by Nasrin Nawa
L to R - Middle: General Manager Scott Sobotka, Director Ryan Birkett, NARD President Martin Graff, Director Steve Kelley, Office Administrator Adam Kimmerling, Director Larry Barta, GIS Data Specialist Nick Schroeder,
L to R - Back: Director Duane Parde, Director Doug Stokebrand, Director Dean Roehr, Director Jason Pohlmann, Assistant Manager Tyler Weishahn, Resources Specialist Ryan Thomas, Operations Supervisor Scott Theis.
Lincoln, Neb. —Nebraska’s Natural Resource Districts have awarded the Outstanding Water Conservation of the Year Award to Paul C. Hay (posthumous), Emeritus Extension Educator, alongside Randy Pryor, also an Emeritus Extension Educator. The two long-time educators were nominated by the Lower Big Blue Natural Resources District (NRD) for their nearly 40 years of service to agricultural sustainability in Southeast Nebraska.
Paul Hay and Randy Pryor left an indelible mark on the region’s farming community, promoting sustainable practices such as no-till farming and water conservation through innovative teaching. Their work with the NRD, farmers, and the broader community set new standards in conservation and education.
Commitment to Conservation and Education
Throughout their careers, Hay and Pryor collaborated on field days, on-farm research, 4-H projects, and educational initiatives such as Earth Festivals for 5th graders. They were early advocates of no-till farming, demonstrating to producers how leaving crop residue could preserve soil moisture, reduce erosion, and lower input costs. Together, they were instrumental in promoting the use of evapotranspiration gauges and moisture sensors, tools that help farmers manage irrigation more efficiently.
“Paul and Randy were always eager to assist the NRD in promoting sustainability,” said Scott Sobotka, general manager of the Lower Big Blue NRD. “Their impact through education, hands-on demonstrations, and personal connections with producers is unmatched.”
Paul C. Hay’s Legacy
Born in Michigan in 1951, Paul ‘Clover’ Hay brought a passion for agriculture to Nebraska after earning degrees from Michigan State University and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. As an Extension educator, he worked tirelessly for over 40 years to educate producers and inspire the next generation of farmers and ranchers. From leading plant science 4-H projects to mentoring youth as part of the Teammates program, Hay dedicated his life to agriculture and education.
Hay was also known for his community involvement, particularly through the Beatrice Noon Kiwanis club, where he volunteered for over 30 years. “Paul never turned down an opportunity to learn or educate others, and he was beloved for his selfless, hardworking nature,” Sobotka added.
Randy Pryor’s Legacy
Randy Pryor, who grew up on a farm in Nemaha, Neb., received his master’s degree from UNL and began his career as an Extension educator in Saline County in 1982. Pryor was a leader in promoting no-till farming in the Daykin-Tobias area, showing local farmers how they could conserve soil, preserve water, and boost yields. His field demonstrations, participation in the Nebraska Ag Water Network, and teaching on irrigation management technology have had a lasting impact on Southeast Nebraska’s farming community.
“I’ve always had a passion for agriculture and soil conservation,” Pryor said upon his retirement in 2019. “I’ve been proud to help farmers adopt practices that protect our land and water resources.”
Pryor’s legacy includes founding 4-H camps such as Camp Renegade and Camp Venture, which taught generations of youth about natural resources, farming, and wildlife. Even in retirement, he continues his work on soil health through the Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund and contributes to community projects in Wilber.