Pioneer Farm Family Awards

The Aksarben Foundation, along with Nebraska Farm Bureau and the Nebraska Association of Fair Managers, recently noted that applications for the Nebraska Pioneer Farm and Nebraska Heritage Farm Awards are being accepted now. These awards recognize Nebraska farm families who have consecutively held ownership of land in the same family for at least 100 years (Pioneer) or 150 years (Heritage), respectively.
“We look forward to recognizing and awarding these Nebraska farm families each year. The dedication and perseverance demonstrated by these families is a testament to the strong Nebraska values that set our state apart and have been making Aksarben proud, for over 120 years,” said Sandra Reding, Aksarben Foundation president.
Partnering with Aksarben in sponsoring these awards each year, Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson has said, “Nebraska Farm Bureau is proud to help sponsor these farm family awards. Nebraska Farm Bureau’s heritage and continuous mission is to serve Nebraska farm and ranch families, and these awards recognize the commitment to preserve and build Nebraska agriculture for future generations.”
Fillmore County Ag Society member Debbie Hoarty noted with people caught up in the COVID-19 pandemic, applications for this special award have been coming in slower than in years past.
Each honoree receives an engraved plaque and gatepost marker as permanent recognition of this milestone. The awards are presented during the annual county fair in which the land is located. The Fillmore County Fair is slated to run July 8-13.
For more information or to apply on-line, visit www.aksarben.org. Hoarty said that paper applications for the awards are also available at the Fillmore County Extension Office in Geneva or by contacting her at 402-366-6315 or debbie.hoarty@gmail.com or on Facebook. Applications need to be picked up and returned to her before April 14. The deadline through the Aksarben website is later. Hoarty reminds applicants that supportive paperwork proving family ownership is needed. Hoarty’s mailing address is 1510 Road 6, Grafton, NE 68365.
“We are very fortunate to have this award program in place,” Hoarty said. “Thank you both Aksarben and Farm Bureau for your generosity.”