Nebraska Extension Earns Multiple National Awards for Excellence

BY  Nasrin Nawa and Nebraska Extension

Nebraska Extension recently received four national awards from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents. The awards highlight outstanding programs and people of Nebraska Extension. The awards received are:  

National Search for Excellence in Farm and Ranch Business Management: Know Your Numbers, Know Your Options. This program, led by Extension Educators Jessica Groskopf and Glennis McClure helps farmers and ranchers improve their financial decision-making skills. The program covers a range of issues, including developing basic financial documents, calculating financial ratios, interpreting financial benchmarks, and discussing financial issues with others. The program, which was initially offered as in-person classes, moved online during the Covid-19 pandemic. Since June 2020, 137 participants have completed 22 online sessions, making a significant impact on farm financial management. 

Distinguished Service Award: Kelly Feehan. Feehan is a Columbus-based Extension educator statewide leader for the Pro-Hort program. The award recognizes her work in developing and executing impactful Extension programs, which have been instrumental in promoting sustainable community greenspace through water and pollinator conservation, enhanced community forests, and integrated pest management.

North Central Region Hall of Fame Award: Larry Howard. Howard, an emeritus Extension educator, was recognized for his significant impact, particularly in beef, swine, and dairy production, in Nebraska and the surrounding states. His initiatives, which reached both youth and adults, have notably contributed to Cuming County becoming the first and only Nebraska county to reach a remarkable market value of over $1 billion in agricultural products.

National Association of County Agricultural Agents Achievement Award: Sarah Sivits. Sivits, a cropping systems Extension educator covering Dawson, Buffalo, and Hall Counties, has developed and implemented educational programs that have significantly impacted the agricultural community, particularly in pest management, disease diagnostics, on-farm research, and groundwater issues. 

“I believe that no one understands the people of Nebraska like the people of Extension, and these Extension programs and people underscore that believe,” said Charles Stoltenow, dean and director of Nebraska Extension. “I’m extremely proud of the value that Extension helps add to the lives of Nebraskans.”