executive committee meetings called by nation in 2012 with Gov. Heinemann, the Kimball officers as needed. mayor and selected speakers attending the event. In 2001, the Kimball and Banner County Following a presentation by Willow Haloubek Farm Bureaus merged to more efficiently conduct of A-FAN on the Humane Society of the United business. Their mission statement, which follows, States, the joint county Farm Bureau developed serves as a guide to how business had been an informative display for the county fair and conducted in the last 25 years. “To keep and elevate presented programs for various civic organizations. public awareness that agriculture is the primary Teaching tourists was a fun project, as Farm source of wealth in our two counties; to provide a Bureau members donated several days to share forum and vehicle in which members can promote an informative display at the local Interstate 80 their collective policy decisions and to provide an Visitor’s Center. A corral was constructed at the opportunity for educational and social gatherings Visitor’s Center for tourists to rest their animals. for our members.” A field trip was developed and sponsored to A Farmer’s Day celebration has been held in help increase area fifth graders’ knowledge about the county for almost 90 years with many Farm the source of the food and fiber they use. Fifth

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 143 graders went to Kendall and Beverly Atkins’ historic Knox County Brookside Farm near Kimball. Aided by leadership from the Extension Service, the Natural Resources ESTABLISHED 1941 Conservation Service, the Natural Resources District CENTENNIAL 2041 and area farmers and ranchers, learning stations were created to teach about grasslands, what you can do with an acre, animals, antique tools, cattle branding, farm safety and more. Students rotated around the farm site with local FFA members helping promote agriculture and sharing infor- mation about their activities as well. Dubbed “Ag Fest for Fifth Graders,” the program evolved over the years, and participating schools varied, but the message and mission remained the same for 15 years: teaching facts with fun. One former student even returned to be married in front of the 1890 sheep barn. The event earned recognition in the American The original Knox County Farm Bureau office Farm Bureau Federation’s County Idea Exchange was located in Bloomfield at 120 N. Broadway. program during the AFBF annual meeting in That was the site of the post office years ago. Albuquerque, New Mexico. Remodeling had been done to enhance the build- Interest in 4-H, FFA and the Kimball and ing’s appearance, both to the exterior and interior. Banner County schools finds the Farm Bureau Orpha Brummer began her position as office sponsoring scholarships for students to attend assistant in 1968, and in 1981, Kory Stottler advanced schooling with an interest in agriculture. became insurance agent. On the second Tuesday A “Three-Point” basketball program gives of the month for many years, the Knox County Kimball and Banner County schools $5 for each Farm Bureau board met in Bloomfield. The three-point basket scored in February. The money board currently consists of 12 members, repre- is used for needs at the respective schools. senting each area of the county. They hold a Finally, the joint Farm Bureau gives trophies business meeting, and at their annual meeting, at the county fair. “Church At The Fair” was members discuss policy development issues on Farm Bureau-sponsored, along with ag infor- the state level. mation displays. Krista Podany is the current president; Lance Knigge, vice president; Lorie Knigge, secretary; and Combined information submitted by: Pam McClellan, treasurer. Joey Baltensperger, 1992 NFBF history book Through the years, dedicated members served Helen R. Ruhl, 1992 NFBF history book on the annual membership drive. Annual picnics Bryce and Linda Halstaed, 2016 history book were held. At times there were county banquets Kendall and Bev Atkins, 2016 history book for the members with a knowledgeable speaker highlighting the event. Farm Bureau fruit and other products were delivered. To make Farm Bureau work more effective, it was brought closer to the people through the organization of county and unit meetings. About

144 KIMBALL/BANNER – KNOX – LANCASTER

1938, Knox County felt the need to organize in We continue to spread the message ”Strong the southeast part of the county. In 1941, members Agriculture, Strong Nebraska” at our Knox formed the county organization in Bloomfield. County Fair and Verdigre FFA Farm & Home Officers for this new organization were: Henry J. Show. We also are using social media to help Peters, chairman; Jacob Johannsen, vice chairman; promote our work in the future of agriculture. and Elwin Banks, secretary and treasurer. Please follow us on our Facebook page: Knox Farm Bureau decided to offer various services County Farm Bureau Federation. to Farm Bureau members in 1944, and the first insurance agent was Elvin Johnson. Knox County Lorie Kreycik Knigge, secretary and 2015 county and Cedar County were provided service with history chairman his office at Wausa. Fertilizer and seed corn were handled in 1946. Harry Suckstorf was insurance agent for a time, and he had his office in his home. Lancaster County Allen Walton is the current insurance agent. In the early years, the Farm Bureau meetings ESTABLISHED 1918 were held in different towns in the county. It was CENTENNIAL 2018 decided to have the Farm Bureau meetings in Bloomfield at a regular meeting place. The Gossard Building was the first Farm Bureau office, just west of the Standard Oil Station. Don Magdefrau became the first office assistant. Florence Busholl became another Farm Bureau secretary. Farm and animal health products were on hand for members to purchase. Ella Lentz was the county women’s chairman. Other officers were: Clarence Mumm, president; William Beckman, vice president; and Roy Kumm, secretary. In 2014, after the agent moved to another building, Knox County Farm Bureau sold its building. We currently hold meetings in different towns around the county. Planting a potent seed for the mission of Lancaster Accomplishments during the past few years County Farm Bureau in 1926, more than 800 include helping advance education with “Ag in farmers signed a petition as Lancaster County the Classroom,” working alongside teachers to Farm Bureau members to have the County help educate their students about agriculture. Board of Commissioners fund the promotion of We also are helping encourage involvement with “improvement of agricultural methods, increasing the Young Farmers & Ranchers Program and agricultural products, the more economical distri- sponsor students to attend YF&R conferences. bution of such products, the conservation of Our members Amber Endres, Shane Greckel and the soil, and for the purpose of employing and Kelsey Knigge competed in the YF&R discussion maintaining a county agricultural agent.” meets at the state level. In 2014, Greckel won and After 100 years of Nebraska Farm Bureau, represented Knox County at the AFBF convention Lancaster County continues to strive to accomplish in San Diego, California, where he made it to the our mission to be an effective voice for the betterment Sweet 16 round. of agriculture in our county, state and nation.

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 145 Since the beginning in 1918, we have advanced half days with Mrs. Charles Wiechert as secretary. this goal. Logan A. Rogers was president, and Member services provided animal health products, Lancaster County Farm Bureau was instrumental and the insurance program was offered. in establishing the Extension Service in the county. In 1957, Mr. Warak moved to district director of Early Extension agents included Norman Norland field services for Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation, (January-October 1918), Robert Harrison and Arnold Buckley replaced him as agent. (October 1918-February 1919), B.L. Montgomery Lancaster County derived many benefits from the (February 1919-1923), J.F. Purbaugh (1923-1944) Farm Bureau philosophy, insurance services and the and V.H. Petersen (1944-1954). friendship of Arnold Buckley from 1957 until his By 1954, the two organizations had completely death in 1986. separated from their early joint efforts, but during their years together, they supported each other Making New Moves with an emphasis on animal health care. Vaccines Lancaster County Farm Bureau has changed were made available for the control of blackleg locations several times to accommodate its and hog cholera. The vaccine program was incor- members, the need for space and to accomplish porated as a Lancaster County Co-op SEED Store its mission. To become more centrally located, on North Ninth Street in Lincoln, later moving the office moved to the 27th and O streets area to 235 S. Ninth Street, where feed, fertilizers, in Lincoln. First it was in the basement of Dr. chemicals, hardware and supplies were added. The Lampshire’s building, then it moved across the street general farm store was under the management of to the Towne Buildings in 1960. At that time, Pat Albert Staats. When he left in 1942 to manage Miller was hired as a full-time secretary. Helen Berst the Nebraska Farm Bureau non-Stock, he was followed her, working as secretary from 1965-1977. succeeded by Bud Rook. The store continued until The need for space prompted a move in December 1948 as a Farm Bureau Co-op before changing to 1976 to a building purchased by Lancaster County private ownership. Farm Bureau at 5750 N. 70th Street. In 1992, the office moved to the Lincoln Trade Center in south Unit Meetings Lincoln and shared an office with insurance agents Precinct or “unit” meetings were community including Mark Roland until April 2010. centers of membership with each unit electing a chairman, affairs persons and women’s committees Changing With the Times and planning their own “unit” programs until Today we realize that fewer and fewer people 1956. Unit activities were varied, providing infor- are connected to the farm. Lancaster County mational ag-related programs, Farmer-Businessmen Farm Bureau works to educate consumers about breakfasts, farm safety seminars, polio vaccine the source of their healthy food. The sale of the clinics and social events, including summer picnics building in 1992 gave Lancaster County Farm and whole-hog roasts. The highlight of each year Bureau more resources to support other organi- was the annual meeting for all units at the Lincoln zations that promote agriculture. We became Hotel for a buffet dinner. This was when “eating very active members of the Ag-in-the-Classroom out” was a BIG occasion. Program through donations, becoming Ag Pen Membership increased to 600-plus under Pals and sponsors of the Annual Golf Classic. For the guidance of Virgil Warak, our first full-time nearly 20 years, Lancaster County Farm Bureau insurance agent. The office was opened in 1956 at members have demonstrated a Day at the Farm 2300 W. O Street in a vacant café next to Haley with Erma McGill and Lincoln fourth graders as a Motors Used Cars and service station. It was open part of the ongoing pen-pal project.

146 LANCASTER

and support of member services. With more than 8,000 members, we are also reaching out to non-ag producer members to show them the benefits of Farm Bureau membership with perks and fun events such as Ag Night at the Lincoln Salt Dogs in 2015, as well as with education about agriculture. In 2016, Dave Nielsen serves as the At-Large and Todd Reed serves as the Youth At-Large NFBF Board representatives. Our county presidents have included: Dorothy Wiechert, 1993 county history chairman; Pat McGill, 2015 PKR and county history chairman. Scholarships to the University of Nebraska- Lincoln, Southeast Community College and the Our county presidents have included: Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture help Logan A. Rogers 1918 Merlyn Egger 1997 extend the future of agriculture. To that end, Estel Schroeder 1977 George Elrod 1959 Lancaster County Farm Bureau was instrumental Arnold Egger 1919 Gary Hellerich 1999 in founding the collegiate chapter of Farm Bureau Loren Schwaninger 1978 Everett Giles 1960 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln through the A.A. Horn 1922 Burdette Piening 2001 establishment of a student ambassador program. Mike Block 1980 Morriss Hammer 1961 C.A. Morton 1929 Larry Hudkins 2003 Beyond The Farm Bill Landon 1983 Glen Marolf 1963 Other ways the county expands the non-farm John Rockenbach 1949 David Nielsen 2005 public’s knowledge is by supporting the Alliance for Charles Wiechert 1984 Wayne Sutton 1965 the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (A-FAN); a Orin Peterson 1950 Herschel Staats 2006 farm exhibit at the Lincoln Children’s Museum; the Cheryl Landon 1985 Dwane Mitchell 1967 Pieloch Pet Adoption Center; Farm-City Breakfast; Arthur Fagan 1951 Rod Hollman 2008 the Raising Nebraska building at the Nebraska State Bill Landon 1986 Floyd Burcham 1969 Fair; Lincoln Public Schools’ Career Academy; Can Glen Ehlers 1952 David Grimes 2010 Care-A-Van for the food bank; Food Check-off Dorothy Wiechert 1988 Estel Schroeder 1971 Week demonstrations and coloring contests; Elmer Bohl 1954 John McGill 2012 Prairieland Dairy Day; and the Nebraska Farm Mark Lemke 1989 Don Ehlers 1973 Bureau Foundation for Agriculture. Edmund Francke 1955 Rod Hollman 2014 One of Lancaster County Farm Bureau’s most Loren Schwaninger 1991 Wayne Schroeder 1975 significant contributions was to help in 2001 Bernard Sullivan 1957 with construction of the Lancaster County Event Center where the County Fair is held. We continue Dorothy Wiechert 1993 county history chairman to support the Lancaster County Fair through Pat McGill, 2015 county history chairman premium and other donations, the Big Wheel Race and a mini-tractor pedal pull contest. Time has and will continue to bring many changes, but the underlying purpose of Farm Bureau remains the same: member participation

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 147 Lincoln County

ESTABLISHED 1961 CENTENNIAL 2061

At the suggestion of Louise Lanham, Nebraska Farm Bureau director of field services, Lincoln County Farm Bureau began compiling a history of our “roots.” On January 10, 1978, as a part of our regular meeting, we invited former presidents to tell us about their term in office. Our first speaker was Bill Majors, president from 1961 to 1963. At that time, he was employed by Mrs. Walter (Mildred) Leth was president for one Farm Bureau as a field service man for the Southwest year. Russell Jackson was president from October District. He told us that Henry Kuhlman was the 1979 to 1982, then Alice Phelps took office again main organizer in Lincoln County. Willard Kuhlman until 1985. Mrs. Chester (Wanda) Binegar was was the first president and Erwin Kuhlman was president until 1990 and was succeeded in office by secretary; their signatures appear on our constitution. her husband, Chester Binegar.

Fifteen Members Needed 1970 Convention in North Platte Majors told us they had to have 15 members to While going through county minutes, we found organize, and it was very difficult to get that many out the state convention was in North Platte people together. The most members during his in November 1970, and there were 202 voting term as president were 28. Majors moved on to delegates from 78 counties. In December 1974, employment by Farm Bureau. Albert Rice moved the Board of Directors approved opening a three- from vice president to president and held this office county office with Logan and Thomas counties for about six months. and later McPherson County. In 1982, the other Our next speaker was Alex Kasha, who was counties opted out of this arrangement. Lincoln president in 1963 and 1964. One of the main County now carries on the office as a one-county projects for Farm Bureau during his term was operation. working on drainage ditch legislation. From struggling to get 15 members together, Ernst Mehl, our next speaker, was president from the county membership grew to 510 in 1991. 1965 to 1967. He attended the state convention at A great deal of credit for this growth went to Scottsbluff during his term. One of the legislative “Super Salesman” Frank Kumor, who had been projects was changing the tax basis, and they membership chairman since 1975. worked on petitions for referendum. Chester Binegar Jr. became president in 1990 Minutes for 1968 are missing from our records. and continued in office until September 1993. Howard Scott, 1969-70, and Hollis Masters, To assist the insurance business, Lincoln County 1970-72, the next two presidents, were not present Farm Bureau purchased a building at 515 S. Jeffers at this meeting. Delmar Miller was in office for two Street, which has been used by many agents. years from 1972 to 1973 when they had 125 to Mitchell Huebner was president for one year 130 members. starting in October 1993 and was followed by Mrs. Glen (Alice) Phelps became president in Dorothy Brown in 1994. In 1995, Kent Boyer 1973 and continued in office until 1978. Then became the president and held the office for two

148 LINCOLN – LOGAN

years. Alice Phelps was hired as bookkeeper in Bureau Director 1996. Chester Binegar must have decided he of Organization enjoyed being president as he returned to the office Henry Kuhlman from 1997-1999. Hideo Kamino was president for of Central five years from 2000 to 2005. City and Field The first county annual meeting was held Services Director during September 2003, and Steve Nelson was the Earl Gilbert speaker. Justin Roberts was elected president in of Kimball. October 2006 and held this office until September Local volun- 2012. During his presidency, Lincoln County was teers assisted. designated as a Livestock Friendly County. This Not counting occurred in August 2008. spouses, there A Learning Barn was purchased in April 2009 were at least 17 from Dundy County. This barn travels to Lincoln who attended County’s elementary schools and is used by and joined. fourth-grade teachers to help promote agriculture. Those charter members were: Kelly Ambler, In 2011, the board initiated the Lincoln County Myron Bakewell, Harvey Brown, Russell Scholarship, and multiple $500 scholarships Johnson, Eugene Kramer, Clarence Lanka, Elton have been awarded to high school seniors. Dan Lanka, Robert Leach, Russell Lorentzen, Robert McKeon and Sarah Bomark were selected for McPherrin, Charles Opela, Curtis Parker, Harvey the NFBF Leadership Academy in 2012. Sarah Parker, Robert Perry, Harvey Raynard and Bomark was elected president in October 2012, Lewis Wescoat. Officers were elected as follows: and she held the office for two years. Melodie president, Clarence Lanka; vice president, Harvey Loostrom was selected for the Leadership Brown; secretary, Russell Lorentzen; and treasurer, Academy in 2013. In October 2014, Lincoln Harvey Parker. Lanka served only until October County became the first county to have co- when he declined nomination to serve further. Presidents, Sarah Bomark and Chris Miller, To succeed him, Harvey Brown was elected and and they still hold this office. LeAnn Miller re-elected for a total of 10 successive years. was selected for the 2015 Leadership Academy. It was decided to meet monthly, at first in the lodge building, then in the schoolhouse and even Alice Phelps, 1992 county history chairman at the Whiteway Cafe. A few meetings were held Beth Sheets, 2015 county history chairman in homes of members. In 1976, we had moved to the Logan County Courthouse meeting room. The privilege of having a part in the policy development Logan County process is what has interested our members from the beginning. We have sent in policy resolutions ESTABLISHED APRIL 1962 almost every year. CENTENNIAL 2062 Farm Bureau Women The organization of the Logan County Farm The women’s work has been an integral part and Bureau followed a dinner meeting on April 24, has contributed in numerous ways to the success 1962, in the Stapleton Presbyterian Church of Logan County Farm Bureau. The work received basement. A sizable number of area farmers and a needed impetus when Wilma Bakewell was ranchers had been invited by Nebraska Farm appointed chairman in the fall of 1973. Shortly

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 149 following the annual meeting of Nebraska Farm in 1966, Barbara Allen published the letter for Bureau Federation in December, Wilma also about a year. Following that, Anita Brown did the received an appointment to the State Women’s letter for another year. Nothing was done after Committee for District 6. In translating her inspi- that until 1973 when the publication was begun ration from contacts at the state level into action on a monthly basis by Wilma Bakewell. This has at the local level, she succeeded in organizing the continued until the present time. women into a separate group of Farm Bureau The Logan County Fair is regularly held the Women, subordinate to the main organization. third week of August. Logan County Farm Bureau Many successful projects were conducted participated with free watermelon for fair-goers in through this arrangement. A listing would include 1964 and 1965. From 1975 to 1985, free ice water the following: participation in the Citizenship/ or iced tea was served, and we usually had a booth Safety Seminar, contributions to the Charles in the exhibit hall illustrating some theme, service Marshall Educational Loan Fund, cookbook, Ag or Farm Bureau philosophy. A popular attraction in in the Classroom, Poster Contest, Talent Contest, 1976, the nation’s Bicentennial, was a large scroll, Meet Your Candidate Night and Scrapbook a replica of the U.S. Constitution with the original Project. In 1974, the women sent the first student signatures and space for visitors to add their names. to the Farm Bureau youth seminar at Lincoln with registration and transportation provided. This was Parade Float repeated with two to four students each year since, In connection with the fair, a parade is held each with a total of 51 receiving the experience. third year. The earliest mention of a float to be found in the secretary’s minutes is 1967. An Money Raised for Loan Fund outstanding float that won some awards was built Money for the Educational Loan Fund has been for the Bicentennial by Robert McPherrin and raised in a number of ways. There is an offering Myron Bakewell. This float on a 20-foot-long bed container placed on the table for voluntary contri- had a blue star-studded half arch with the liberty butions at all board and other meetings. Other bell suspended from the top. ways include a quilt raffle, flea markets, meals In January 1975, Logan County Farm Bureau served to the public at Fourth of July celebrations, entered into an agreement with Lincoln and Thomas and profits from the sale of cookbooks, which were counties to form and operate a multi-county Farm composed of recipes contributed by Logan County Bureau office. In July of the same year, McPherson Farm Bureau members. Last but not least is the County was accepted into the association. Each Scrapbook Project, which began in 1970 and has county had one representative on the governing won honors at state competition. board. The office was located in North Platte in Myron Bakewell has been membership Lincoln County and was financed by each county campaign manager much of the time during Logan paying an amount based on its membership total. County Farm Bureau history. An important benefit The goal of this venture was to provide better from the women’s program is that Farm Bureau insurance services, especially for the smaller becomes much more visible to the public eye as a counties. The experience left some doubt as to the result of the projects mentioned above. “Belonging” value of this arrangement, plus various problems, so becomes more attractive to a prospective member. in 1980, it was voted to phase out the arrangement. Realizing the importance of having a newsletter Logan County members continue to receive for the organization, President Harvey Brown reasonably good service under a new arrangement. endeavored to find a capable person to publish We are told that members are the lifeblood of the it. Judy Lanka produced a few letters, and then organization. It is to be noted from the secretary’s

150 LOGAN – LOUP

minutes that the board voted in November of that first year to try to increase the number of members from the original 17 to 32. Our sparse records do not show how many years it took to reach the magical 32, but I’m quite sure we didn’t make it the second year. Membership drives took place with another member or perhaps a field man or insurance agent. Gradually our numbers increased until 1980, when with the aid of a sharp insurance agent, a spurt put us into the 100 bracket. From 1992 Until the Present Logan County Farm Bureau continued to be of the state Farm Bureau office helped with the active with an aging membership and in many organization. Nineteen farm families were members. cases, women filling the roles of county board The first elected officers were David Petersen, members and officers. Around 2010, our president; Glen Naab, vice president; Bonnie treasurer passed away, and we had no access to Dunbar, secretary; and Lyle Dilsaver, treasurer. the bank account. Following the resignation of a At the second meeting on March 7, 1962, president who had faithfully kept us active until Eldon Schnoor, the Central District Field Director, she could no longer do it, we met infrequently was present to help with development, duties and and were more socially than policy driven. We policy of the Farm Bureau organization. reorganized in late 2015 with a new board and In succeeding monthly meetings, Schnoor some younger members who showed interest in continued to meet with us. We decided to use policy development as well as ag promotion and the three county commissioner districts of Loup education. We are currently meeting regularly and County as the Farm Bureau Districts and to elect making plans to have a presence at the county three board members from each district. fair. This will be celebrated with a large influx of “outsiders” in our community on August 21, Early Activities 2017, the date of the lunar eclipse—during which We elected county, state and national affairs our county seat, Stapleton, is noted as one of the leaders. We participated in the county fair in outstanding places to be. August by decorating a booth and having a float in the parade. We became involved in policy devel- Myron Bakewell, 1992 county history chairman opment and prepared for the first annual meeting Judy Lanka, 2016 county history chairman in October. In 1963, the organization added a few new members. Monthly meetings were held with approximately 15 members in attendance. We Loup County learned more about the functioning of Farm ESTABLISHED JANUARY 1962 Bureau, its role in policy development, insurance, CENTENNIAL 2062 farm and ranch supplies, and membership drives. In 1965, Russell Peterson was our president and The Loup County Farm Bureau was organized at Glen Naab our secretary. Reita Petersen was the a banquet meeting held in the Evangelical United women’s chairman. That year we were influential Church basement in January 1962. Henry Kuhlman in promoting Highway 91 construction west of

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 151 Taylor and sent a delegation to Lincoln to meet In 1978, Elmer Gall, Director of Field Services with the highway commissioners and Governor for the Northeast District, discussed the drink Morrison. container deposit bill and the Michigan fruit We were active in tax issues, and in 1965, Loup program. David Petersen was elected president again County valuation per acre was $18. We had a in 1979. We secured a new farm and ranch tire 100 percent renewal of membership and were the and battery handler. Aletha Petersen was presented only county in the state to achieve that goal. We a Farm Bureau jacket for her efforts as Women’s joined the Nebraska Rural Radio Association. In Chairman for many years. In 1980, Roland Petersen 1966, Roland Stone was our president. We made was again at the helm as president. membership quota of 69 members. We had an average meeting attendance of 30 people. County Farm Bureau Incorporated In 1970, Roland Petersen became president. In In 1981, Eugene Cone was elected the new 1972, Raliegh Bolli was the new president. We had president. It became necessary at this time to incor- the FFA boys build a picnic table, which we donated porate the organization. Topics of discussion at to Taylor Park. “Operation Citrus” came into being meetings included the erosion control bill, veter- at this time, and we voted to be a participant. inary college bill and land use planning. In 1973, we held the usual monthly business George Hodson was the new president in meetings. We reached our membership goal of 1983, and Farm Bureau cookbooks were available 88 members. At this time, we decided to serve with proceeds benefitting the Charles Marshall rolls and milk to livestock exhibitors at the Loup Loan Fund. Aletha Petersen became a member of County Fair. the State Women’s Committee. In April, Roland Petersen died, a great loss as he was active in all Rural Zoning Organized phases of Farm Bureau. In 1974, Richard Hodson was the new president, and In 1984, we made membership quota by April in 1975, dues were raised to $30. We sponsored and qualified for a trip to Nashville. In 1985, a citizenship contest in school, and we donated Wayne Sweley was the new president. “Ag in the $50 toward construction of a school concession Classroom” began at this time. Eugene Cone was a stand. In 1975, we were active in cooperating with member of the State Finance Board. the Loup County commissioners on rural zoning Bill Pearson presented a slide show about the and land use planning. We were interested in the construction of the Calamus Dam and Reservoir possibility of a marketing organization. Women’s during a 1986 meeting. In 1987, the new president chairman Aletha Petersen had been successful was Alan Petersen. We decided to work on in getting representatives to go to the Youth reviewing all insurance policies once a year. Citizenship Seminar. In 1988, Aletha Petersen attended the American Alvin Nielsen was the new president in 1976, Farm Bureau Convention in New Orleans, and in 1977, John McFadden became president. Louisiana, as a member of the State Women’s County Sheriff Charlie Nekuda reported to Committee. John McFadden was elected president members on new jail standards that would affect in 1989. Loup County. Glen Nabb, our secretary-treasurer for 12 The 1990’s years, was presented a wristwatch for his years of In 1990, Glen Petersen was the president. We service. George Hodson was our local handler of supported the Loup County school basketball Safemark grease and oils. Gilbert Horn was intro- backboard project by donating $50. In 1991, duced as our District Director of Field Services. county women’s chairman Judy Petersen called

152 LOUP – MADISON on local Farm Bureau women to host a District Madison County Women’s meeting and salad luncheon, which was a successful meeting attended by 30 women. ESTABLISHED DECEMBER 1949 As of 1991, Glen Naab had been the treasurer CENTENNIAL 2049 for 26 years. In 1996, the dues were raised to $50 per year. From 1999 to 2005, John McFadden was a Director for District 6 on the NFBF board of directors and Sandy Schroder six years on the State Promotion and Education Committee.

2000-2015 Presidents that who held office in the last 15 years were Wayne Sweley and John McFadden, with John Schroder the current president. Travis Duryea was insurance agent from 2001 to 2015. Loup County always sponsored one student to the Nebraska Future Leaders Conference at The Madison County Farm Bureau had its early Aurora. Two delegates are always nominated to beginning linked with Extension. No reliable dates attend the State Convention. A potluck meeting for are available, but early minutes called this organi- all members is held in April with a guest speaker. zation “Madison County Farmers Non-Stock Every year we give a donation to the Post Prom Cooperative Association,” with dues set at $5. at Loup County School and to the Christmas The minutes of January 1940 record that a motion Jamboree. We provide rolls, juice and coffee for carried to name the new organization Madison the Horse Show at the Loup County Fair. We have County Agricultural Service. This ended all Farm always given to the Charles Marshall Loan Fund, Bureau ties. Ag in the Classroom, and the Young Farmers and Our Farm Bureau was organized with help Ranchers auction at NFBF Convention. from the Antelope County Farm Bureau. Interested Locally, we have given to Harrop Park, Beef farmers met at Miller Hall in Battle Creek on Drafts, Loup County Alumni Banquet at Taylor, December 5, 1949, and there were 17 charter the coloring contest at Loup County School, Loup members. Madison County received $89.50 from County 4-H Awards and the Taylor Library. Antelope County because some members trans- In 2013, because of the small attendance at ferred. James Brown was elected president, and Ed the meetings, Loup County merged with Garfield Sanne was named special agent. County for the meetings. In 2015, the annual In 1952, Harold Johnson was insurance meeting was held together as well. agent, and his wife helped keep records in their Current membership stands at 65. That is 101 home. County officers were required to help with percent of our goal with 100 percent renewals. records and correspondence that is now delegated to the office secretaries. Board meetings were held Karolyn McFadden and Dorothy Sweley, 2015 in members homes and county meetings in rural county history co-chairmen schoolhouses. The county office was opened in Battle Creek in 1956. An office secretary was hired, and the office was open three afternoons a week. County

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 153 meetings also were held there, as there was a feel this is a good chance for our farming neighbors kitchen and a large room for meetings. Rent was to ask questions and try to advance new ideas. $20 a month. Both rural and urban students have been invited The office was moved to East Norfolk Avenue to our Nebraska Farm Bureau Youth Citizenship/ in Norfolk in 1961 and was open on a daily Safety Seminar. Other programs supported by the basis. A Farm Bureau member, Harry Werner, county are Ag in the Classroom activities such as purchased this building and rented to Farm Ag Pen Pals, where farm families adopt classrooms Bureau. In 1968, plans were made at the annual from interested schools, write letters and visit the meeting to purchase this building, and through classes to answer questions and show urban children the years, it has been extensively remodeled. All about farming and where their food comes from. county meetings are held there except the annual We have also built a Learning Barn, which is meeting. This building is now occupied by one mobile and can be used by teachers to help teach agent, two secretaries and a claims agent when math, history and reading using farming and needed. There is more space for new agents, agricultural terminology. allowing for future growth. Of course Madison County Farm Bureau also A news item from the files of the Meadow offers scholarships to area high school seniors Grove News tells of a Farm Bureau picnic held advancing into ag-related courses in college or July 28, 1921, at the Andy Tomhagen grove one community colleges. In past years, we have helped mile east and one mile south of Battle Creek with area people interested in joining the Nebraska LEAD “several thousand “ attending. A taxi service program, as this program promotes leadership and from Battle Creek to the grove, a public telephone develops spokespersons for agriculture. and a first aid station were provided. Even a well We also locate and send young farmers to the was sunk to ensure plenty of water. Girl Scouts Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference to foster and Campfire Girls staffed a “kindernook” for interest in Farm Bureau and give young families babies and small children. Ball games, boxing and a community of friends to help them to continue wrestling matches, a band concert and a basket farming in years of farm difficulties. dinner were all part of the entertainment for the Our newest endeavor has been to help Nebraska day. In addition, 40 men were hired to be deputies Farm Bureau and the YF&R Committee start a for the day. Nebraska Collegiate Farm Bureau Organization The news item also stated: “It is the desire at Northeast Technical Community College at of the Farm Bureau that the farmer and the Norfolk. Here students already enrolled in ag- businessmen meet on a common ground and that related courses can come together to enjoy Farm there may be a more sympathetic understanding Bureau benefits such as scholarships and state and between the two.” county activities. In later years, many picnics were held at Through the years many of our members have Jackson Lake, north of Battle Creek, and even at given of their time and talents to keep Madison the Battle Creek City Park. As the annual picnic is County Farm Bureau a growing organization. no longer attended by our busy farming families, Some have gone on to serve at the state level, we have used our annual meetings as a way of including Bryce Neidig of Madison, who was helping our urban members learn more about our NFBF President from 1981-2002. ideas for the future. In 2015, our membership reached 1,366 farm We have held a supper for our state senator and urban members. each year to allow him a chance to explain decisions going on down at the State Capitol. We Diann Acklie, 2015 county history chairman

154 MADISON – MCPHERSON

McPherson County

ESTABLISHED 1962 CENTENNIAL 2062

The McPherson County Farm Bureau was organized in 1962. Dean Thompson was elected president and Ardenia Tupper secretary. The annual membership drive got underway in November. Member benefits include: a voice in government through full-time lobbyists at the Nebraska Legislature; the oppor- tunity to introduce a solution to problems through the County Policy Development Committee; a out around $50 each year. We sponsored and ran $500 property protection reward program; a the Horseshoe Contest and developed a traveling $1,500 accidental death policy; subscription to trophy, which has to be won three times in order to the Nebraska Agriculture paper (now Nebraska keep it. Farm Bureau News); and eligibility for member For several years, the County Farm Bureau had services, including the citrus fruits, juices, nuts and a talent find and safety poster contest in October. vegetables, oil, grease, computer record-keeping A singing group was organized with the following services and insurance. women singing at different times: Carol Moore, The Farm Bureau Year Mary Schmidt, Marj Pinkerton, Helen Trumbull, Alice Lutes, Geneva Connell, Anna Pinkerton, January is national convention time. Don Moore Pauline Waits, Ilene Daly, Eileen Kugler and was elected to the Nebraska Farm Bureau Board of Kathy Starr, with piano accompaniment by Tina Directors, and he and his wife, Carol, attended the Christiansen. national convention in Orlando, Florida, in 1984, with Don serving as a voting delegate. February Annual Meetings is the month for the Nebraska Farm Bureau The McPherson County Farm Bureau has been Women’s Mid-Winter Conference, a two-day inactive except for annual meetings. Tammy meeting to stimulate the organization. In March, Fiechtner served as president from fall 2013 the McPherson County woman-at-large selects and through October 2016. At the October 10, 2016, the Farm Bureau sponsors interested high school annual meeting, Matthew Fiechtner was elected sophomores and juniors to the three-day Youth president. At the meeting, it was decided to meet Citizenship Seminar at Aurora. In June, McPherson minimally once a quarter to get the chapter up and County has a picnic or supper to welcome the new running again. There remains a strong desire to members and to acquaint them with the policies be part of the Nebraska Farm Bureau as members and services of Farm Bureau. work to serve Nebraska farmers and ranchers. County Fair Dorothy Kramer and Nona Moore, 1992 county Since the early 1970s, McPherson County Farm history chairmen Bureau has been in charge of the games and Tammy Fiechtner, 2016 county history chairman contests at the county fair. We conduct footraces called the Silver Dollar Races. Silver dollars being hard to get, other currency was given, and we give

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 155 Merrick County to attend a Lincoln meeting titled “What Community Farm Bureau Units Can Do.” ESTABLISHED MARCH 1944 CENTENNIAL 2044 Units Organized In August 1944, an ambitious three-day membership drive contacted potential members countywide, and the 100-member goal was achieved. Four units were organized: Gardner, Central City Community (later referred to as District 12), Clarks and Chapman. The enthusiastic membership drive achieved a base for a strong organization, but also brought out the opposition. In a letter to the Public Forum, an opponent charged Farm Bureau with spending taxpayer money to further its position in supporting the Extension Service:

“All organizations are formed to serve its members over their fellowman and this is evident in Farm Bureau,” he stated. “Farm Bureau is forcing the Extension Service on The Merrick County Farm Bureau was organized all local residents.” in March 1944 after a week’s campaign in the county for members. Definite plans for organi- In response, President Stander answered the zation and a countywide campaign were made, charges, stating that Farm Bureau used only half of and the following officers were elected: president, the $10 membership fee for the programs it partic- Earl Stander; vice president, Lloyd Nitzel; secre- ipated in and explained that while Farm Bureau tary-treasurer, Onen Simonson; board members, was sponsoring the Extension agent, county voters Clark Williams and Sanborn Booth. had balloted to establish the Extension Service. Membership was reported to be 50. Previously, In October 1944, a Booster Club was formed, much groundwork was done with the guidance designed to “keep things moving.” Membership of Buffalo County Farm Bureau. Assistance came was limited to “those who will work and not just from Dale and Adelaide Stubblefield, Shelton; sit and eat lunch.” This group met monthly, and its Herman Link, Ravenna; and H.R. Lippincott, first activity was to promote development of a Soil Gibbon, who had visited in home meetings with Conservation organization. key Merrick County leaders. At this first meeting, Art Holmburg, Gibbon, Non-Stock Association Formed spoke about the Mid-State Irrigation Plan and In January 1945, the Merrick County Farmers gave a map of the plan to be placed in the Non-Stock Co-Operative Association was formed Extension office. The Blue Cross plan for health at a special meeting. Elmer Stone, Noah Engel, was promoted, and committees were appointed Marion Marsh, Clark Williams and Leonard Kyes to serve on the irrigation project and to draft were elected to take care of commercial activities. a constitution and bylaws. Howard Peterson, Their first official action was to sign a contract to Buffalo County, explained the community unit enable units to participate in a statewide hybrid concept, and representatives were appointed seed corn production program. Other items

156 ΜERRICK

discussed were the boxcar shortage, the spoilage of all over the state, called the Round-Up Committee, large quantities of corn and a protest of the ceiling made plans for an intensive statewide membership on the price of live cattle. drive. Cash Baird was a member of this team. On the first anniversary of the county Elmer Stone was a member of the State Board organization, the membership goal was 300. of Trustees and presided over a Farm Bureau Membership chairman Marion Marsh headed 25 Leaders Conference in Norfolk. Lee Ferris served two-member teams who aimed to contact every as legislative chairman. farmer in the county in two days. Two hundred Warren Marsh, a member of the Board people attended the victory celebration, including of Directors in 1951, attended the national the 65 new members. convention in Seattle. State President Marshall and In 1944, the state Farm Bureau convention was Marsh were Nebraska’s voting delegates. held in Columbus. The Fairview Methodist Choir For one activity, the Merrick County Booster provided music for the vesper services. Director Club staged a Merrick County Farm Bureau Auto Warren Marsh belonged to the Gardner Unit, as Insurance Charter Members Banquet. did most of the 32 choir members. Four units were still active in 1961: Clarks, At the state convention in Holdrege in 1945, Chapman, Gardner and District 27. Membership Elmer Stone was elected to membership on the dues had gone from $10 to $20. Chairman Dick Nebraska Farm Bureau Board of Trustees. Charles Lippincott said dues had been at $10 for 18 years. Marshall succeeded C.Y. Thompson as state Merrick County had an office on Main Street president. At a well-attended picnic, Gov. Val in Central City. After Cash Baird and Henning Peterson was speaker. There were mixed feelings Johnston, Earl Glenn was the new agent. about the Mid-State Project. The program people The tape “The Naked Communist,” by Cleon invited H.R. Lippincott of Gibbon, a member of Skousen, who had been a convention speaker, was the Mid-State staff, to explain project features. purchased. Every unit used it for a program. It was At a picnic in 1948, The Plainsmen from a powerful history of the Communist Party and its KFAB radio furnished plenty of laughs and fun future plans. for everyone. Meetings adapted to circumstances. One Farm Bureau Women unit postponed the meeting so the men could Members of the Farm Bureau Women had finish haying. Chapman changed the night of the developed a program of their own, and with meeting from Thursdays to Wednesdays in hopes leadership at the state level, conducted a vigorous of better attendance, because folks were already program at the local level. The Nurses Loan in town “trading.” Fund began, as well as a Talk Meet and Talent These get-togethers provided a showcase for Find Contest. Citizenship and Safety Programs local talent after the business was done. Talents were developed, and there were guests from other included plays, skits, and piano and instrumental places. Mrs. Ed Niimi from Hawaii had won a solos and duets. Even bands were formed. A young trip to the mainland and visited in Nebraska for Ramona Myers sang at one of those meetings, not 10 days. Warren and Virginia Marsh hosted an knowing that one day she would be the county’s Australian Farm Bureau couple. first women’s chairman. Fairview Choir sang at state convention again in 1962. Ladd Reeves served as the youth member State Leadership on the Nebraska Farm Bureau Board of Directors, Merrick County provided state leadership in many and Rosalie Lippincott was a member of the State positions. An eight-person committee of men from Women’s Committee.

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 157 Unit meetings were discontinued in 1965, as members of the and the first countywide meeting was a pancake policy development supper. Earl Brandes was appointed tax coordi- committee. nator. His job was to inform members about taxes Merrick County and encourage them to write letters and to talk to Farm Bureau started public officials expressing farm views. a Grassroots Award Ed Gerlach, a member of the state board in 1996 to recognize a of directors, was chairman of the Petition county member who Commission. Its objective was to eliminate the has showed leadership property tax in favor of sales and income tax at the county level. on the ballot. Farm Bureau had a stand on most The county Farm amendments and worked hard at keeping the Bureau provided T-shirts in 2013 for all the 4-H membership informed. and FFA Merrick County exhibitors. A new shirt The first of many annual turkey suppers was designed and provided again in 2016. began in 1965. Laverne Hartford was president. In the early 1990s, the county started hosting a Two hundred people attended and heard Bob pork barbecue at the county fair as a fundraiser for Thompson, Nebraska Farm Bureau chief admin- providing funds for college scholarships. Scholarships istrator, speak. The turkey suppers were served at opportunities are available to high school seniors annual meetings until 1975. whose parents are Farm Bureau members. The county office moved to larger quarters Merrick County has provided many people in 1967. The animal health products had been for state leadership roles. Jay Ferris has held a very successful. Sales of more than $5,000 made variety of positions in the NFBF in Lincoln. Greg Merrick County second in the state. There were Senkbile was the District 2 board representative more new programs, including estate planning and until he stepped down to run for state legislature. farm record keeping. Mark McHargue finished his term. He ran for the position and won, and then became vice president. Citrus Program Conceived Don Benner completed the rest of Mark’s term. Merrick County members like to think the idea for Don has been the District 2 board representative the citrus program was conceived in our county. for two terms. Numerous SLPC and YF&R volun- One of our members presented the state office with teers have come from Merrick County as well. a case of fruit straight from Florida and suggested When the Leadership Academy began, Don direct sales between Farm Bureau growers and Benner was a graduate of the inaugural class. Nebraska consumers. Other graduates from Merrick County include: In November 1978, the county board of Steve Kyes, Shane Greving, Andrew McHargue directors voted to buy the Turner Building, and and Chris Herbig. we moved again. In the 1980s, finances were tight. In 2015, the county building was sold to the We had to be inventive. Membership grew by 200, current agent, Shannon Hannapel. even though dues were increased. The Merrick County Farm Bureau is always In 1985, Norman and Sue Krug were selected working to support the agricultural way of life at as Nebraska Farm Bureau’s Outstanding Young all levels. Farmer and Rancher Award winners. Other county members filling state positions were John Rosalie Lippincott, 1992 county history chairman McHargue as annual meeting parliamentarian, Don Benner, 2016 and Rosalie Lippincott and Mary McHargue

158 MERRICK – MORRILL

Morrill County The Exchange One of the original projects requested by Farm ESTABLISHED FEBRUARY 1918 Bureau was the Exchange. This was a pretty big CENTENNIAL 2018 problem, and some effort was made to find markets for hay, beans, potatoes and other produce. Markets were found and a number of purchases made, but the office was too small to handle the flow of business. The project was not dropped, but efforts were made to create a farmer’s selling agency that would market their own products. During the summer, the idea grew, and with ideas from other agents, the Extension force and the secretary of state, the Potato Exchange was created. Farm Bureau was asked to help get a county fair going. The fair was made more educational with high-quality exhibits. The fair was a success, paying off indebtedness and becoming very popular. The Morrill County Farm Bureau was organized in In March 1921, a membership drive was held, February 1918. H.A. McComb was the first agent, and 525 members were secured. The county was starting on March 1, 1918. Much of the early work divided into precincts, which were found to be was emergency and existing war organizations. unsatisfactory in many cases because of size. Some Among the projects started by this new organi- constitutional changes were made to the organi- zation were pest control, including grasshoppers, zation. The Executive Board was to consist of three potato beetle and beet webworm. men and three women elected at large and one Grasshoppers Ravaged Alfalfa member from each precinct. They were hoping this arrangement would make closer contact between the The grasshoppers were ravaging the alfalfa fields. office and the farmers. The loss was heavy, so much that in 1918 the second The policy of Farm Bureau may be summed up cutting of alfalfa was almost a total failure and the as follows: third a partial one. In some fields, the plants had been eaten so close that many plants died. A number of 1. To support the Extension Service in farmers poisoned and successfully laid the foundation Morrill County. for an extensive campaign in 1919. The loss on the 2. To promote cooperation among farmers. next year’s crop was down to a minimum. 3. To assist in any way possible the devel- The cattle industry had considerable losses from opment and growth of cooperative blackleg, although a large number had been vacci- association. nated. The Hall & Graham Ranch did considerable work to advertise the serum, but this only affected In 1922, tuberculosis testing work was part of the county. done by local veterinarians. About 100 head People in the county had been trying to plant trees of cattle had been tested through the influence but without much success. It was found that a few of Farm Bureau. unreliable firms had been making this an unloading place for inferior stock. After the agent made a list of recommended planting, the results were better.

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 159 Beet Tours Our membership has fluctuated with the times. Farm Bureau was instrumental in starting the Beet We were very strong, and in 1921, we had 525 Tours in the Panhandle. The first one was held on members. September 6, 1922. They visited 16 farms. In the 1930s, we averaged 71 members. In the Groups were formed in the 1920s for boys and 1940s, we averaged 86 members. In the 1950s, we girls. One pig club was organized with 11 boys. averaged 166 members. In the 1960s, we averaged Three cooking clubs also were organized. 161 members. In the 1970s, we averaged 191 Farm Bureau also furnished laborers to members. In the 1980s, we averaged 151 members. farmers during the year. By keeping farmers We’ve had different agents and office assistants informed as to the current wages, price of harvest through the years. Many people have devoted a lot labor, beet hauling and corn shucking, costs were of time and energy to this organization. To those kept at a minimum. people we say, “thank you!” Women have always been a part of Farm Bureau. Morrill County Farm Bureau held the regular They started by having lectures on millinery and meeting with Forest Carnine and District Rep for dress forms. They organized activities of all kinds, Membership Tim Horn. In the 2001 annual meeting, from family picnics to annual meetings. Jeff Metz and Dan Carnine were invited to join the Morrill County Farm Bureau and Morrill board. Later, when Morrill County Farm Bureau County Farmers Non-Stock Coop Association extended an invitation to area producers to testify separated from the Extension Service. against the insane prairie dog policy in Lincoln, Morrill County Farm Bureau purchased a Howard Daharsh, who did testify, considered Farm cement mixer and power sprayer to be used Bureau a worthy group to join. Soon Morrill County by members. Farm Bureau boasted nine board members. Now in In November 1947, the Board of Directors 2015, the board proudly has grown to 15 members, started looking for a ground-level office. The board including a FFA senior attending Bridgeport High had previously met at the Women’s Club, which School. Following is a list of accomplishments: was located in the downstairs of the library. The board members located an office on Main Street . Created, investigated, fine-tuned the process and and purchased their present building in April 1971. declared Morrill County first Livestock Friendly The building had been a feed store previously; it County. was remodeled as funds were available. We now . In an attempt to balance monetary gifts to clubs have an office of which the members are proud. that may not sell animals, we donated cash to The Board has always been active in the each club in 4-H club in Morrill County for community. In 1947, it formed a committee to study several years. the conditions of the roads in Morrill County. Farm Bureau members have always tried to have . Donation of bottled water and ice to shade tent interesting annual meetings. In 1949, they offered one day during Morrill County Fair. prizes: for the men, wrenches; for the women, . Donation of bottled water and ice to shade tent baking dishes; and as a grand prize, a $5 bill. on sale day during Morrill County Fair.

Many Changes Through the Years . Desiring to create an opportunity for our Morrill County Farm Bureau has had many members to meet politicians, we invited and different faces through the years. The office has hosted many at the annual meeting, including sold insurance, animal health products, tires and candidates for governor, senators, congressmen, batteries, and now food products from other states. state treasurer and attorney generals.

160 MORRILL – NANCE

. Farm Bureau booth, occasionally in collaboration Nance County with insurance agent, at Morrill County Fair. ESTABLISHED DECEMBER 1917 . One or two board members to policy conference CENTENNIAL 2017 every year since 2002. . The Morrill County Board has sent one member at least, to attend Legislative conference in Lincoln since 2004. . Reached out to begin a conversation with area farmers/ranchers who may be interested in selling acreage to confinement livestock, specifi- cally the dairy industry. . Provided informational meetings about land trusts or conservation groups to help area farmers/ranchers understand possible pitfalls selling/donating for promised preservation. Farm Bureau was first organized in Nance County . Annual day trip to Scottsbluff for board members in December 1917 for the purpose of conducting or any members to offices of district represen- Extension work. In a yearly report for 1918, tative, congressman and senators often with J.E. Hogue reviewed various projects such as oat kick-off breakfast with NFBF official or two. and wheat smut treatment, seed corn selection, potato scab and orchard pruning. Livestock . Board supported Jeff Metz to year as state board projects included hog cholera control and blackleg member by allowing him to not be president. treatment. A map of Nance County showed . 2009 created scholarship of $300 to traditional community committees in all townships of the or continuing student, increasing to two scholar- county. It was also noted that some reports were ships in 2013. not completed because of an influenza epidemic. . The board prompted and assisted Dan Carnine The 1920s to approach Nebraska legislature with District Representative Ken Schilz to testify about hay The Nance County Farm Bureau continued working trailer law to more closely match our neigh- through the early years of the 1920s, under the boring states laws (successful). direction of J.P. Ross. Other livestock clubs were organized, and the September 10, 1925, edition of . Annual visits begun in 2010 to both Morrill The News-Journal carried an article about members County schools within District 63 to gift four of the Loup Valley Baby Beef Club showing their first-grade classes an animal husbandry infor- baby beeves at the Nebraska State Fair. mation book, written in age-appropriate style, for In 1924, a petition was circulated for contin- them to take home. Purchased proudly by Morrill uation of Extension work in Nance County. On County Farm Bureau. Those involved brought September 1, 1924, 322 names in support of samples of grains and fodder that would be fed to Extension work were filed with the county clerk. the animals that are discussed in the book. However, within seven days, a counter petition was filed and enough signatures were obtained Lynn Sacco, 1992 county history chairman to throw the question before the people at the Regina Rhodes, 2015 county history chairman November 4 general election. On Election Day,

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 161 the vote for the continuation of Extension work The 1940s carried by 196 votes. A 1942 report gives a review of the previous seven On March 1, 1924, J.P. Stack became agent years. It shows that great difficulties were faced for the Nance County Farm Bureau, and the first in conducting Extension work. Rainfall had been Achievement Day was held. Reporting of the much below normal, and crops had been very poor work was done by township and included vacci- or had failed completely. Many officers and leaders nating cattle for blackleg and hogs for cholera. of various projects left the county because of the Boys’ clubs working with ropes and small engines drought and the Depression. With the United were organized, as were girls’ and women’s clubs States’ entry into WWII in 1941, the program of for canning and sewing. Other projects included work was enlarged to include victory gardens and work with seed testing, fruit tree care and rodent salvage metal drives. (prairie dogs, gophers) eradication. Poultry work Activities continued with 4-H clubs, women’s included caponizing and culling. clubs, and crop and livestock demonstrations. Work also was being done during these years However, there apparently was less involvement in on potatoes, using seed obtained from outside the federal government relief and assistance programs, state. One township, Loup Ferry, had an active spray as previously named agencies became functional. ring, which treated fruit trees for disease and insects, The name change from “Nance County Farm resulting in increased yields. In 1927, seedling trees Bureau” to “Nance County Extension Service” for windbreak planting were made available for the was adopted at the 1942 annual meeting. There first time in Nance County. apparently was no Farm Bureau presence in Nance County from January 1943 to September 1961, The 1930s when Nance County Farm Bureau reorganized at a Reports of activities in 1932 and 1933 noted meeting of 16 interested people held at the home of that Farm Bureau owned a car, which was being Paul and Fern Smith near Fullerton. operated for about four cents per mile. The 1933 report noted that Farm Bureau received support 65th County to Affiliate from state, federal and county funds. No mention Nance County Farm Bureau was the 65th county was made of the amount of state and federal to affiliate with the Nebraska Farm Bureau funds, but the level of county funding was $2,000 Federation. During the next 30 years, Nance per year. This was used to pay the agent, office County Farm Bureau continued to grow as a farm assistant, telephone, postage, telegraph, and car organization helping effect change at the local, travel and expenses. Membership had reached a state and national levels. Members have served high of nearly 500 members in the early 1920s. on state boards and committees from the board A 1934 report told of the organization by Farm of directors to the state women’s committee. The Bureau of the Nance County Farmers Non-Stock county Farm Bureau sponsored participants in Cooperative Association with its officers being the the Youth Citizenship and Safety Seminars for same as the county Farm Bureau. As a reward for many years. Students from Fullerton and Genoa outstanding work done by committeemen or club High Schools represented Nance County well. leaders, two people were selected as delegates Several were chosen to return the following year as to “Organized Agriculture,” which was held junior counselors or to attend the National Youth yearly at the state college. Starting at this time, Conference held each year in Missouri. much of the effort of the agent and office help The Nance County Farm Bureau has supported was devoted to government programs, including the county fair program by staffing a booth each drought relief work. year and by contributing to the premium fund for

162 NANCE – NEMAHA

4-H, FFA and open class exhibitors. Participation Each year two scholarships are awarded to in the 4-H and FFA animal sale usually has graduating seniors at the two county high schools. included the purchase of a market beef, pig and Donations also are made to the 4-H livestock sheep to provide additional incentive for 4-H and auction and 4-H incentive funds. Nance County FFA exhibitors. Nance County Farm Bureau also also is purchasing T-shirts for 4-H exhibitors. At supports the Red Cross Bloodmobile program. the Nance County Fair, Farm Bureau has made homemade ice cream and served it to fairgoers at Participation in Visitation Programs the fair booth. Participation in the Legislative Assistants Visitation The Nance County Farm Bureau is now making Program by Vern and Marilyn Sonderup was plans for its 100th anniversary in 2017. interesting for them and other Nance County Farm Bureau members because of the opportunity the Dana Peterson, 2015 county history chairman program gave to learn about the work of legislative aides. In turn, it helped the legislative aides learn firsthand Nebraska’s agriculture story. Nemaha County Nance County Farm Bureau members Dan and Teri Choat, and Mark and Kathy Sonderup also ESTABLISHED DECEMBER 1935 found their experience with hosting a young person CENTENNIAL 2035 from the Omaha area through the first AgLink Program to be rewarding. Starting in 1980 and continuing through the 1991 membership year, Nance County experienced continued membership growth by obtaining its membership goal each of the 11 years, growing from 122 to 276 in 1991. 1992 to Present The Nance County Farm Bureau has held a member banquet in November for many years with a speaker from the Nebraska Farm Bureau. Nance County annually sponsors members to the Farmers and Ranchers YF&R winter conference. Ryan and Beth Sonderup have been on the YF&R Committee A Farm Bureau organization was formed in and were members of the Leadership Academy. Nemaha County in December 1935 for the Nance County members have been winners of purpose of promoting Extension work. This was the State YF&R discussion meet contests three reported by County Agent Fred Siefer. A temporary times. Several families in the county have been board consisted of Albert Engles, Arch Hosterman, involved in the Ag Pen Pals program. Donations Mrs. Cassius Kennedy, Mrs. W.H. Bock and Lee also have been made annually to the Ag in the Erisman. Severe weather conditions hampered the Classroom program, for memberships in collegiate progress until June 1936 when a membership drive Farm Bureau, Husker Food Connection at UNL, produced 141 members with dues of $5. local post prom and the Nebraska Farm Bureau The temporary board was made the permanent Foundation. Nance County also has had members board with A.F. Engles, chairman; Arch Hosterman, on the State Promotion and Education Committee, vice chairman; and Mrs. W.H. Bock, secretary- now called the Ag Promotion Committee. treasurer. Advisory committee members were

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 163 appointed from each precinct: Benton, Edward Legislation a Priority Reimers, Mrs. C. H. Durst; Washington, Mrs. Legislation has always been a priority. The first Edwin Hahn, Emil Rogge; Nemaha, Mrs. J.F. project was helping Sen. Robert Armstrong formulate Heskett, John B. Smith; Brownville, Ben Moore, a bill concerning control of bindweed. In 1938, the Mrs. Lloyd Wheeldon; London, Mrs. Abe Nemaha County Non-Stock Cooperative was formed Lawrence, Clarence Lash; Douglas, Clarke Susong, for petroleum business, under the management of Mrs. Otis Magor; Peru, Arthur Rogers, Mrs. Sam Alva Owens. Adequate funds to sponsor Extension Majors; Glen Rock, Mrs. Earl Moody, J.S. Clarke; work continued to be a problem, so in 1940, a Lafayette, Lloyd Nichols, Mrs. L.L. Quante; petition was filed, and the appropriation for county Aspinwall, Thomas J. Howard, Mrs. Elmo Mccann; tax funds was passed at the November election. Bedford, Wm. Bohling Jr., Mrs. Harold Smith. In 1940, the Nemaha County Non-Stock Expenditures for that first year were $530.48. Cooperative loaned $200 to Farm Bureau so the Activities included a picnic attended by 200 people year’s expenses could be met. In 1942, the county fair with a program of 4-H demonstrations, a panel was cancelled because of the war so Farm Bureau discussion of Farm Bureau activities, a lecture by sponsored a county 4-H show. In 1944, board Clay Westcott and an address by former Governor members were paid 50 cents per meeting and four Weaver on soil conservation. A corn show was cents per mile for each meeting attended. This was sponsored in 1936 with 22 10-ear entries of corn changed to $1 a meeting in 1946, and dues were and 40 in attendance. P.H. Stewart, Extension changed to $10. This was paid by 315 members. agronomist, judged the entries and discussed seed With Homer Matthews as president, a resolution corn selection and hybrid corn. was adopted by the board to give the president The 1937 officers were: I.W. Wheeler, president; authority to appoint a committee of 16 members Guy Redfern, vice president; Mrs. W.H. Bock, to draft a constitution for an Extension organi- secretary-treasurer; Mrs. Cassius Kennedy and zation. At the annual meeting, the constitution was Henry Oestmann. The 485 members were affil- approved. The Extension Service separated from iated with the state and national organizations. Farm Bureau on October 27, 1952. Each precinct elected three officers, one of whom A meeting place was an early priority. Meetings was a woman. Appointed supervisors carried out were held in the county agent’s office until February Extension programs in each precinct. 1956, when Farm Bureau established an office on the second floor of the Wells Building on Court Silver Loving Cup Award House Avenue. In 1962, the Helms Building on the At the State Convention, Nemaha County was street level was rented for $25 a month. In 1955, awarded a Silver Loving Cup for having the the office moved to the Charles Apple Building most ideal Farm Bureau program. A Cooperative on Highway 75. In 1973, $1,000 was invested Creamery was organized in 1937. Two Farm in a building fund, money was borrowed and Bureau members served on the Creamery board in donations were solicited to buy the brick building an advisory capacity. Free ice cream was served at on Highway 75. The first meeting was held there Farm Bureau and 4-H gatherings. on October 20, 1975, and the last payment on A special committee, consisting of Mrs. Otis the building was made February 1, 1991, with a Magor, I.W. Wheeler and George Kennedy, was mortgage burning at the annual banquet. formed to canvass the county for rural electricity. Six hundred twenty-seven signers were obtained. Eight 50th Anniversary hundred and fifty farmers were given poison bran to There was a special 50th year celebration at the get rid of the grasshopper problem, costing $1,256. Auburn Eagles. A commemorative booklet listed

164 NEMAHA – NUCKOLLS

names of board members, presidents, women’s Ward Adams, 1962-67; Dan Gerdes, 1971-74; chairmen, membership chairmen, office assistants, Loyal Eitzman, 1975-80; Dan Gerdes, 1981; county agents and insurance agents. It is impos- Daryl Obermeyer, 1982; Loyal Eitzmann, 1983; sible to list all the projects sponsored through Herman Obermeyer, 1984; Ward Adams, 1985-89; the years. Some of the ones still important today Allyn Remmers, 1990; Lanny Williams, 1991; include a newsletter (since 1937), annual Farmer- Wayne Schlange, 1993; Wyman Pryor, 1994; Daryl Businessmen’s Banquet (1954), Nurses Loan Obermeyer, 1995-96; Marvin Bohling, 1997-2001; Fund (1954), plaque for service and devotion and Kevin Schlange, 2002-16. to agriculture (1962), Operation Citrus (1930), Unfortunately, Nemaha County Farm Bureau Youth Citizenship Seminar (1974), 4-H Award has experienced decreased activity and board (1974), 4-H Leaders Banquet (until 1970) and membership through the years, becoming less active. various civic projects. However, the county Farm Bureau and membership The Farm Bureau women have been active from remains strong as part of the Nebraska Farm Bureau the early years, but formally organized in 1954. Federation where they work to serve Nebraska Some of their projects included: driver’s training, farmers and ranchers. school books and meetings on Communism, and poster and essay contests on tractor safety. Donna Pryor, 1992 county history chairman Kevin Schlange, 2016 county history chairman Recent Activities The Nemaha County Farm Bureau participates in projects such as an ATV Safety Day Camp for Nuckolls County youth to learn proper and safe ways to drive ATVs. The Farm Bureau provides scholarships to gradu- ESTABLISHED JUNE 1962 ating seniors from schools in the county, Auburn CENTENNIAL 2062 Public Schools and Johnson Brock Public Schools. The county Farm Bureau has provided a free meal Nuckolls County Farm Bureau was formed on June at the county fair for 4-H participants and their 1, 1962, at a meeting in Nelson attended by 19 families. Tass Paul Armknect and her husband, persons. Those present voted unanimously to form Jake, both Farm Bureau Insurance agents, have the organization. It was the 81st county to affiliate helped with some of these projects. Through the with the state organization and the 19th to do so in years, Elaine Schlange (deceased 2014) was a very less than a year’s time. dedicated member of the Nemaha County Farm Nebraska Farm Bureau Director-at-Large Bureau, and her efforts both at the county and Henry Kuhlmann wrote about the meeting, “There state level were appreciated. was a desire among those present to take an active Nemaha County has been fortunate through part in bringing to the people of Nuckolls County the years to have very good leadership. They are as all the information possible as far as legislation is follows: Presidents: A.F. Engles, 1936; I.W. Wheeler, concerned on the state and national levels. 1937-38; Lloyd Nichols, 1939-40; Cassius Kennedy, “The hope was expressed in this meeting that 1941; Carl Argabright, 1942; Mrs. Art Rogers, we could soon, through our own organization, 1943; Roy Coulter, 1944-45; Austin Vanderford, start doing something about new uses for the 1946; Clarence Russell, 1947-51; Homer Matthews, products which the American farmer has a great 1952; Mel Moerer, 1953; Herman Bath, 1954; ability to produce.” R.W. Remmers, 1955-56; Eston Clarke, 1957-58; The uniform agreement between Nebraska Orville Gerdes, 1959; Wyman Pryor, 1960-61; Farm Bureau Federation and Nuckolls County

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 165 Farm Bureau was signed on June 6, 1962, by Gene campaign was advertised in newspapers, and 500 Ferebee as county president and Mrs. Jens Houtwed, circular letters were distributed in the county. secretary. Other officers were Chris Houtwed, vice Reports from about 100 farmers stated mixed president, and Mrs. James Watts, treasurer. results, from quite satisfactory to poor. The county organization became inactive in the It was announced at the third annual meeting on 1990s and was disbanded. According to insurance November 27, 1920, that the National Farm Bureau office sales associate Karen Peterson, the Nuckolls Federation was organized March 4, 1920, with one County Farm Bureau office in Nelson closed in million members. The principal plank in the Farm 1999. A Farm Bureau insurance office remains in Bureau platform was the securing of better markets Superior to provide that member service. for all farm products. Annual membership dues in 1921 were reduced to $6 from $10. The Otoe County Farm Bureau and the county Otoe County Extension Service were in conjunction until Farm Bureau directors voted in 1945 to split. Insurance ESTABLISHED MARCH 1918 coverage was added in 1948, with Chester Parker CENTENNIAL 2018 serving as Otoe County’s first Farm Bureau insurance agent. Property tax resolutions were discussed by Otoe County Farm Bureau voting delegates attending the 55th Nebraska Farm Bureau annual convention in 1973. The Otoe County Farm Bureau supported LB310 in 1977, requiring a deposit on all beverage containers sold at retail. It was felt such a deposit would force increased use of returnable bottles and recycling and halt the litter problem. In 1978, the two-story, wood-frame Otoe County Farm Bureau office building, which was built in 1881 and used by Farm Bureau since 1956, was sold for $20,000. A building was rented The Otoe County Farm Bureau was organized across the street, which would be the home of the March 1, 1918, with six members. Yancy Hedges Otoe County Farm Bureau for the next nine years. was elected the first president. Projects for 1918 were A grand opening was held in September 1987, organization, gopher eradication, orchard work, welcoming the Otoe County Farm Bureau into its livestock and crops. Gophers were quite pronounced newly purchased building. in Otoe County. The plan was to select a farmer from The first woman to serve as president in the each section in the county to handle the work and let Otoe County Farm Bureau history was Loreen neighbors know of the campaign on gophers, where Haupt. She served in 1978 and 1979. In 1981, to get poison and how to administer it. we reached our goal of 403 members. Don and The formula was one-eighth ounce strychnine, Glenis Hopp served as a host family for Nebraska one-eighth ounce sodium bicarbonate and Farm Bureau Federation’s Legislature Assistants one-eighth ounce saccharin. The method was to Visitation Program in 1989. slit open small potatoes, dip a pocket knife blade The Otoe County Farm Bureau had a very in the poison and draw it through the cut potatoes. successful three days of water testing for nitrates The cost of this formula was about 75 cents. This at the Otoe County Fair, August 14-16, 1989, in

166 NUCKOLLS – OTOE – PAWNEE

We’ve had a lot of participation from our county in the Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Rancher program, with many members attending the annual Young Farmer & Rancher Conference. Neil and Stephanie Stedman served on the Nebraska Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee 2010-2013. Brandon Essink of Syracuse was a member of Leadership Academy in 2016. Many members of the Otoe County Farm Bureau have enjoyed the Farm Bureau-sponsored baseball games held in Lincoln and Omaha. Ryan Rohl serves as our local Syracuse. A follow-up informational meeting was Farm Bureau insurance agent. held for those families having 10 mg. or higher The Otoe County Farm Bureau has experi- nitrate count in their well water. enced growth on and off through the years. We Each year the Otoe County Farm Bureau has an continue to be active in our community, support annual spring banquet featuring a guest speaker; youth in agriculture and have a strong desire to honoring an active, outstanding Farm Bureau farm elevate Nebraska Farm Bureau as we work to serve family; honoring an outstanding business of the Nebraska farmers and ranchers. year; and recognizing 40-year the Otoe County Farm Bureau members. At the spring banquet Cheryl Grundman, Norman F. Neemann and in 1989, we began the tradition of honoring the Hilma Neemann, 1992 county history committee oldest active farmer in Otoe County. George Biere Stephanie Stedman, Otoe County Farm Bureau of Nebraska City was the first honoree, followed vice president, 2016 county history chairman by Emma Cameron of Burr in 1990. Norman and Alma Rohlfing of Talmage were among 24 Nebraska Farm Bureau families Pawnee County participating in the Nebraska Farm Bureau Aglink program, which began in March 1990. Annually ESTABLISHED AUGUST 1962 two youths were selected to attend the Nebraska CENTENNIAL 2062 Farm Bureau Youth Safety and Citizenship Seminar in Aurora. Volunteer members work in On August 6, 1962, 20 people assembled to the Otoe County Farm Bureau fair booth each consider starting a Farm Bureau program in year, and a float is entered in the county fair Pawnee County. Henry Kuhlmann, fieldman- parade. We participate in the schools and compile at-large for Nebraska Farm Bureau, explained an annual scrapbook. the purpose of Farm Bureau. The group voted The Otoe County Farm Bureau has a strong to organize a Pawnee County unit, and Robert board in place. Durimg the last several years, we Bartels was elected president. During the first year, have been supporting our county 4-H by attending members’ interests centered on the county budget its Foundation Banquet in January, purchasing a and taxes, Farm Bureau’s insurance program, the fair animal, providing drinks and food coupons wheat referendum and the income tax issue. to 4-H members and supporting the new Farmer At the second meeting on September 11, Olympics. We also have a booth at the Otoe 1962, 14 people attended, and seven signed up County Fair, which is held every year in July. as members. Meetings were held in the homes of

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 167 members for nearly 10 years. Gaining members was a slow process, with only 13 in 1966. Pawnee County has sponsored various Nebraska Farm Bureau projects through the years. These include the Nurses’ Loan Fund, the property tax referendum, the Charles Marshall Loan Fund, Operation Citrus and a donation to Hurricane Hugo victims in 1990. In cooperation with the Nebraska Wheat Growers’ Association, the women participated in a Bake-and-Take program in 1974. Pawnee County Farm Bureau has held Meet the Candidate sessions; under- written the Pawnee County Spelling Contest; Ross Brown, Louis Jasa, Jeanette Miller, Clifford paid for sheep, pork and dairy trophies at the Boehmer, Edwin Bredemeier, Billy Miller, Billy Laun, Pawnee County Fair; had a booth at the county Douglas Bernadt, John Bowen and Carol Sisco. fair for five years; and has sent youth to both the Special recognition goes to L.J. Duder, who citizenship and safety seminars, and delegates to served as secretary-treasurer for seven years; Young Farmers and Ranchers meetings. Citrus Coordinators Wayne North, Louis Jasa, Mrs. Leroy Benson was our first women’s Clifford Boehmer, Robert Freeman and Wilbur chairman. Others have been Mrs. Howard Fink; Gertrude Ehmen, who was both county Koester, Mrs. Joe Binder, Mrs. Dalen Beethe, and district women’s chairman; Mrs. L.J. Duder Mrs. John Ehmen, Mrs. L.J. Duder, Mrs. Richard for her promotion of the youth programs; Louis Morrison, Mrs. Richard Farwell and Mrs. Jasa and Ross Brown for their persistent efforts Robert Freeman. to gain new members; and Mr. and Mrs. Robert In 1974, we sponsored Debbie Whitney to Bartels for their dedication to Pawnee County the Nebraska Farm Bureau Youth Citizenship Farm Bureau. Seminar in Lincoln. Richard Morrison was sent Mr. and Mrs. Wayne North, Mr. and Mrs. to the Young Farmers and Ranchers Meeting in Louis Jasa, Mr. and Mrs. Johnny Bowen and 1975. John Heineman and Rene Kent attended the Robert Freeman enjoyed the trips to Washington, citizenship seminar in 1976. Julie Dougherty and D.C., for gaining membership quotas, in 1972 to Suzanne Sitzman attended the 1977 citizenship 1976. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bartels attended the seminar. Lori Albers attended the 1978 citizenship Houston convention in 1971, and Mr. and Mrs. seminar and received a scholarship. Bobby Smith Clifford Boehmer enjoyed a trip to Chicago that and Joe Gyhra attended the youth safety seminar Farm Bureau sponsored. Two of our members have in 1982. Dennis Gyhra and Nathan Bartels went been selected for Nebraska Farm Bureau offices. to the Young Farmers and Ranchers Meeting in Johnny Bowen served on the State Legislative 1985. In addition, Julie Dageford’s application for Policy Committee and Robert Bartels on the State a nurse’s loan was approved. Swine Advisory Committee. A family night was held in 1972 to celebrate On September 14, 1987, Pawnee County held Pawnee County Farm Bureau’s fourth consecutive its 25th observance and annual meeting at Sharon’s year of attaining its membership goal, which was Restaurant. Charter members Mr. and Mrs. Leo 72 members. In 1977, we had 95 members. Since Burgert and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bartels were 1962, the following have served as president: present. Clifford Boehmer presented an interesting Robert Bartels, Hilary Steuve, Henry deKoning, history of our slow-but-steady progress.

168 PAWNEE – PERKINS

In February 2004, membership chairman Perkins County Mildred Bartels won a free trip to the American Farm Bureau convention in Hawaii since our ESTABLISHED 1925 county made membership quota. Her husband, CENTENNIAL 2025 Robert, paid his own way. Also, in 2004, the board sponsored the Table Rock shop class to The Perkins County Farm Bureau was started in make a Learning Barn to be passed around to 1925 by a group of farmers interested in improving different Pawnee County classrooms to teach the farming conditions in the county. The first goal about agriculture. was to circulate petitions in order that a county Each March beginning in 2004, the county Extension agent could be hired. The message that board would stuff paper bags with ag products such the petition carriers used to get signatures was that as crayons, etc. These bags went to the three Pawnee Farm Bureau was a volunteer organization designed County fourth-grade classes, along with an expla- to better the life of the farmer. Each farmer in nation of each product by President Carol Sisco. Perkins County was asked to join Farm Bureau. In 2008, the Pawnee County Farm Bureau They also were asked to support and aid helped Jay Ferris and Jay Rempe support and the organization in carrying out its aims. It was campaign for Lavon Heidemann for Legislature explained that a farmer cannot be expected to get as a Friend of Agriculture and to earn a seat on help unless he asks for the same, and that he gets the University Regents board. The board has as much out of an organization as he puts into it. sponsored other Meet The Candidate meetings. There were no membership fees, and anyone living The board gained an active young agriculture in Perkins County could be a voting member. product farmer, Dennis Schaardt. We are always In 1925, more than 150 farmers signed seeking new members. In July 2014, Dennis petitions to have a county Extension agent hired. Schaardt and Lavon Heidemann, along with Gov. Again in 1928, petitions were circulated to Heineman, worked to designate Pawnee County maintain an Extension agent, and 426 signatures Livestock Friendly. For a few years, Pawnee County were secured. The petition circulators were volun- Farm Bureau was unable to gain its membership teers asked to do the work by the Farm Bureau quota due to insurance agent differences. board and the county Extension agent. Finally, in 2014 and 2015, membership quotas One man was hired for three days to work were met and holding. one precinct of the county, which was especially Ever since 1962, there has always been a opposed to maintenance of the county agent. The representative at the annual convention because we appreciate having the opportunity to have a voice in decisions to protect and help make improvements for agriculture.

Mildred E. Brown, 1992 county history chairman Mildred Bartels, 2016 county history chairman

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 169 wisdom of this decision was proven when that precinct became a strong supporter of Farm Bureau and the county Extension program.

County Board Structure The original Perkins County Farm Bureau Board of Directors was made up of six members. At the first annual meeting, three more were added to the board. In 1928, three women’s positions were added to the board. Each member served for three years with three men and one woman being elected each year. At the 1932 annual meeting, it was decided to hold board meetings association was responsible for arranging the on the last Saturday afternoon of each month shipment of 12,000 pounds of dressed turkeys by except July and August. Three members consti- rail for the Thanksgiving trade. Because of this tuted a quorum. Board members were paid $1 per effort, farmers were able to sell their turkeys for 16 meeting attended and 5 cents per mile, one way. to 19 cents per bird instead of the local price of 11 In some years, the fees were reduced because of to 14 cents. lack of funds. Board members receive no fees for their service today. Difficult Times in the 1940s In 1932, a petition drive again was held. The Membership in the Perkins County Farm Bureau purpose of this drive was to collect signatures to decreased in the late 1930s, reflecting the poor show support for the county Extension Service. economic times. Membership reached a low A group of people had circulated a remonstrance, of 19 members in 1940. In June 1941, E.T. a petition opposing the Extension Service. It was Winters, secretary of the Nebraska Farm Bureau believed that most of the men who were circulating Federation, met with the president of the Perkins the remonstrance were demanding pay for their County Farm Bureau, Dale Erlewine. A series services. It also was thought that the opposition of area-wide meetings was held to help county was not from the local area. Farm Bureau members Farm Bureaus conduct membership campaigns. gathered 600 signatures in support of the Extension The membership drive was successful, and there Service, and the remonstrance was rejected by were 250 Farm Bureau members in Perkins the county commissioners. It was reported that County in 1942. Annual dues in 1942 were the circulators of Farm Bureau petitions found $5. Perkins County Farm Bureau had sufficient that it was easier to get signatures on the petitions financial reserves to invest $444 in war bonds in 1932 than in prior years. with a face value of $600. Membership dues were required in 1936. Dues Mrs. E.D. Bell, president of the Perkins County were $2, with $1 staying in the county and $1 going Farm Bureau in 1942, wrote the following: “Perkins to state and national Farm Bureau organizations. County Farm Bureau has grown in the past year One hundred and thirty-six members paid their dues. from 30 members to almost 250 members. This, During these years, the local dues helped to subsidize I believe, shows that Perkins County farmers the Extension Service budget, which was in the are aware of the fact that this is an age of group $2,000 range. representation. Practically every other group has A series of meetings was held in 1936 to an organization to represent the interests of its organize a turkey marketing association. This members. Farm organizations are needed so that

170 PERKINS farmers can unite for their own interests and for State President from Perkins County the interest of the nation as a whole. The Perkins County Farm Bureau has been an “I hope the Farm Bureau will continue to active organization since its founding in 1925. The grow. New responsibilities will come to you as membership has been stable,and the leadership has farmers, and I am sure these can only be met by been good. Several members have taken an active active leadership and strong organization, in order role on the state level. Charles Marshall was a that farmers will be able to make the necessary member of the Perkins County Farm Bureau when adjustment and avoid some of the pitfalls that are he was elected president of the Nebraska Farm sure to come when the war is over.” Bureau, which he so ably served for many years. Although these words were written 74 years Dale Erlewine was vice president of the ago when our nation was at war, they remain good Nebraska Farm Bureau in the 1940s and worked advice to farmers today. hard to establish the Farm Bureau Insurance The Perkins County Farm Bureau founders had Company. George Gengenbach in the 1960s and a vision for the organization to be an influence Dayton Reichman in the 1980s served on the for its members. In order for an organization to Nebraska Farm Bureau Board of Directors. Many have influence, it must have members. Someone members have served on various state committees in Perkins County wrote the following on why a when asked to do so. person should belong to an organization: The Perkins County Farm Bureau members have been willing to work together in their county, Common Sense state and national organizations to find solutions 1. A bachelor misses the influence of a home, a to the many problems that face them. Even though lovely wife and lusty children who shout with the results of our efforts sometimes come slower glee when they spy him as he comes home from than we desire, we know that we have been work. One man alone could scarcely afford a involved in finding a solution. Farmers in Perkins good road. County organized in 1925 to improve themselves. 2. One man alone could not support a school. Farmers in Perkins County are still organized, 3. One man alone cannot create community spirit. trying to improve their lives and the lives of their families and friends. 4. He cannot handle purchases of petroleum Most recently, Keith Olsen served as president products at carload rates as can his co-op. of the Nebraska Farm Bureau from 2002 to 2011. 5. He cannot ship his grain to terminal markets. He worked his way through the ranks as county 6. He cannot maintain a poultry dressing plant. board president and State Legislative Policy 7. He cannot determine prices by acreage Committee member, and he served on the state adjustment without nationwide rules. board before his tenure as president. During his term as president, Keith served on the American 8. He cannot get legislation passed by himself. Farm Bureau board and the Blue Cross Blue Shield 9. Any ONE person must give and take in a of Nebraska Board of Directors. democracy. If some groups HAVE a strong organization, the farmer can scarcely go it alone. Keith R. Olsen, 1992 and 2016 county history These words were written many years ago. The chairman author had a good sense of why it was and still is important to belong to an organization, especially Farm Bureau.

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 171 Phelps/Gosper County

ESTABLISHED 1917 (PHELPS COUNTY) CENTENNIAL 2017

PHELPS AND GOSPER COUNTY FARM BUREAUS MERGED IN 2014

In 1917, the University of Nebraska saw the need for a method of getting information out to farmers. They then developed the idea of the University of Nebraska Extension Service. In order to take advantage of this service, it was required to have a Randall to go to Lincoln and confer with the state local sponsoring agent, so the Phelps County Farm secretary, Chas. Stewart, and sign up to make a Bureau was organized to serve in this capacity. membership drive in Phelps County for the Farm The organization work was completed in May Bureau federation. In January and February 1921, 1918, with Farm Bureau as the sponsoring group. some solicitors from the federation came out from Early directors were Elmer Dahlstrom, chairman; Lincoln. Each one furnished a car and local driver. O.C. Randall, secretary-treasurer; and William Cole, In a week or 10 days, about 240 members Ora Garner and Andy Danielson. Much of the early were signed up. A lot of the signers gave predated history is verified by the complete secretary minutes checks that were never paid. Out of all this, and reports that O.C. Randall kept. allowing the half of what was collected of a $10 The first Phelps County Extension agent was membership, there remained $800. Half of this Wylie Ward, who stayed two years. Some early amount was applied on premiums of the 4-H and projects were hog cholera, blackleg, farm laborers, Open Class Fair held in September 1921. The income tax, farm records, seed testing, wheat smut, remaining $400, with a few more memberships, grasshopper control, eradication of prairie dogs totaled about $500. and the formation of the Phelps County Improved Because of failures, personal dissatisfaction Livestock and Poultry Association. and grievances over membership of the feder- World War I was in full force, and the idea was ation, some felt they did not receive $10 worth of to help out in any way to increase production, benefits. In 1923-24, the directors met with the keep down contagious diseases among livestock Nebraska Attorney General and found the county and combat insect pests. The next projects added board of supervisors were told they should appro- to the program were tuberculosis eradication and priate $2,300 to help with Extension work. soil conservation by building terraces. Projects for But Farm Bureau continued selling a number women and children were also added at this time. of items to raise money for support of the county agent. These included vaccines, insecticides and First Membership Drive treatment for wheat seed, tankage and fertilizer. Farm Bureau membership couldn’t cover such They had as much as $3,000 worth of vaccines at an ambitious program. So in 1921, a man from one time and also helped apply it. Farm Bureau Lincoln came out on behalf of the Nebraska was the sponsoring organization of the Extension Farm Bureau Federation to meet with members of Service, but not much help financially. the Phelps County Extension Board of Directors. The two organizations continued to meet The directors instructed Gus Hall and O.C. together as one board and cooperated in their

172 PHELPS/GOSPER

purpose of helping farmers. Neither one would has been a strong political body, speaking out for have been able to exist alone in those early farmers. This wasn’t possible in connection with difficult years. In 1942, the Phelps County a government-controlled group as Extension was. Agricultural Society was formed, and this group So when Farm Bureau was on its own in the early took over the administration of the county fair. In 1950s, unit meetings were held throughout the 1952, the Phelps County Extension Association county. They met in schools, churches or homes was legally formed. This locally elected group where meetings were held to discuss issues and took over responsibility for the local Extension topics of the day. Some of the topics for discussion program, although it was a gradual changeover were the farm programs, hybrid seed, irrigation, since Farm Bureau had held that responsibility rural electrification and school redistricting. since 1918. During World War II, Farm Bureau still worked 1945 Annual Meeting in Holdrege closely with the Extension Service. They helped An important event for Phelps County was when it serve creamed chicken on biscuits at the National entertained the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation’s Poultry Show held in Holdrege and to raise money annual meeting in the Holdrege auditorium for a doughnut mobile unit that traveled along the in December 1945. It was at this meeting that front lines in France and Germany. One Holdrege Charles Marshall was elected president. Many woman had a bombardier brother missing in action members remember the help that Marshall and Bob for three years, until word came that the mobile unit Thompson gave the organization. had served him in a German Prisoner of War Camp. In the mid-1940s, it was felt that a radio station was needed to provide farmers with Farm Bureau Solved Labor Shortage relevant news, including markets and weather. So Many from this area were taken to serve in the Farm Bureau got behind the effort to establish military or traveled to strategic places to work in KRVN, The Voice of Rural Nebraska. Stock was war material factories, so farm labor was difficult sold to almost every Phelps County Farm Bureau to get. But Phelps County was in a unique position, member. KRVN went on the air in 1951. Phelps having the nation’s largest Prisoner of War Camp County member Hazel Anderson Kleacan served in Atlanta at its doorstep. Farm Bureau and on the Nebraska Rural Radio Association board Extension developed a program for local farmers for 26 years. to acquire the services of the POWs for help on The Phelps County Farm Bureau also their farms, particularly during harvest seasons. sponsored the beginning of the Bookmobile, These prisoners were mostly Germans, factory which served as a pilot program for the state. or office workers in their native countries; very Phelps County has been privileged to have few were farmers. But they were happy to get out several members serve in state offices. Hazel of the camp and have something to do. They were Kleacan served as women’s chairman and on the very willing to help with whatever was needed. state board of directors for seven years. Others Communications were a barrier, but willing hands from the county who have served on boards and made up for that. A truck would pick up the committees for the state are: Earl and Caroline POWs and distribute them to the farmers who had High, Clyde Cruise, Harold Marshall, Harold requested help. Many of them returned later and Gustafson, Don and Mary Anderson, Harvey expressed thanks for kindnesses shown them and Dahlgren, Bob and Helen Weibe, Leon Kring, the treatment they received. Hazel Edgren, Steve Anderson, Arland and Joyce Gradually, Extension and Farm Bureau were Edgren, and Mervin Linder. separate entities. Since that time, Farm Bureau

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 173 In the late 1940s and early 1950s, the Phelps had a few disappointments, but what good Farm County Farm Bureau sponsored 4-Hers taking Bureau has done far outweighs the bad.” their livestock to the Nebraska State Fair and Ak-Sar-Ben. In 1952, the Phelps County Extension Lavern H. Johnson, 1992 county history chairman Association was legally formed, and it soon took Tom Schwarz, 2017 county Farm Bureau president over that responsibility. The Nebraska Farm Bureau offers insurance to members for auto, property, life, health and annuities. Pierce County Our county also took part in a project to buy produce, such as frozen fruit, juices, vegetables and ESTABLISHED MARCH 1936 nuts, from growers in other states through their Farm CENTENNIAL 2036 Bureaus. It also cooperates in the Charles Marshall Educational Loan Fund and the Youth Citizenship/ The Pierce County Extension Service was started Safety Seminar. We average 260 member families. in 1914 and preceded the formation of a Farm Phelps County Farm Bureau reorganized in Bureau in Pierce County. Pierce County also had 2012 and took on Gosper County, created a new a few girls’ and boys’ 4-H club members between board, and Phelps/Gosper County Farm Bureau the years of 1914-1918. In December of 1933, was born. The county has experienced growth Roy Johnston was appointed county agent to on and off through the years. We continue to help administer the Agricultural Adjustment Act, be active in our community, participating in commonly known as the Corn-Hog Program and the county fair, supporting youth in agriculture agent notes show that the year of 1935 was largely by offering scholarships to FFA students, and devoted to AAA and relief work. supporting local FFA and 4-H programs, and we On March 24, 1936, a permanent organization continue to elevate Nebraska Farm Bureau as it was set up at a meeting attended by members of works to serve Nebraska farmers and ranchers. every community in Pierce County. A total of 36 people attended the meeting and organized the Pierce A Personal Memory County Farm Bureau as the sponsoring organization “I have been a Farm Bureau member 50 years. for Extension Service work in the county. The organi- I was picking corn by hand when a volunteer zation sponsoring Extension Service was maintained membership worker, Rueben A. Anderson, walked by memberships and donations. In 1938 member- out to me in the field and told me I needed a Farm ships were $3 each. In November 1938, the following Bureau membership. ‘What in the world is Farm question was raised and put to a vote: “Shall an Bureau?’ I asked. ‘How much does it cost?’ It only appropriation be made annually from the General cost $2 that year. ‘Sign me up, but you will have Fund of the county for the support of Extension to wait for the $2 until I can borrow it from the work”. It lost by a 2-1 vote. cream and egg money,’ I said. “Since then, I have been county president, Memberships Paid Voluntarily worked for membership most every year and went In the early days of the organization no definite to several national meetings, including Kansas City, membership drive was made. Practically all Miami Beach and Washington, D.C. memberships collected were paid voluntarily as “I wrote 25 Charter Casualty policies when the farmers or landlords came into the office. As a result Nebraska Insurance Company tried to get started. Farm Bureau was maintained on a very small outlay I was a special agent two years and served on our of cash. By the month of October, sufficient money Nebraska Water Resources Committee. I have was not on hand to finish the rest of the year. The

174 PHELPS/GOSPER – PIERCE

support the Extension office. Memberships at this time were still at $3. Since the start of the Pierce County Farm Bureau on March 24, 1936, the organization had been supported on an optional membership and donation basis. Those not making donations used the office just as much, if not more than, those who contributed to the financial support of the office. It soon became necessary for member- ships to be required and collected every year.

General Fund Appropriation At a meeting of the Farm Bureau Board of county commissioners issued a warrant for $300 for Directors in August 1940, a motion carried that the Farm Bureau to complete activities for the year. the question of a general fund appropriation again In 1935, Pierce County began a tree planting be placed on the ballot. Four hundred and nineteen program due to a conviction that the Great Plains farm operators signed petitions to put the question states would only be habitable and farmable in the on the ballot at the general election on November 5. future if there were protection from wind and evapo- The first step was successfully completed. ration. We now have the assistance of the Forestry The appropriation did not have favorable Service or shelterbelt project in this endeavor. outlook, however, and the 1938 returns showed From 1935-1937 the order for Clark-McNary that tax support for Extension was not wanted. trees was doubled each year. By the spring of 1938, Community and precinct meetings were set up to 35,000 trees had been gathered for distribution. discuss the future with the public. At the general These trees were to be distributed to any Farm election voters decided that Pierce County Extension Bureau member who paid the $3 membership. In Service should be supported on a taxation basis. 1939, even more trees were distributed to paid The final vote count was 2,148 for and 1,834 members. At the annual meeting there were 310 against. Beginning January 1, 1941, money was people who had pledged or paid memberships. appropriated from the county’s general fund for The Farm Bureau objectives at this time were the support of Extension Service work in Pierce listed as follows: to increase farming income, to County. The name of the organization was changed conserve soil, to diversify farming, to lessen loss by from Pierce County Farm Bureau to Pierce County disease, to aid youth, to improve relations between Agricultural Extension Service and a new consti- landlords and tenants, to make electricity available tution was adopted. to every farm, and to assist homemakers in every No records were found for the years from way to make life on the farm more pleasant. 1941-1948. Having no office at that time, meetings In February 1939, a big coyote hunt was were held at members’ homes and the hosting organized through the office of the Madison member was paid a small fee. Some meetings were County Extension Agent with the cooperation of also held at the county courthouse in Pierce. the Madison County Farm Bureau. Trucks from the Forestry Service were provided to transport hunters Office on Main Street who did not have cars. In 1956, a small building on Main Street in Pierce In 1940, the Pierce County Farm Bureau Board was rented to serve as the new county office. Also of Directors were commended on their interest in 1956, the county decided to purchase fertilizer and loyal leadership in obtaining financial help to from Crystal Chemical Company of South Sioux

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 175 City. At that time, a member could buy a ton of New Office Purchased in 1975 33-1/2-0-0 for $85.25 a ton, 0-20-0 for $43.50 a In 1975, the board of directors decided to purchase ton, and 10-20-0 for $80 a ton. The county office a larger building to serve a growing membership received a part of the profit for office expenses and and agency. The new building included larger office the members also received a dividend. space as well as a meeting room. In 1959, a County Service Agreement was signed On September 8, 1976, the Pierce County to sell animal health products. Pierce County has Farm Bureau Board of Directors approved partic- many plaques and trophies from this time period for ipation in the property identification programs selling the largest volumes of animal health products. coordinated by Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation. In 1960, a Possible Service Agreement for the This program has fallen by the wayside through purpose of building a general farm organization the years. Also in 1976, the board approved to advance and improve through organized effort participation in the grease and oil portion of the the economic, educational, and social interests of Safemark program sponsored by the Farm and agriculture and the general welfare was presented Ranch Supply Company of Nebraska. to Pierce County Farm Bureau. This was recom- Pierce County Farm Bureau has experienced mended by the Nebraska Farm Bureau House of growth through the years. We continue to be active Delegates. The county made a motion and second in our community, support youth in agriculture to sign the County Service Agreement, an adminis- and have a strong desire to elevate Nebraska Farm trative document between the Pierce County Farm Bureau as they work to serve Nebraska farmers Bureau and the Farm Bureau Insurance Company and ranchers. of Nebraska. That was signed on March 30, 1960, Thanks go to the Pierce County Extension and in 1963 the County Farm Bureau signed an Service for this information and the use of the old endorsement to the County Service Agreement record books. agreeing to furnish the county office additional office space, facilities, and clerical services. Melvin Buss and Barb Oppliger, 1992 county The County Service Agreement between Pierce history chairmen County Farm Bureau and Farm Bureau Life Jeff Meier 2017 county Farm Bureau vice president Insurance Company was signed May 2, 1963. With each insurance company, the count y office was given compensation to help pay for the above-mentioned items. Platte County On January 1, 1969, the board of directors ESTABLISHED 1947 agreed to offer livestock feed manufactured and CENTENNIAL 2047 sold by Peet’s Feeds, Inc. A refund was sent back to the Farm Bureau office and to members according Art Gerber was elected as the first president at the to the amount of feed sold. Also in 1969, the organizational meeting of the Platte County Farm county board decided to offer to its members more Bureau in 1947. He served in that position until products such as tires, batteries and accessories 1952. At that first meeting, Norma Vrba was elected through Farm and Ranch Supply. On October 4, secretary, and she served in that capacity for 14 years. 1972, the board of directors approved partici- Others serving as president in the years pation in “Operation Citrus.” following were Erwin Schacher, Wallace Johnson, Gilbert Loseke, Virgil Norris, Henry Buss, Darwin Lewis, Harold Nyffeler, Clarence Goering, Leo

176 PIERCE – PLATTE – POLK

elected Farm Bureau state president from 1926 to 1929. She also was appointed to the board of control by Governor Weaver. In the early days, Farm Bureau members held all-day meetings called “fun feeds.” They began at 10 a.m. with their business meeting and then lunch at noon. A program and entertainment followed in the afternoon. On occasion, these meetings featured speakers such as Mrs. E.C. Mouden. In 1929, she spoke on “Why a Farmer’s Wife Should Be Interested in Farm Bureau.” In those early days, meetings also were held in conjunction with the Stec, Lorenz Rodehorst, Harold Groteluschen, Farmers Union and Co-ops. Gene Whitlow, Grant Groteluschen (son of Harold), Lanny Rasmussen and Dana Christman. Extension Service, 4-H Started In the minutes of one of the early meetings, it was Polk County Farm Bureau was instrumental in noted that the organization had $5, so they voted to starting the County Extension Service in Polk open a bank account (an omen of things to come?). County, as well as starting the 4-H programs. Platte County Farm Bureau has experienced Floyd B. Kelly, our first county Extension agent, growth on and off through the years. We continue was very active, offering many services to Farm to be active in our community, support youth in Bureau members, including vaccinating livestock agriculture by participating in the Nebraska Farm against diseases and culling poultry flocks. In Bureau Foundation Golf Classic and offering high 1937, Howard Peterson took over as county school seniors two or three $500 scholarships and Extension agent and was very successful that year have a strong desire to elevate Nebraska Farm Bureau in getting half of the Polk County farmers to sign as it works to serve Nebraska farmers and ranchers. a petition to allow a county mill levy to support Extension work. Betty Nyffeler, 1992 county history assistant Farm Bureau’s main purpose was to have an Stan Rosendahl 2017 county Farm Bureau president active lobbyist for the farmers. Polk County Farm Bureau has also always been very active in the 4-H programs and supporting the county fair. Since Polk County

ESTABLISHED 1926 CENTENNIAL 2026

On December 31, 1926, the Polk County Farm Bureau met in the county Extension agent’s office in Osceola to elect Floyd B. Kelly as Polk County’s first Extension agent. Also elected was the first Polk County board: president–Petrus Nelson of the Swede Home Precinct, vice president–William Lindberg of the Polk Precinct, treasurer–Mrs. Robert McBeth, and secretary–Mrs. Nellie Benson, both of Osceola Precinct. Mrs. Benson was later

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 177 These are our county presidents: Petrus Nelson Winnard Augustin Art Ekstrom Richard Thelen Ansel Fredrickson Devon Carlson Henry Galus Keith Peterson Walter Berek Todd Wheeler Oscar lmm Pat Gabel Robert Bryan Kevin Peterson*

*Past NFBF state board member

Lois Peterson and Adam Peterson, county history chairmen 2014, we have provided all livestock exhibitors a free show shirt. In 1948, Farm Bureau Insurance was started. Frank Bolton of Clarks was Polk County’s first Red Willow County insurance agent. He served from 1948 to 1957. ESTABLISHED 1918 Other charter members of Nebraska Farm Bureau CENTENNIAL 2018 Insurance were Ansel Fredrickson and Petrus Nelson. The following are insurance agents who Early available records indicate that a group of men have served Polk County: Frank Bolton (1948- banded together to help solve problems encountered 1957), Art Ekstrom (1957-1959), Kenneth Studley at that particular time, including the eradication of (1959-1961), Richard Klein (1961-1965), Ray grasshoppers, prairie dogs and the over-abundance Soukup (1965-1988) and our current agent, Steve of coyotes. The names of the organizers and newly Dey, who started in 1988. They have all helped elected board members appear in leadership roles in acquiring new Farm Bureau members and have that provided strength and growth for Red Willow all been very successful in their Farm Bureau County Farm Bureau for years to come. insurance careers. After members had organized the Farm Bureau, Monthly Meetings Begun they became the sponsors of the University of Nebraska Extension Service. W. R. Wicks became Polk County Farm Bureau members have always the first county agent in June 1918. been active, and several have been honored for A secretary recorded a special meeting to their efforts. In 1965, Walter Berek of Osceola discuss a membership drive: “A motion was received recognition as the “Soil Conservation made to get a solicitor from the state as soon as Man of the Year,” and in 1967, he received a possible.” Minutes of the meetings indicate a trip to Washington, D.C., for his efforts in the “solicitor from the state” was not available and membership drive. Henry Galus of Osceola and “canvassing of the county” was divided among Oscar lmm of Silver Creek traveled to the State the county board members. They also decided to Capitol, requesting that their idea of painting a purchase “100 blue-and-white automobile tags, white line on the outside edge of all our highways size 4 x 10, at 30 cents each, with MEMBER RED be implemented. These three men are past presi- WILLOW COUNTY FARM BUREAU.” dents of the Polk County Farm Bureau. Membership work must not have gone well. Minutes from later meetings indicated that

178 POLK – RED WILLOW

“solicitors” would be secured from outside the and new methods to make farming easier were county. The report from April 4, 1925 notes “that we dispersed to those attending. It was noted several pay $10 to each of the five men who loaned $30 each times in the meeting minutes that the county agent to the Farm Bureau.” This “revolving fund” was the and a board member purchased seed and estab- topic of discussion at most meetings during that time. lished test plots under state testing rules. The Rural Youth Group was organized in Financing and Budgets the late 1930s. After a considerable amount of Financing organizations and programs was an on- discussion, the Farm Bureau board decided that a going situation. In a Farm Bureau board meeting member from this group should be represented on on December 24, 1932, only one item of business the board. Cloyd Hoyt was chosen by the Rural is recorded. The one agenda item was the adoption Youth Group to fill this position in 1940. of the following budget: Salaries for County Agent, It is reported in the yearly Extension Report, $660; Office Assistant, $600; Office Supplies (ink, 1936: “Mrs. Ira Neel became county chairman in paper, carbon, etc.), $65; Postage, Telegraph, 1936 and it was at this time that the group decided Telephone, etc., $100; Travel Expenses, Car to separate from the Farm Bureau – not because Upkeep, Railroad, $575. TOTAL = $ 2,000. the Farm Bureau was not a good thing, but they This budget was to due to the county clerk were having growing pains and so it was that Mrs. before January 1st. The motion carried and Neel and others worked long and hard on forming a motion was made to adjourn, according to a constitution.” minutes by Bernard J. Crocker, secretary. Mr. C.L. In the yearly Extension Report: “Extension Nelms, M.E. Graham and Mrs. Earl Doyle also work in 1940 was still sponsored in Red Willow were present. County by the County Farm Bureau. County The first Annual Red Willow County Picnic tax funds were provided for local financing. All was held June 3, 1925, at the fairgrounds. The taxpayers in the county were considered members McCook Chamber of Commerce and Farm Bureau of the Farm Bureau and were entitled to vote at were in charge of the arrangements and program. the annual and special meetings of the organi- After a noon barbecue, “games for all ages” took zation. Annual membership dues in the amount place, including tugs of war, horse racing, and of $2 were solicited to provide additional local sack races. The event drew a crowd of 8,000 and funds and to provide affiliation in the Nebraska accounted for the consumption of 289 gallons and American Farm Bureau Federation for those of ice cream and 250 cases of pop in three and paying the membership fee.” The vice president of a half hours. Other co-sponsored picnics and the (Farm Bureau) board was a woman, and would banquets featured “stunts, recitations and talks on agriculture” provided by 4-H members, club ladies and college of agriculture personnel. Attendance at these events numbered from 200 to 800 people.

All-Day Annual Meetings County annual meetings were one-day affairs with the business meeting in the morning, followed by lunch which was planned and prepared by the women’s clubs, and then a program in the afternoon that included skits, talks and musical numbers. Information about new products

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 179 automatically become county women’s chairman. Richardson County The final separation of Farm Bureau and Extension was completed by 1953. ESTABLISHED 1919 Passing tax petitions is a part of Red Willow CENTENNIAL 2019 County Farm Bureau history. The “Income and Luxury Tax” petition was circulated in 1932. The Richardson County Farm Bureau was organized Another called the “Overall Limitation Tax in 1919 for the purpose of hiring a county agent Limitation Movement” petition drive was in 1939. and organizing farm cooperation in the county. The Red Willow members again were involved in newly organized group was discouraged by inade- passing another petition in 1966. quate funding, and in April of that year met with a Mr. M.L. Search, McCook, was the first insurance Mr. Gillmore of University Farm in Lincoln. Gillmore agent in this county. Nebraska Farm Bureau and explained several forms of constitution. A consti- State Farm Insurance Company dissolved their agree- tution was adopted, providing for organization by ments and in 1948, Farm Bureau Insurance Company township and calling for a leader or chairman and of Nebraska opened its doors. Red Willow County one cooperator from each school district. opened its first office in 1978. Heavy rains that spring interfered with a Red Willow Farm Bureau has sponsored many membership drive, but a membership and prospect activities through the years. Businessmen were list was drawn up. Unfortunately, before any action invited on farm tours, the county sponsored a booth could be taken, all records were destroyed in a fire at the county fair, trophies for 4-H Speech Contest that leveled the courthouse. winners were provided, and Farm Bureau women were active with schools and youth. Many students Optional Dues Were $1 have attended the youth Citizenship Seminar. To meet emergency expenses, it was decided that Members who have served in state level positions those signing membership cards would be asked are: state board members, Mitchell Longnecker to pay an optional fee of $1, for the year of 1919 and Stanley Neel; Policy Development Committee only. This plan met with a hearty response as 108 members, Arvene Myers, Marvin Hoyt, Margaret of the 334 members contributed. William Peck was Neel, Del Harsh, John Wilcox and Richard Neel; elected the organization’s first president. and State Women’s Committee, Margaret Neel. In 1920, Richardson County Farm Bureau Red Willow County Farm Bureau has experi- became part of the state federation and the first enced growth on and off through the years. We membership campaign was organized. A girls’ continue to be active in our community, support sewing club and pig clubs were organized for the youth in agriculture and have a strong desire to young people. elevate Nebraska Farm Bureau as it works to serve County financial support was withdrawn in Nebraska farmers and ranchers. 1924, putting Richardson County Farm Bureau on a paid membership basis. One hundred and twenty-six Margaret D. Neel, 1992 county history chairman memberships at $10 were not sufficient to carry Dick Neel, 2016 county history chairman the organization, so the chambers of commerce in both Humboldt and Falls City responded by hosting fairs. Farm exhibits, husking contests, banquets, and workshops added to the coffers. Cooperative purchasing was organized, with gopher poison, hybrid and seed corn, seed oats, barley and petroleum being purchased in quantity.

180 RED WILLOW – RICHARDSON – ROCK

Rural Electrification District Organized Rock County In addition to sponsoring all types of Extension ESTABLISHED JANUARY 1962 work and encouraging cooperative buying and CENTENNIAL 2062 marketing, Farm Bureau in Richardson County was fully responsible for the organization of a The Rock County Farm Bureau was organized Rural Electrification District. January 11, 1962. Henry Kuhlman of Central It is unfortunate that many of the Farm Bureau City was in charge of this organizational record books have been misplaced. We do know meeting at the Kozy Cafe in Bassett. Elected at that for many years, two Farm Bureau groups met that meeting were president, Earl Stewart; vice within the county, later combining. president, Merle Eberhart; secretary, Mrs. Clayton Richardson County Farm Bureau continues to (Alda) Bogue; and treasurer, Everett Shaw. Later work for farming interests. Young people from in the spring of that year, a central district area our county are encouraged to participate in the Farm Bureau meeting was held at the Rock Nebraska Farm Bureau Youth Citizenship/Safety County High School auditorium. Eldon Schnoor Seminar. Members take part in state conventions, of Grand Island, area field representative, was policy development, leadership training, and legis- present to help with the meeting. lative schools. On May 14, 1962, a regular meeting was Descendants of Richardson County’s pioneer held at the Newport Gym with about 50 people families are still listed on the membership rolls of in attendance. The following Board of Directors this organization. District field representatives tell were elected: District 1, Francis Duffy; District us that Richardson County Farm Bureau is one of 2, Chester Schoenenberger; District 3, Cecil a few county organizations still holding monthly McCullough; District 4, Fred Seberger; District 5, meetings in homes, with members attending as Clyde Blake; District 6, Don Jamison; District 7, couples. B.T. Buell; woman-at-large, Mrs. Elmer (Helen) Since 1992, Richardson County has continued Swanson; youth-at-large, Jerold Stewart; national to support Richardson County 4-H by purchasing affairs, Richard Lackaff; state affairs, Bert Nolles; trophies for exhibitors. Recently, they also have county affairs, Karl Linke; and women’s chairman, provided a concession stand voucher to every 4-H Mrs. Earl (Coletta) Stewart. member who exhibits at the 4-H fair. The organi- In September a meet-the-candidates session zation has also provided meal vouchers for the was held at the Bassett American Legion Hall with judges of that same fair. about 60 persons in attendance. Earl Stewart, Most county meetings are held at the president, announced that Rock County Farm Community Building in Verdon, which is a central Bureau had 52 members and 83 of the 93 counties location for current members. A family picnic is in the state had been organized. The main topic always a summer highlight for the membership. for a lively discussion was the question of a new facility for the Rock County High School. The Kathy Kanel, 1992 and 2015 county history meeting was held at the home of Fred Seberger. chairman Don Broadstone, Nebraska Farm Bureau district director, met with the group to organize a membership drive. Mrs. Chester Schoenenberger was appointed news reporter.

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 181 First Annual Meeting in 1962 The first annual meeting was held October 8, 1962, at the American Legion Hall in Bassett. New officers elected were president, Earl Stewart; vice president, John Dearmont; woman-at-large, Mrs. Elmer Swanson; secretary, Mrs. Clayton Bogue; youth-at-large, Jerold Stewart; treasurer, Everett Shaw; and voting delegates, Clayton Bogue and Elmer Swanson. Clyde Blake was the alternate. Others were: District 1, Bert Jansen; District 2, Chester Schoenenberger; District 3, Cecil McCullough; District 4, Harry Carpenter; District 5, Howard Swinney; District 6, Ed Clow; and During the past 25 years Rock County Farm District 7, Chester Dilsaver. Bureau has continued to be involved in county In the early days of the organization, meetings activities and events. We’ve had booths at the were held in various places in the county and Sandhills Ranch Expo, hosted candidate forums, private homes. Meetings were held in the Bassett sponsored functions at Rock County Public Schools American Legion Hall, the Newport Gymnasium, and have provided financial support in several Rose Community Hall, Riverside Hall north of areas. Although our county board has dwindled in Newport, and the high school gymnasium in numbers, we still have several dedicated members Bassett. Members were and are yet today scattered who have faithfully served the organization at the from one end of the county to the other. The county, state and national level for many years. annual meetings today are held at various cafes in Rock County Farm Bureau members who have Bassett. The board meetings are held at District 41 served on state and national committees include Schoolhouse, eight miles south of Bassett. Leona Swinney, Promotion/Education committee; In the early 1970s, there was an eighth district, Dennis Jilg, SLPC and Western Issues committees; but for most years there had been only six. Loren Ammon, SLPC and Nominating committees; Mrs. Clayton Bogue has been given special Tim Shaw, SLPC, Nominating and AFBF beef recognition for being the secretary for many years. committees; and Jim Sybrant, SLPC. Tim and Penni Shaw also served on the state YF&R committee. Many Long-Time Leaders As Rock County Farm Bureau looks back, we are In 1992, many people who were involved in the thankful for the men and women who founded our organization in the beginning were still participating County Farm Bureau in the early 1960s. We are also and serving on the board. In 1991, officers were thankful for the many members who have carried Loren Ammon, president; Karl Linke, vice president; on in leadership over the past 50-plus years. We also Mrs. Jerold (Marilyn) Stewart, secretary; Tim Shaw, look forward to developing new leaders to carry on treasurer; Marilyn Stewart, woman-at-large; and in leading Rock County Farm Bureau into the future. Tim Shaw, youth-at-large. Directors were: District As we head on down the road, we hope the 1, Dale Ellwanger; District 2, Karl Connell; District organization is as strong or stronger than it has 3, David Sybrant; District 4 Dennis Jilg; District, been in the past. Dan Sandall; District 6, Royce Jordan; woman’s chairman, Mrs. Dale (Dorrinda) Ellwanger; county Marilyn Stewart, 1992 county history chairman affairs, Howard Swinney; state affairs, Jerold Tim Shaw, 2015 county history chairman Stewart; and national affairs, Gene Debolt.

182 ROCK – SALINE – SARPY

Saline County

ESTABLISHED 1918 CENTENNIAL 2018

In 1918, there were 2,200 farms located in Saline County. A county Farm Bureau chapter was started with 40 members. Many members depended on horse and buggy for traveling to activities. By 1937 there were 104 members, and dues were $1.50. In 1976, membership had grown to 252 with dues of $30. In 1991, members paid dues of $50. the county’s designation as a Livestock Friendly Entertainment always found its way into the County. This was supported by many entities meetings. Slides of trips were shown to expand within the county and a strong collaborative effort. one’s mind. Card playing, picnics and square Saline County is active in its support of the dancing were also enjoyed. Farm Bureau also local 4-H Groups and FFA Chapters, including helped out the cancer fund and local blood drive. Crete, Wilber, Tri-County, and Friend through At the Saline County Fair, Farm Bureau always scholarships to students and various events. The had a booth and explained what the organization county has also been instrumental in their support had to offer. A float was entered in many local of the Ag Kids Zone during the Saline County Fair, parades and, after many years of absence, a float which is hosted by the county FFA Chapters and with live animals was at the 1991 Saline County the county Extension Office. Fair parade. The county Farm Bureau also has contributed The Saline County Farm Bureau has met significant donations to the Nebraska Farm Bureau at many different locations through the years, Foundation in support of agricultural promotion including members’ homes, community halls, and and education. In addition, it has recognized the eventually an office in Crete. substantial role that each rural fire department has A Congressional legislative aide from California played within the county. was hosted in 1991 by Saline County Farm Bureau and Bob and Judy Bartels of Tobias, as part of Alissa Klusek, 1992 county history chairman Nebraska Farm Bureau’s Legislative Assistants Michael Nohavec, 2016 county history chairman Visitation Program. Glen Burberl shared his views of Washington, D.C., and California, and saw what Nebraska had to offer. We believe he took some good ideas back to Washington with him. Sarpy County Saline County has its share of industry, including ESTABLISHED 1939 American Tool (Vise Grips), Farmland Foods, CENTENNIAL 2039 Alpo Pet Foods and the Crete Mills. This industry, combined with a strong grain and livestock farming Farm Bureau is a very active organization in Sarpy background, keeps Saline County’s economy strong County. Charles Prinz, the first president in 1939, and growing. had a membership of 40, and meetings were held The year 2012 marked significant protection monthly. In 1940, the Farm Bureau office was in the for livestock and economic development through courthouse and the county furnished two files for

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 183 seed tester available at a savings and fertilizer handling available to all members. In 1949, membership had grown to 345 with President Frank Kostal (1949-1951). Lester Lutz’s name was submitted to be the insurance agent. S.R. Hubbard was president from 1952-54 with 275 members and 202 policies in force. Membership was 260 in 1955 and Sarpy County opened an office in Papillion and hired a bookkeeper. Bernard Schram was president from 1955-1956 and membership quota was 288, with the county attaining 269 members and 148 policyholders. Louis Bottorff the office. Gilbert Erickson was hired for a salary of (1958-1959) conducted the annual meeting with $50 a month and 4 cents mileage. Typical monthly 40 members present. In 1961, President Lief Foged bills were around $130. The board set the budget (1960-1961) rented a building in Papillion for $25 for 1941 at $2,200. Delegates to State Convention per month. Membership that year 210 members. were allowed expenses of $15 per person. Annual meeting resolutions included wages for Busy Years in the 1960s corn shucking (10 cents a bushel including room President Milton Fricke, Jr. (1962-1966) saw and board); the need for schools to dismiss children membership increase and, in 1964, Sarpy County for corn husking; and the need to develop greater hired a full-time insurance agent. In 1965-1966 use of farm products. Small neighborhood units Sarpy made quota with 251 members, earning a were formed to strengthen the organization and trip for two to Washington, D.C, the first year of each neighborhood precinct elected a person to such an honor. The Sarpy County Farm Bureau serve on the Sarpy County board. incorporated in 1967 during Dwight Trumble’s term as president (1967-1973) and built a new First Membership Drive building by selling certificates of indebtedness in President Lester Lutz (1943-1948) was an active increments of $99 with 6.5 percent interest. Milton leader. In 1944, Sarpy County held a membership Fricke, Jr. served on the state board (1968-1973), drive with incentives being a pair of pliers for nine and in 1970 he was a delegate to the national members, a hammer for 10-15 members, both convention in Houston, Texas. In 1971, quota was pliers and a hammer for 16 or more. 432, and we attained 441 with 100 new members. In 1945, soil testing equipment was purchased Our county was active with legislative hearings and eight conservation supervisors were appointed. on property taxes, national YF&R meetings and The secretary’s salary was $15 a month. Two environmental issues. delegates attended the Associated Women’s convention in Kearney, with expenses not to exceed New Member Services Added $30. Any person on a membership drive was In 1972, a secretary was hired, and Sarpy partic- allowed 75 cents for lunch. ipated in the citrus program for the first year State board member, Lester Lutz, was chairman with 176 cases of oranges and grapefruit sold. of the committee for organizing Farm Bureau Trumble served on the State Policy Development Insurance in Nebraska. Sarpy County had a committee from 1969-1972. The meat boycott membership of 198 in 1948. Services that were was in the news in 1973, and Sarpy County placed offered at that time included a $50 thief reward; ads against such boycotts. Sarpy County received

184 SARPY

a president’s watch for the sixth year of meeting membership quota. Harry Rudolph (1974-1984) was elected president. Annual dues for 1975 were $30, and the office secretary’s salary was $2.35 per hour. Our county donated two mannequins for CPR to the Papillion Fire Department and purchased a marking kit for machinery identifi- cation. Sarpy County attained quota in 1979 for the 15th consecutive year. Land was purchased in 1980 for a larger office building

New Building Begun In 1985 Dwight Trumble (1985-1986) was elected president, new agents were added to Sarpy service, bringing and construction started on our new office building. the total number of agents to nine. We again sold certificates of indebtedness in incre- ments of $1,000 with 10 percent interest. We moved Ag Fest a Success into our new office in January 1986 and raised dues Ag In The Classroom teachers toured the Fricke to $40 with membership at 1,786. Milton Fricke Jr. Farm while at a workshop in the Omaha area. Ag (1987-1988) was elected president with membership Fest ’94 was held at Rosenblatt Stadium, and more those years at 2,289 and 2,500 respectively. In 1989, than 17,000 attended the ballgame with 90 percent quota was attained for the 25th consecutive year. using free Farm Bureau tickets. The next year Herbert Mann (1989-1990) was elected President Marvin Leaders (1995-1996) announced president, and during those years, Sarpy Farm that Ag Fest would be held in conjunction with Bureau supported local 4-H speech contests and River City Roundup. An Ag in Classroom seminar the Educational Loan Fund. Ken Iverson was was held with 21 teachers and two leaders named chairman of the Nebraska YF&R committee, attending. In 1997-1998, membership reached which also meant he served on the NFBF Board 98.09 percent of quota. Green belt issues and crop of Directors. insurance were discussed at the Annual Banquet. A highlight in 1991 was burning the office President John Knapp (1997-98) announced the mortgage. President Charles Fricke (1991-1992) annual convention for 1996 would be held in faced new challenges for Farm Bureau, including Omaha and noted the new addition to the office growing membership. The office contained eight was almost complete. Resolutions discussed agents and two secretaries, computers and space for pertained to roads and taxes. the board to meet each month, a tradition since 1939. In 1997, activities for the busy county organi- Three youth attended the 1993 Citizenship/ zation included the 1997 Ag Fest at Ak-Sar-Ben. Safety seminar. Milton Fricke (1993-1994) Aid was also sent to North Dakota, South discussed a bill regarding pesticides in the Nebraska Dakota and Minnesota for spring flood cleanup. Legislature. Ag Fest ’93 was set in August at County property taxes continued to be a big Rosenblatt Stadium with six counties participating. issue. It was announced the new addition to the Sarpy County pledged $4,000 for the project, and office was complete. Donations that year went noted it would give more if needed. to 4-H, the Booster Club, and trophies for 4-H Welcome To Farm Bureau packets were livestock. Four scholarships were awarded to Sarpy distributed, and rural Sarpy County fourth grade County students. Ken Iverson served as president teachers helped promote and sponsor pen pals. Two from 1997-2000 and during his term the office

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 185 remodeling was completed and the debt paid. It Saunders County was decided to participate again in River City Roundup. Membership quota was 2,500. ESTABLISHED 1917 Dwight Trumble (2001-2002) recommended CENTENNIAL 2017 Sarpy County use private contractors and compet- itive bidding for road projects. President Charles Fricke (2003-2004) announced that Congress would cut the farm program $18 billion during the next 10 years. The county donated $5,000 to the River City Roundup and Ak-Sar-Ben livestock show. Issues during John Knapp’s 2005-06 term as president were the Sarpy County landfill, the repeal of death taxes and the Farm Bill.

Beef Barn Receives Big Donation The Sarpy County Farm Bureau donated $100,000 to the new beef barn at the Sarpy Saunders County Farm Bureau has a long and County fairgrounds in 2007. A big issue during illustrious history, beginning in 1917 when Farm 2007-08 was the Douglas/Sarpy Learning Bureau and the county agent system joined hands. Committee. President Charles Fricke noted that Under a new law passed by the legislature, a Sarpy County donated to the 4-H Livestock county was required to have 300 bona fide farmers Boosters, animal scramble, 4-H Council and sign a petition asking the county commissioners other local issues. to appropriate funds to support the Farm Bureau. John Knapp (2009-2014) reported on the This new organization in Saunders County started Sarpy County property taxes increase. Sarpy again out with 335 members. supported the golf classic with $1,200; provided Through the Farm Bureau farm families a donation to the Sarpy County Ag Society; and learned that organization gave them a powerful awarded three scholarships. tool for expressing their views on agricultural Sarpy County has always been generous with related problems and public policy. The Farm its funds, donating over $22,000 to Ag Fest and Bureau board, consisting of eight men, met each Ag in the Classroom from 1993-1998. Between month with the county agent. Attention was 1996-2015, 65 students received scholarships for given to roads, conservation, nutrition, money a total of $43,500. management, health, livestock, seed corn testing, The goal of Sarpy County Farm Bureau today is education and family life. In 1919, there were to continue with scholarships and other projects to nearly 1,000 women enrolled in 18 clubs or groups promote agriculture in our area. to learn how to be better homemakers. Farm Bureau continued to serve the county in Joann Fricke, 2016 county history chairman this way until 1944 when it reorganized to become an independent farm organization with dues paid by voluntary members—without support from state and local government. The dues were $10. On October 26, 1944, the first Board of Directors was elected. They were Roland Nelson, president;

186 SARPY – SAUNDERS

Bill Widman, vice president; Harold Nelson, Unicameral system, as well as safety, rural health, secretary; Ben Widman, treasurer; and Wallace and environmental concerns. Thorson, news reporter. Local units were organized in many parts of the State YF&R Winners county. Some of these units were Marietta, Pohocco, In 1984, Larry and Melinda Rasmussen of Mead Merriman, Leshara, North Side, Dist. 70, Wann, were chosen as the Nebraska Farm Bureau Ashland, Ithaca, and Cedar Hill. The social life in Outstanding Young Farmer and Rancher Award the community centered on these units. A meeting recipients. They won a trip to the national was held once a month with a speaker on relevant convention in Hawaii. topics and it always included fun and food. Beginning in 1984, Farm Bureau teamed up The women’s committee, acting as an arm of with S and S Welding in Wahoo to sponsor a kiddie the board, has acted as a liaison between the board tractor pull at the county fair. Youngsters peddled and the members in helping implement policies and down a measured course and a weighted sled towed programs of Farm Bureau. The women joined with by a tractor made progress increasingly difficult. the board to study how to make farm life more The tractor pull has been a real success and today profitable and enjoyable, at the same time taking into more than 100 youngsters participate annually. consideration the good of the whole community. The Farm Bureau has had three county members move to state Farm Bureau positions. Roland Nelson County Women Set State Record of Mead was elected to the state Board of Directors in In 1946, eight members of the Merriman unit of 1946, elected state vice president in 1949 and served Weston, under the leadership of Mrs. Earl Nelson, in that position until 1966 when he was elected held the state record when they went out and president. He served until 1972 when he retired. recruited 80 new members. That was a job well Richard Gooding of Ithaca was a Farm Bureau staff done, and that was only the beginning. member from 1955 to 1985 and director of public In 1946, Farm Bureau started a drive to get affairs. Mrs. Eula (Alfred) Peterson of Wahoo served farmers “out of the mud” and to improve the as District 2 woman’s committee member from 1979 roads. Ben Widman was president and it was a to 1981. Several of our members also have served on concentrated effort by all of the members. They the state Policy Development Committee. led the change from a three-county commissioner form of government to the present seven-member Learning Barn board of supervisors. The taxes levied would then In 2003, inspired by county resident, Marie be spent in their own township. At last the people Kenecky, a new teaching tool, the Learning Barn, in Saunders County were “out of the mud.” In 1955, a Farmer-Businessman Banquet was held at Luther College in Wahoo with 430 people in attendance. The guests eagerly received prizes of farm produce. Many similar banquets followed and included informative and enjoyable speakers, good food, and prizes donated by county merchants. In 1988, Gov. Kay Orr was the speaker. In 1974, the Youth Citizenship Seminar was begun statewide with students gaining a better understanding of their Nebraska heritage and the

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 187 was devised and built. Directed toward elementary Vyrl Livers, Marvin Hines, and the current students, the barn contained books, videos, and toys president is Larry Heyen. that highlighted the different aspects of agriculture. Current members of the Saunders County Farm It was especially useful for children who grew up in Bureau board are Don Proett, Roger Nelson, Larry cities and towns and had no idea what farms and Heyen, Dave Deerson, Darwin Vermeline, Joe Vasa agriculture are all about. The barn visited many Jr., Marvin Hines, Dennis Fujan, Paul Cernik and schools and the county fair for over 10 years. In Ben Deerson. 2015 the Learning Barn was donated to the Wahoo An excerpt from a 1954 editorial printed in the Public Library. Library director, Denise Lawver said, Wahoo Newspaper sums up what Farm Bureau in “Our community’s culture is agriculture, plus it’s Saunders County is all about: “Farm Bureau seeks to educational, so this is the perfect place for it.” better the farmer’s life by trying to develop a market for his products and a selling price necessary for his Office in Wahoo continued initiative and effort. It is also vitally inter- Currently, the Saunders County Farm Bureau office ested in the democratic way of life we all enjoy, and is located at 113 E. Fifth Street in Wahoo. Through its entire operation centers around those freedoms in the years, we have sponsored countywide picnics, its function. While its interests are many and varied, roadside clean-up, Meet the Candidate nights, a its leaders are good Americans striving to solve Tractor Safety Day, rural zoning, soil conservation problems facing this nation and its farmers.” and flood control, floats, a fair booth, bowling We are proud of our organization. Through it teams, oyster and pancake suppers, chili feeds and we have gained a respect for our past and gained pork roasts. confidence for the future. The Saunders County Farm Bureau has partici- pated or is participating in the following activities: LeRoy Nelson, Eula Peterson, Don Proett and Marvin Hines, 2016 county history committee . providing ribbons and monetary herdsmanship awards for 4-H participants at the county fair . meeting with the other county commodity groups to support agricultural legislation Scotts Bluff County . sponsoring two scholarships yearly to gradu- ESTABLISHED DECEMBER 1947 ating high school students interested in Ag CENTENNIAL 2047 . partnering with Ak-Sar-Ben to present 100-year Farm Family awards during the fair In 2016, Bill Baldwin serves as the District 8 NFBF . ensuring that Saunders County is designated a Board Member. Scotts Bluff County Farm Bureau Livestock Friendly County signed the uniform cooperative agreement with Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation on December . running a Farm Bureau booth at the county fair 3, 1947. J.R. Gross was county president and Mrs. Our county bureau presidents have been Earl Johns was county secretary. Frank Sands was Roland Nelson, Ben Widman, David Lindgren, county president and Dorothy Reeder was county Amborse Johnson, Gail Pollard, Richard secretary when Scotts Bluff County Farm Bureau Goodding, Joe Hageman, Clarence Ecklund, signed its constitution on September 10, 1952. Henry Hrdlicka, Phil Caha, Glen Rosengren, Scotts Bluff County Farm Bureau signed restated Rudy Caha, Elwyn Johnson Fred Houfek, articles of incorporation on October 4, 1988. Jim Medford Barry, LeRoy Nelson, Charles Caha, Darnell III was county president and Eldon Burkey Alfred Peterson, David Deerson, Roger Nelson, was county secretary.

188 SAUNDERS – SCOTTS BLUFF – SEWARD – SHERIDAN

1947. Gerald Rolfsmeyer was county president, and Alois Masek was county secretary. Roland Klintworth, county president, and John Pleiner, county secretary, signed the Seward County Farm Bureau Constitution on October 22, 1959, in Seward. As of December 2015, the Seward County Farm Bureau board is active and comprised of Matt Krenk, president; Ryan Krenk, vice president; Larry Dedic, treasurer; and Kris Beckler-secretary; with Scott Richert serving as an additional board member. The vision of Seward County Farm Bureau is to Since 1992, the county has reactivated and “Become a Recognized Advocate for All Agriculture maintains a presence in district and state meetings. in Seward County.” We constantly look for ways to Scotts Bluff County Farm Bureau has experi- accomplish our vision. Community involvement and enced growth on and off through the years. We visibility is part of that effort. continue to be active in our community, support Annually, we support the Seward County Rib youth in agriculture and have a strong desire to Rally/Scholarship fundraiser with labor and a elevate Nebraska Farm Bureau as it works to serve financial contribution to the county 4-H schol- Nebraska farmers and ranchers. arship fund, as well as the annual Postal Food Drive with labor. We also make a financial contri- Andy Groskopf, 2017 county Farm Bureau president bution to the Seward County 4-H Foundation “Bounty of Seward County” fundraiser and the Kiwanis Backpack fundraiser. Seward County

ESTABLISHED DECEMBER 1947 Matt Krenk, 2015 county history chairman CENTENNIAL 2047

Sheridan County

ESTABLISHED MARCH 1916 CENTENNIAL 2016

In 1914, Congress passed the Smith-Lever Act, which required that a group of interested farmers should form an organization to sponsor the work of educating farmers in using new methods of farming and increasing productivity. Thus Extension work in Sheridan County had its beginning and the organization of Sheridan County Farm Bureau was Seward County Farm Bureau signed the uniform organized in March 1916. However, it really didn’t cooperative agreement between it and the “get going” until the following spring. Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation on December 4,

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 189 The 1937 minutes noted: “Sheridan County Farm Bureau is an organization, which heads all other organizations in the county. The Sheridan County Farm Bureau is an organization, which cooperates with the Extension Service. It is a local organization made up of local people.” At the annual meeting on November 10, 1948, it was decided to separate Sheridan County Farm Bureau from the Extension office. Because of the county’s size and the distances involved, units of Farm Bureau members were organized for promoting Farm Bureau. The units were Extension agent C.O. Sawyer wrote in his individual in makeup, but were all united under 1920 annual report, “In the spring of 1917, one county board in order to preserve the effec- membership was again solicited and sufficient names tiveness of Farm Bureau. were secured to establish the Farm Bureau. The In 1958 there were eight units and the county membership cost one dollar. The following year, the was divided into three districts, Gordon, Rushville county commissioners refused to make an appropri- and Hay Springs. In 1962, Farm Bureau opened ation for Extension work, giving as their reason that an office in Rushville, staffed with an office the farmers did not want it. This was true as most secretary. The Farm Bureau Insurance agents also farmers were suspicious of any movement that was shared the office. politically endorsed.” Finally, enough farmers became In 1985 the office was moved to Hay Springs interested in the idea of Extension work that commis- where it is located today. Through the years, the sioners made the money available. Sheridan County Farm Bureau has been involved in In 1921, there was so much opposition to statewide and local issues. It has sponsored candidate Farm Bureau-sponsored Extension work that forums and invited guests to speak on various topics. the commissioners again withheld money. This In the past, the Sheridan County Farm Bureau forced Sawyer to resign as Extension agent until actively participated in member services such as the case could be heard by the Nebraska Supreme chemicals, veterinary supplies, tires and batteries, Court. Upon his resignation, Farm Bureau kept petroleum products, Florida citrus and nuts, and the Extension office open by employing a secretary insurance services. from its own membership fees. On April 2, 1923, Farm Bureau spearheaded the effort for Farm Bureau ceased operations as an organization Sheridan County to become a Livestock Friendly in Sheridan County and the Extension Service County and in August of 2008, Governor Dave office was closed until February 1, 1931. Heinemann announced that the application had The Sheridan County Farm Bureau was reorga- been approved during a ceremony in Rushville. nized in December 1930 with a membership of With more than 20 head of beef cattle per capita in 490. This membership was based on petition Sheridan County, this is a valuable designation. signatures for Extension work in agriculture in The Sheridan County Farm Bureau is proud Sheridan County. There were no paid memberships. to be part of a statewide network of farmers The county commissioners appropriated money who speak out for production agriculture. The for financing the Extension office to operate for organization continues to support ag education one year. From the 490 signers of the petition, 18 and promotion agricultural endeavors. Among members were elected to serve on the general board. other local entities, we contribute to our county

190 SHERIDAN – SHERMAN/VALLEY

4-H and Extension programs. It is our desire that period for the two counties with Roger Berry being young people learn the importance of agriculture his replacement. in their lives and its necessity for every American. Duane Krajnik was president of Valley County, and Lynn Johnson president of Sherman County. Kay Schroder, 2015 history chairman Duane had sought out-of-state employment so Bill Lueck as vice-president assumed the presi- dent’s duties in the plan of merger and was Sherman/Valley County re-elected president the next September. Lynn Johnson was vice-president. Sherman County had ESTABLISHED MARCH 1942 (SHERMAN COUNTY) a corporate structure whereas Valley County did CENTENNIAL 2042 not. Historically, Sherman county boards had met

ESTABLISHED MARCH 1953 (VALLEY) in country schools with directors elected from CENTENNIAL 2053 a township structure with as many as a dozen attending their meetings and as many as three SHERMAN AND VALLEY COUNTY FARM BUREAUS insurance agents in the 1950s. Valley County MERGED IN THE LATE 1990s boards had met at the Extension office in the early years and then in the insurance agency office when Sherman-Valley County Farm Bureau came into established. They had fewer directors, representing existence as the result of a merger late in 2003. several townships. Sherman County had closed its county office Recently, there has been a recovery of Sherman in November 1968 because of the lack of an County records thought to have been lost. Some of agent, with the insurance records being sent to the highlights from 1954 minutes are as follows: Buffalo and Valley County offices. With many The county made membership a requirement to of the insurance clients being relocated to Ord, procure insurance. John Seifert, agent, was given it made sense to merge the two when Sherman jurisdiction to go to Valley County to start units. County began to suffer declines in membership Motions were made monthly to pay Nebraska and experience a lack of willingness of members Farm Bureau for obligations due to membership. to serve on the Board of Directors. At that time, If memberships were delinquent for a period of Jay Ferris had been serving as DDMS for the two time, notice was sent to Lincoln to cancel coverage. counties, and he also had received his appointment Women were very involved, especially with a talent to Grassroots director at the Lincoln office. He search. Some minutes even say who provided the graciously offered to help with the transition music, who accompanied and the group song title. John Seifert gave an insurance report stating that Sherman County had the top sales volume in the state and that he had received a gold trophy. President Gideon Bratten moved that we buy a gavel for the purpose of drawing the board’s attention. The motion was tabled. The role of Farm Bureau was quite different in the 1950s. In May 1954, SCFB purchased stock in a co-operative elevator with a certificate of indebtedness. That co-operative filed bankruptcy in 1967. There were service agreements with Farm Bureau insurance detailing commissions and other

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 191 obligations that were signed at the county level. fair photograph trophies for champions funded SCFB purchased stock in Farm and Ranch Supply of solely by Farm Bureau. They also provide T-shirts Nebraska, and that eventually led to agreements to for the Livestock Challenge, which is an invita- provide Safemark petroleum products to members. tional show for county champions from Nebraska As was the case in Sherman County, Valley and surrounding states held prior to the state fair. County insurance offices were in rented buildings. SVCFB made a contribution during the move In the early 1970s, agent Helen Ohme purchased by the Nebraska State Fair that entitled them a building on Main Street in Ord. Later, a second to a lamppost located in front of the Nebraska agent became associated with that office, and a Building. Last year, SVCFB made a substantial satellite office was maintained part-time in Loup contribution to the construction fund for a new City. As a replacement for Jeff Gibbens, Greg show ring building at the Sherman County Fair. Duryea completed his training as the second Recent years have seen an increase in interest agent. As the workload increased and office space to support food pantries. The county organization became more limited, Greg purchased a new office sponsored a food drop in December 2014 in building, giving Ord two agencies. That devel- Loup City. They also provided advertising for the opment has led to SVCFB achieving membership Can Care-A-Van in Ord, which set a new record quota about half of the time. collection, nearly tripling the previous pounds With the passing of Wilbur Heil in 2015, all collected. The county Farm Bureau also contributes of the charter members of both counties were to Ag in the Classroom. deceased. Wilbur’s father purchased a membership SVCFB has numerous Ag Pen Pals and several for him in 1947, and Wilbur had maintained a FBAct respondents who contact legislators about continuous membership and served as vice- key issues and occasionally contact federal president in the merged Farm Bureau. The older agencies with input on regulations. Current board members in Valley County can recall being asked members are: Bill Lueck, president; Tom Smedra, to join for the first time. Some of the active vice-president; Eleanor Lueck, secretary; Norman members served in county leadership positions Bredthauer, treasurer; Gene Bredthauer, Dan Day, when they were younger and have returned to serve Eldon Kieborz, Jon Jaeschke, Larry White, Robert as board members. Service at the state level has Vogeler and Tanner Palu, YFR. been minimal for the most part. Gene Wray served on the state Board of Directors when Keith Olson William Lueck, 2016 county history chairman also was a board member. Larry Koelling had served on SLPC. Policy development participation has been excellent, especially on key issues. SVCFB Sioux County was joined by several other counties to promote COOL, which eventually became part of congres- ESTABLISHED 1962 sional legislation. Policy was written concerning CENTENNIAL 2062 GIPSA regulations that became American Farm Bureau policy nearly word for word. The Sioux County Farm Bureau was formed Both counties and the merged organization October 29, 1962, when 39 people met in the have been strong supporters of extension programs Lutheran Church basement in Harrison and and county fair activities. Initially SVCFB was discussed the philosophy of Farm Bureau. Mr. and a foundation supporter of the Farm Safety 4 Mrs. John Bruegger of Van Tassel, Wyoming, gave Just Kids. That program now has many local very interesting and encouraging talks on what supporting entities. The two counties have county Farm Bureau meant to them.

192 SHERMAN VALLEY – SIOUX – STANTON

Those present voted unanimously to adopt a county constitution and the uniform agreement and to ask for affiliation with the state Farm Bureau Federation. These officers were elected: Allen Ellicott, president; Jess Locker, vice president; Mrs. Martin (Lucille) Marshall, secretary; and Lyle Anderson, treasurer. Mrs. Kenneth Watson was named women’s chairman and Mrs. Emery Zimmerman was selected as women’s chairman. Unfortunately, the Sioux County Farm Bureau has experienced decreased activity and membership through the years and has become less active. However, the county Farm Bureau remains part of county presidents: Gus Bremer, Fred Hansen, the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation as they work Charles Siegert, Robert Hansen, Don Dover, to serve Nebraska farmers and ranchers. George Benson, Jr., Gary Benson, Jerry Weatherholt, Ronald Schellpeper, Marlin Boldt, Tim Horn, 2016 northwest regional director of Robert Schellpeper, John Moritz and David membership Stepan. George Benson, Jr. was the county president in 1992. Several have served two or more terms. Stanton County Lowell Froehlich was named the first insurance agent for the county in 1962 and continued for ESTABLISHED 1961 several years with many other agents succeeding CENTENNIAL 2061 him. Curt Hjorth and Chris Hjorth were the agents in 1992. The insurance business was transferred to In 1961, a group of men and women with major Wayne in 1967 from the Norfolk office and then interest in farming met in Stanton to discuss affili- was transferred back to Norfolk a few years ago. ation with the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation. Stanton County Farm Bureau has sponsored The group moved to adopt a county constitution students to attend the Youth Citizenship Seminar and uniform agreement and to make appli- and Youth Safety Seminar during the 25 years the cation for federation with the state organization, seminars were offered. Some county youths have becoming the 70th Nebraska county to do so. received educational assistance from the Nurses Officers elected were Gus Bremer, president; Loan Fund and the Charles Marshall Educational Loren Pohlman, vice president; Robert Freiberg, Loan Fund. secretary; Don Dover, treasurer; and Bud Bollman, northeast field director. On the county board were Community Service Project Charles Siegert, Robert Hansen, Raymond Walker, Community service projects have included the Lyle Farran, Art Lammli, Robert Chilcoat, Fred purchase of 12 tables in 1963 for the newly erected Hansen, George Benson, Sr., Raymond Prochaska, county community building and the purchase Harley Tejkl, and Loren Tejkl. of two picnic tables for Pilger Park in 1966. A livestock trophy has been awarded each year at the Steady Membership Growth county fair since 1977. A Farm Bureau booth was Membership grew steadily from 58 in 1962 displayed for several years at the fair and a float to 257 in 1991. The following have served as was featured in the county centennial parade in

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 193 1966. An annual picnic is well attended by Stanton County Farm Bureau families. A tire and battery program was initiated in 1966 with Duane Palmer of Norfolk. In 1977, tires and batteries were sold at Stanton Auto Parts, operated by Dennis and Dallas Hinnerichs. A telephone was installed in their business place for a few years for Farm Bureau business at the Norfolk office. Darrel Felt sold Safemark Oil for a time. Orders have been taken for fruit sales since 1975, and this program continues to be successful. In 1979, a cattle marketing program was adopted, and in 1980, mail order of pharmaceutical supplies was authorized. Stanton County members have always been windbreaks, shelterbelts, and soil improvement and interested in good government. In 1969, they wildlife conservation. The County Extension and the had a meeting in Lincoln with U.S. Secretary of County Farm Bureau worked closely with each other Agriculture Clifford M. Harding. Other dignitaries for the benefit of agriculture in Thayer County. who have been guest speakers at county meetings The county membership in 2015 was 500. The are State Sens. William H. Hasebrook, Peter board carries out many projects, including those Claussen and Stan Schellpeper. listed here: Stanton County Farm Bureau has experi- enced growth on and off through the years. We . The Thayer County Farm Bureau awards a $500 continue to be active in our community, support scholarship to a student who resides in Thayer youth in agriculture and have a strong desire to County and intends to pursue post-secondary elevate Nebraska Farm Bureau as it works to serve studies in agriculture or an ag-related field. Nebraska farmers and ranchers. . Thayer County Farm Bureau has distributed T-shirts with the Farm Bureau logo to all 4-H Evelyn Schellpeper, 1992 county history chairman participants at the Thayer County Fair. George Benson 2017 county Farm Bureau . A Farm Safety Day was held in April 2014 for president third-grade students from three public schools in Thayer County. . Farm Bureau Children’s Books of the Year are Thayer County distributed to five elementary school libraries in our area. ESTABLISHED 1921 CENTENNIAL 2021 . Thayer County Farm Bureau makes yearly donations to the Nebraska Farm Bureau Thayer County Farm Bureau was organized in Foundation. 1921. Some of the projects in those early years . Farm Bureau members have helped with several included cornhusking, land use planning, crop health screenings in the county. production, and control of plant diseases, insects . Our Farm Bureau has donated and helped and rodents. promote the Channel 10/11 Food Can Other important work focused on improving Care-A-Van. livestock production and planting trees for

194 STANTON – THAYER – THOMAS – THURSTON

. Board members were instrumental in organizing, We are a small group, but we are Farm Bureau promoting and receiving the Livestock Friendly proud. Current membership is 45 members, and County designation in 2015. Thomas County Farm Bureau consistently meets quota for membership. Duane Miller, 2015 county history chairman Geneva Ewoldt, 1992 and 2015 county history chairman Thomas County

ESTABLISHED 1966 CENTENNIAL 2066 Thurston County ESTABLISHED 1913 Thomas County Farm Bureau was organized in CENTENNIAL 2013 1966 by George lssiki. The very first members were: George lssiki, LaVay Warren, Millard Maseburg, Elvin Scranton and Bill Scranton. Bill Scranton was the first president. At one time, we had 60 members. Programs included Safemark, Florida juice and fruits, Michigan fruits and vegetables, and insurance. Several membership trips were won to Washington, D.C., the American Farm Bureau Convention in Houston, Texas; the AFBF Convention in Miami; and a Caribbean cruise. The Thomas County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee was very well attended and participated in such activities as the Youth Safety Seminar, Youth Citizenship Seminar and Thomas County Thurston County was one of four counties in Fair with a booth and float in the parade. The 1913 that felt the need to have an organization to women also served a barrel of tea at the Thomas help farmers. County Barbeque every year. One hundred years later, Thurston County Farm Bureau continues to succeed by offering Visitors Attend Annual Meeting scholarships to youth, supporting its county We have an annual meeting in October each year, fair, and being involved and setting the tone for and with faithful members attending, we usually agriculture policy in Nebraska. have a bountiful carry-in supper. We also have The organization was founded in 1913 as the several visitors, such as the Nebraska Farm Bureau Thurston County Farm Management Association district director of field services, the district State by Harry Keefe. Meeting minutes from early in Women’s Committee representative and several the organization’s history indicate nearly 1,500 from the insurance office in North Platte. people attended one of the annual Thurston We have seven beautiful scrapbooks to remind us County Farm Bureau picnics. of the cooperation and fellowship of our Farm Bureau When the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation years. Most won five stars at the state convention. was founded four years later, the county name

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 195 changed to Thurston County Farm Bureau. Keefe was then elected the first president of Nebraska Farm Bureau. At its annual meeting in September 2013, Thurston County Farm Bureau celebrated its 100th anniversary in conjunction with the annual meeting at the Pender Legion Hall. More than 100 people enjoyed the event. “We are proud to have been a part of the community for the past 100 years,” said Joel Lamplot, then president of the Thurston County Farm Bureau. “There has been a lot of agriculture history taking place in Thurston An article published in the Blair Enterprise on County and the Farm Bureau is proud to August 16, 1923, proves that the organization continue the tradition of supporting farmers had a busy program underway at that time. and agriculture in Nebraska.” According to the article, a beekeepers meeting Among the guests were Walter and Viola sponsored by Washington County was well Albrecht, who had been Thurston County Farm attended, and many saw a queen bee for the first Bureau members for 71 years, joining the organi- time. However, the County Farm Bureau picnic zation in 1942 shortly after they were married. had to be postponed because of conflicts with Albrecht noted, “I originally became involved other community events. in Farm Bureau as my uncle was selling insurance. Sometime in the 1940s, Harold Paulsen Sr., was I remained a member as Farm Bureau has always very active in Farm Bureau. Ralph Kuhr was the allowed farmers to express themselves and work first county president. At that time, Wm. Steavenson together to accomplish goals.” of Fontanelle was the only other member. Francis “I have been proud to be a member of a group Hovendick, an early member, produced a picture of that has impact at all levels—county, state and a Farm Bureau float that was part of the Gateway to national,” he said. “Farm Bureau has grown since the West celebration in Blair. I originally joined, but the values have remained the same.” Member Met Secretary of Agriculture Albert Bensen, while serving as president of the Excerpts from the October 2013 edition of Washington County Farm Bureau, attended a Nebraska Farm Bureau News conference called by then-Secretary of Agriculture Ezra Taft Bensen. Bensen was the only man in Nebraska to have been invited to attend the Washington County conference. On the agenda was a discussion of the stabilization of prices and the control of ESTABLISHED AUGUST 1923 production. Albert and his wife, LeNetta, were CENTENNIAL 2023 very active in their community near Orum. In 1992, LeNetta was still a Farm Bureau member Little was recorded of the early history of Washington and lived in Arlington. County Farm Bureau, and 1992 history chairman Mr. and Mrs. Harold Stork served as officers Georgia Matzen started interviewing long-time for several years on the board of their local unit. members and pieced together a brief story. They were charter members of Farm Bureau

196 THURSTON – WASHINGTON – WAYNE

Educational Loans and the Kenneth Schwartz Memorial Scholarship if they are from Farm Bureau families. A new project being promoted in the Washington County schools is Ag in the Classroom. Washington County Farm Bureau has experi- enced growth on and off through the years. We continue to be active in our community by partic- ipating in our county fair, supporting youth in agriculture by participating in the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation Golf Classic, sponsoring 4-H and FFA chapters and offering high school seniors insurance. Others who were mentioned as early four $500 scholarships. We have a strong desire to presidents of Washington County Farm Bureau elevate Nebraska Farm Bureau as it works to serve were Harold Stork, Don Bartling, Howard Nebraska farmers and ranchers. Thompson and William Steavenson Sr. At one time, Farm Bureau and the Extension Georgia Matzen, county history chairman program were intertwined. Many meetings were Karen Ruwe, 2016 county Farm Bureau president held at rural schoolhouses. It was a time for families to get together once a month and to be brought up-to-date on bills that were pending at the Legislature in Lincoln. Wayne County ESTABLISHED APRIL 1961 Assistance to Memorial CENTENNIAL 2061 Community Hospital A significant contribution was made by the It was the first week in March 1961 when Henry Washington County Farm Bureau when it was “Hank” Kuhlmann, a fellow Polled Hereford called upon to help in furnishing Memorial breeder, stopped at the farm of Leland Herman. Community Hospital in Blair. Two members, Helen After some efforts to show Hank some cattle, it Wrich and Marge Allen, worked diligently on this soon became evident that he had other things on project. They decided on furniture, bed linens and, his mind besides cattle. as Marge said, “We even picked out the bed pans.” The men in that same unit put on a play called “The Brides.” They went to neighboring towns with their act. Farm Bureau in Washington County has grown in membership and has progressed. In 1992, there were more than 900 members. The Farm Bureau insurance program also has flour- ished through the years. There are many programs and opportunities available to Washington County schools and their students. Graduating students may apply for assis- tance through Farm Bureau for Charles Marshall

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 197 to buy the film and make it available to other organizations. Some values may have changed, but Farm Bureau’s values remain constant. Paul Fisher, career agent for Dixon County, continued to serve Wayne County after it was organized. However, with the steady growth that Wayne County was experiencing, it was evident that help was needed. It was fortunate that the right man at the right time was available. Melvin “Bud” Froehlich became the man of the hour. Dedicated Leaders Wayne County presidents include: Leland As he proceeded to expound on the philosophy Herman, 1961-62; Robert Boeckenhauer, of Farm Bureau, it soon became evident that 1964-66; Milton Owens, 1967-69; William there was a kinship in their thinking. Hank then Hansan, 1970-72; Melvin Utecht, 1972; Herman explained that he was organizing county Farm Utecht, 1973; Marvin Felt, 1974-75; Neil Sandahl, Bureaus and that Wayne was next on his list. He 1976-77; John R. Anderson, 1978-80; Merle Ring, would appreciate if Leland would get on the phone 1981-82, Clark Kai, 1983-84; Donald Liedman, and call a few of his friends. 1985-91, 1993-94, 2003-2004; William Claybaugh, It was a mystery why anyone showed up—for as 1992, 1999-2000; Terry Gilliland, 1995-96; all good mysteries start, “It was a cold and stormy Roger Brandt, 1997-98; Shari Dunklau, 2001-02; night.” But five people did show up. They put their Dwaine Junck, 2005; and Greg Villwok, 2005-16. signatures on checks, and Wayne County Farm For years we have been working hard to Bureau was on its way. A motion was made to hold include young people in our organization and the next meeting on April 25 at Wayne City Hall. on our county board. We work closely with the Five more names were added to the list of charter Wayne Chamber of Commerce Ag Committee on members, and a constitution was signed. commodity projects to promote the importance of agriculture. We also have become very involved in Love for the Land, God, Country local and state political races. Probably the only thing about these charter members that could be stereotyped was their love Leland Herman, 1992 county history chairman of the land, love of God and love of their country. Don Liedman, 2016 county history chairman By their very independent nature, it would seem to be a small miracle that with the wide range of opinions they possessed, that they continued the philosophy of Farm Bureau: farmers working with Wheeler County farmers can accomplish more for themselves than ESTABLISHED 1937 they can through government action. CENTENNIAL 2037 In this current era of talk of freedom of speech and freedom of expression by desecrating the flag, The Wheeler County Farm Bureau has been entertainment for a family night on February 27, justifiably proud of its vibrant organization. For 1964, was the film “Flags of American Liberty.” many years it was in the vanguard of counties The membership was so impressed that it voted making membership quota and as nearly as can be

198 WAYNE – WHEELER

ascertained, it sent its allotted number of delegates Many times the membership drives were spirited to the state convention each year. and competitive within the county as well as with Early on, the county was divided into area units, other counties. Quota-winning chairmen who won each having officers and meeting in homes. Records the bus trip to Washington, D.C., included Burdette show that once the official business was taken care and Virgene Landgren, Clay and Ruby Kugler, of, lunch was served by the hostess and then an Conrad and Inez Loseke and Carl and Marjorie evening of entertainment such as bingo was enjoyed. Nichols. Wheeler County had its largest number The annual meeting for the entire county was of family members in 1956 and 1957 with 162 held during October in Bartlett with county officials members. The total population of Wheeler County in charge. Later on, unit meetings were eliminated in 1957 was approximately 1,200, giving us an and the county board met monthly in Bartlett. excellent percentage of members. Like all rural residents, Wheeler County Two resolutions passed at the annual meeting people love to have fun. The minutes of the in 1953 were: “We favor Normal Training be kept county annual meeting in October 1954, says, in our schools so students can teach two years “We started off with a swell pancake feed, then before going to college” and “We favor gasoline be some fine entertainment by the Glaser Brothers colored instead of the present refund system.” and Roscoe Kasselder.” The now nationally famous Glaser Brothers were then young boys ‘Bureau Bits’ Was Newsletter Name living in Wheeler County. Mrs. Gerald (Julia) Payne won the “Name the News Letter” contest with her entry “Bureau Bits.” Women Attended ‘College of Knowledge’ Our monthly newsletter contained information In 1954, six women were allotted 10 cents per mile about Farm Bureau, county members, jokes and for one car to attend the “College of Knowledge” recipes. Early county leaders were Anton Shavlik, in Hastings. John Nichols, William Schmeits, Bud and Phyliss In the 1950s and 1960s, annual picnics were Bartak, Royvan Day, Raymond and Florence held. On one occasion, a guest of honor from the Litchenberg, Lloyd Kasselder, Louis Heinz, Harold state office greatly pleased the gathering with his Werkmeister, Harold Olson, Walter Currie and statement, “Whenever you use a butter substitute, Mrs. Faye Chapman, among others. in my opinion you are smearing your bread and Wheeler County has had many good years with seasoning your vegetables with salve.” Farm Bureau and looks forward to many more, with a word to the wise: Be very careful with your records. A dependable historian in every county, armed with a camera and lots of film, could be an invaluable asset through the years!

Mrs. Carl (Marjorie) Nichols, 1992 county history chairman Steven Schrunk, 2016 county president

A Strong Heritage of Serving Members 199 York County Social Events York County Farm Bureau for many years served ESTABLISHED 1954 as a social group with picnics, barbecues and the CENTENNIAL 2054 like for members and families. Delegates have attended state convention almost every year and help form state policies. Officers in 1992 were Stan Boehr, president, and Gerald George, vice president, with board members Beulah Gocke, Ross Hirchfeld, Jane Smith, Wilbur Epp, Jim Jackson, Merle Naber and Corrine Bruns.

Recent Years The York County Farm Bureau has worked diligently in recent years to revitalize their board and grow membership. We have taken an active role in recruiting YF&R members to their board and has York County Farm Bureau was formally organized utilized events such as ag tour days to reach out to in 1954. A number of York County farmers had the community. York County Farm Bureau has also been purchasing fertilizer in a cooperative effort, absorbed the cost of the annual pork sandwich feed which led to forming York County Farm Bureau as event from the local pork producers and is growing we know it today. this event as a fundraiser to support their efforts with Some of the men involved in the early years of the local youth including scholarships, FFA grants, the organization were Walt Stuhr, Claude Walkup, and 4-H projects. County board members were also Dwight Walkup, Norman Obermier, Lester Spader, instrumental in York county’s achievement of their Ken Jackson, Erwin Nienheauser and Jim Mclean. Livestock Friendly County designation from the state Active Community of Nebraska. York County is also very active in our state organization with regular representation on A few years after the county organization formed, SLPC and various events throughout the year. the Nebraska Farm Bureau started a casualty insurance company. They joined with Farm Beulah Gocke, 1992 county history chairman Bureau of Iowa Life Insurance Company. Alvah Karah Perdue, 2016 county history chairman Hecht served as the first insurance agent for York County members. Membership growth has been at a slow steady pace, with the current number more than 300. York County Farm Bureau has helped at the county fair with trophies and has had a booth for many years on the fairgrounds. It has sponsored safety seminars for farm families. Candidate forums have been held to help voters decide on candidates in the primary elections and appre- ciation dinners have been held for surrounding counties and the state senators.

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