Local Cattleman Honored With ‘Outstanding Service to Panhandle Agriculture’ Award

By Chabella Guzman

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center in Scottsbluff held its Holiday Banquet with faculty and staff on Jan. 5 at the Weborg Center in Gering. 

The annual PREEC award for Outstanding Service to Panhandle Agriculture was awarded to Dr. Ivan Rush, an Emeritus Professor of Beef Nutrition at the Panhandle Research & Extension Center.

“The award recognizes someone who provides outstanding service to agriculture in western Nebraska,” said Mitchell Stephenson, Nebraska Extension Range Management Specialist and PREEC Associate Center Director. “The criteria include the value of work they’ve done, cooperation with UNL specialists and educators; leadership in agriculture; community service other than agriculture; and level of impact on Panhandle agriculture.”

Rush began his career in the Panhandle in 1963 as an extension agent in Dawes County. He left briefly to work internationally and returned in the late 60s to take the reins as the beef extension specialist at the Panhandle Research and Extension Center. Rush was an integral part of many of the improvements at the feedlot coming from his efforts and work. He retired in 2008, but his service to agriculture has continued. Ivan and his wife Doris are well known for their tireless service to the Nebraska Cattle industry, and he was recently honored for that service by the Nebraska Cattlemen Association. Rush also serves within the Nebraska Sheep and Goat Association.

The banquet also recognized years of service:

Rex Neilsen, research technician, retired - 45 years of service

Cardinal Farrington, facilities manager – 5 years of service

Ryan Parker, research technician - 5 years of service

David Blanke, research technician – 5 years of service