Healthy soil is the heart of agriculture in Nebraska, and the leaders who work to protect it help shape the future of the land and its communities.
In February, the Nebraska Soil Health Coalition (NSHC) recognized two of those leaders; Jennifer Brhel, Nebraska Extension educator, received the inaugural Alan Moeller Pillar Award, and Raymond C. Ward, founder of Ward Laboratories and longtime soil health advocate, received the inaugural Ray Ward Legacy Award.
Brhel’s and Ward’s work strengthens agricultural resilience by advancing ecologically friendly farming practices and encouraging the voluntary adoption of soil health programs across Nebraska.
Rooted in service, driven by impact
The Alan Moeller Pillar Award honors an individual who has served as a foundational leader in advancing soil health through collaboration, innovation and dedication to Nebraska’s soil communities. Brhel was selected for her role in developing and supporting many of NSHC’s partnership and outreach efforts.
“The biggest lesson I’ve learned in my extension career is that we’re in the people business,” Brhel said. “Relationships are at the heart of everything we do, and many of the people I serve have become friends. That’s one of the most rewarding parts of working with so many great people in agriculture.”
Brhel works with farmers to design on-farm studies using their own fields and equipment, helping them answer management questions while applying current department research to their operations. The studies also generate data that help the department continue serving agricultural producers across the state.
As one of the few extension educators in her region with an agronomy background, Brhel receives a high volume of calls from farmers. Her work in extension education provides constant opportunities to learn and expand her expertise while serving Nebraska’s agriculture community.
Brhel grew up on a small crop and livestock farm in northeast Nebraska and her contributions through extension education are now helping expand soil health practices and farmer-led engagement throughout the state.
Honoring a pioneer in soil health
The Ray Ward Legacy Award is NSHC’s highest honor — it was also named for its first recipient, Raymond C. Ward, Agronomy B.A. ’59, M.S. ‘61. The Coalition evaluates recipients based on their regenerative impact on rural Nebraska, particularly economic contributions and support for soil health adoption; their mentorship and influence on future soil health practitioners; and their contributions to the NSHC’s mission and values.
Martha Mamo, professor and head of the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, said Ward has been a pioneering advocate for agriculture, soil science and soil health. His vision linking soil health to both human and ecosystem health has influenced generations of students and left a lasting legacy across the department and the University of Nebraska.
“Through his experience and generosity, he has supported our department in many ways,” Mamo said. “He has served as a trusted advisor, invested in student scholarships and development, mentored students and faculty, and opened doors for hands-on learning through Ward Laboratories.”
Ward’s influence extends beyond the classroom: He is credited with helping farmers reduce nitrate levels in groundwater across Nebraska and is a passionate advocate for no-till farming.
About the Nebraska Soil Health Coalition
The Nebraska Soil Health Coalition is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2023 to promote soil health, support environmental stewardship, and strengthen agricultural communities across the state of Nebraska. Through its regional hubs, the Coalition provides regenerative agricultural practices statewide. Learn more at nesoilhealth.org.
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