by Karlie Gerlach | IANR Communications
Lincoln, Neb. —The Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement recognized three honorees and inducted 10 new members during its annual banquet, held on the University of Nebraska- Lincoln’s East Campus in March.
The Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement has been committed to preserving and improving Nebraska agriculture since 1916. Each year at their annual meeting, the group recognizes at least one honoree for their contributions to Nebraska agriculture. Additionally, new members are elected to be welcomed into the group.
Honorees celebrated at the 2023 event are:
Bill Dicke, Lincoln. Bill Dicke is the owner and founder of Cattlemen’s Consulting Service, one of the largest private feedlot consulting practices in America. He helped establish the Kenny Eng fundraising effort that supported five years of confined cow research. He has been honored as the 2021 “Legends of Feedlot Nutrition” by the Plains Nutrition Council at Texas A&M University, the 2013 Block and Bridle Club Honoree and the 2019 Distinguished Service Award from the Department of Animal Science.
Ralph Holzfaster, Paxton. Ralph Holzfaster is an innovator who helped transform western Nebraska from a dryland farming area to a center pivot hub. As he began his center pivot dealership, he quickly sold more pivots than anyone in the entire world. He is an active community member serving as a leader in many organizations and boards. He was honored with the Outstanding Business Leadership Award from the UNL College of Business Administration.
Ray Ward, Kearney. Ray Ward is the owner and founder of Ward Laboratories, a laboratory that tests soil, water and feed in all 50 states and many countries. He has shared his knowledge and expertise as an associate professor at Oklahoma State University, assistant professor at South Dakota State University and a graduate research assistant at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. He serves on the American Society of Agronomy, the Soil Testing and Plant Analysis Council, and the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology.
During the ceremony, the NHAA inducted the new members for the 2023 year.
New members of NHAA are:
● Keith Berns, Braden, farmer
● Kelly Brunkhorst, Lincoln, Executive Director, Nebraska Corn Board
● Dennis Burson, Lincoln, UNL Emeriti, professor, meat and food safety extension specialist
● George Cooksley, Anselmo, rancher
● Loren Giesler, Waverly, UNL professor and Department Head of Plant Pathology
● Mark McHargue, Marquette, farmer, President of Nebraska Farm Bureau
● David Merrell, St. Edward, farmer
● Rick Preston, Gering, Irrigation Manager and Engineer
● Alan Tiemann, Seward, farmer
● Jaclyn Wilson, Lakeside, rancher