AGRICULTURAL STEWARDSHIP
Agriculture is Nebraska’s #1 industry. Our farmers and ranchers raise
crops and livestock which feed people in our communities, our state,
nation, and the world. A lot of care, thought, and purpose goes into taking
care of animals, plants, soil, water, and the environment in Nebraska.
What do you know about the term “stewardship?” What do you
believe it means?
Stewardship is the responsible and careful management
of something entrusted to one’s care. Nebraska’s
farmers and ranchers are committed to being
good stewards. They protect and are
responsible for their livestock, land,
and environment which have been
entrusted to their care!
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A STEWARD?
Write “Y” for yes or “N” for no next to each
statement if it is something farmers and
ranchers do to be good stewards.
________Provide nutritious feed for cows and their calves
________Make sure corn has proper nutrients by
 applying fertilizer
________Call the veterinarian for care and medicine
 when a pig gets sick
________Use no-till practices (not disturbing the soil) to
prevent soil erosion
________Ensure cattle in the feedlot have plenty of fresh
water
________Apply proper amounts of fertilizers and
chemicals to keep water safe and clean
________Properly manage manure (livestock waste) to
maintain soil, water, and air quality
________Keep accurate records on all pigs, cattle, and
sheep to account for every animal
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READ THE INFORMATION ABOUT LIVESTOCK.
FILL IN THE WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, AND
WHY ABOUT RAISING LIVESTOCK.
A SLICE OF SOIL
WHY SHOULD WE CARE
STEWARDSHIP IN NEBRASKA AGRICULTURE
WATER, WATER, EVERYWHERE!!
Draw a line from each item on the list into the outline of Nebraska if it is
an agriculture product grown in our state.
Think about everything you have done today. The food you eat, clothes you’re wearing and the fuel that got you to
school are all a part of your life because of agriculture. Farmers and ranchers provide each of these to you by taking
care of natural resources. Some resources are non-renewable: limited and not easily replenished; and some are
renewable: replenished by the environment over short periods of time.
It is necessary for all people – farmers, ranchers, and each of us- to protect and take care of our resources now so
we make sure that people 100 years from now also enjoy safe and plentiful food, fuel, and ber in their daily lives.
1. Imagine the earth as a pie. Draw a circle (pie) in the space to the
left. Using your pen, “cut” the pie into four equal parts. Color 3 of
the quarters blue—these represent all the water on the earth. The
remaining “piece” represents the total land area in the world.
2. Cut the land piece in half, making two 1/8 pieces. Color one of
these pieces black—this is inhospitable to people (polar areas,
deserts, swamps, mountains, etc). The other 1/8 piece is suitable
for living, but not necessarily where crops are grown.
3. Cut that 1/8 piece into four sections, making four 1/32 pieces.
Color three of these brown—they are too rocky, wet, cold, steep
or infertile to produce food or are areas of land that could
produce food, but are national parks, cities, highways, etc.
4. This leaves 1/32 slice of earth. Divide a small piece of this
section. This tiny section represents surface or top soil, used for
food production to feed the world.
Farmers and ranchers raise livestock: dened as animals used for meat production; accessory production (like wool
from sheep), or by-products used for human consumption (milk, cheese, eggs, etc.). Examples of livestock include: beef
and dairy cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, and poultry.
WHO _________________________________________________________
WHAT _______________________________________________________
WHERE _____________________________________________________
WHEN _______________________________________________________
WHY _________________________________________________________
CATTLE
SHEEP
DRY EDIBLE BEANS
SOYBEANS
ORANGES
DAIRY (MILK)
POPCORN
POULTRY & EGGS
PIGS
SUGARCANE
ALFALFA HAY
ALMONDS
SUGAR
BEETS
WHEAT
GRAPEFRUIT
POTATOES
SUNFLOWERS
LETTUCE
An aquifer
is an underground
bo
dy of saturated
rock through which
w
a
ter can easily
move.
THE OGALLALA
AQUIFER:
One of the world’s largest aquifers
covers about 174,000 miles.
Stretches across 8 states. A major
portion lies in Nebraska.
The primary source of water for
irrigation purposes in Nebraska.
Provides drinking water.
Having an abundant, safe, and clean
water supply is critical for agriculture.
Water for plants comes in two forms:
rainfall and irrigation. The state of
Nebraska averages more than
30 inches of rain per year. In
areas of the state that don’t
get enough rainfall, farmers
need to irrigate their crops.
Irrigation is providing
water for plant growth,
most often through a
center pivot sprinkler
system.
Where does the water
come from? It starts
with the Ogallala Aquifer!
WHAT IS AN
AQUIFER?
Think about a time you were outside playing or working and it was HOT! You couldn’t wait to drink an ice cold
glass of water! Not only did it taste good, it also provided much needed hydration for you. Did you know plants
drink water just like we do? Animals, too! Plant roots absorb water from the soil and animals need plenty of clean,
fresh water to grow and stay healthy.
LEARN ABOUT LIVESTOCK
Livestock is raised all over the world and in all 50 states
in the U.S. Livestock is raised and produced 365 days
of the year. There is a big demand for animal-sourced
foods (think hamburger, chevon (goat meat), and bacon)
because of population growth and
increased wealth in much of
the world. Environment and
culture also inuence
where livestock is
produced. There
is competition for
limited land and
water available for
growing livestock
throughout the world.
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Farmers and ranchers are dedicated to caring for their land and livestock across Nebraska.
Let’s meet some of the people who work daily to protect natural resources in our state.
CARING FOR CATTLE AND PASTURE
CARING FOR PIGS AND PEOPLE
CARING FOR SOIL AND CORN
The Tim Hruby family operates a ranch in Dawes County
Nebraska. They have 250 cows, which they calve out (have
babies) in March and sell the calves in October.
The Hrubys believe in taking good care of their animals. Each
day, they give cows the right amount of hay and feed. It doesn’t
matter if it is snowing, windy, or cold. During the winter the Hrubys
go outside and feed cows and chop ice off of water so the cows
can drink. During calving season, they bring the cows close to
a building so the baby calves can get inside if it is cold. In the
summer, the cows and calves go to pasture. The Hrubys make
sure they have water, salt, and mineral to keep them healthy. The
cows and calves are on a complete health care program, and they
get shots at birth, branding, and weaning.
The Hruby family also takes care of the land the cattle are on by
using rotational grazing: the practice of moving livestock between
pastures on a regular basis. Certain grasses grow at different
times of the year—there are early and late
season grasses. One year, cows will go into
a pasture early in the season—the next year
they will go into that pasture later. It makes
a healthier pasture because cows graze off
areas, which will grow back with healthier
grass. The cows graze grasses that are
lush with more protein. After they eat that
grass, the Hrubys move them to another
pasture that is already lush with more
grass. This makes it better for the cattle,
because they get better quality, higher
protein grass.
Leslie McCuiston works for The Maschhoffs—a family farm focused on caring for and
raising pigs. Her role is to help coach and teach the people that work on the farm every
day. She problem solves and analyzes information to help people understand why it is
important to provide quality food, water, air, and care to the animals every day.
We work with our nutritionists to make sure every animal has the proper nutrition. Our
pig farmers provide fresh water and ensure the temperature and air in the barn is fresh
and comfortable. We make sure the pigs are warm and dry, and have full bellies. If they
become sick, we work with our veterinarians to identify proper treatment or care. We
provide an environment that is comfortable so they can be happy and healthy pigs!”
91%
Dave Merrill and his family farm 1,200 acres of corn and
soybeans in Boone County in Nebraska. Dave cares for
his land by planting cover crops. Cover crops prevent
water erosion, keep nutrients in the soil, and increase
soil health. Soil is a valuable resource that farmers need
to plant their crops.
“I believe it is important to take
care of the land and its resources
so that it can be handed down to
the next generation.
– Dave Merrill, Corn Farmer
We have to be good stewards because we need the land to
provide food for families. If we don’t take care of our animals and
our land, they don’t take care of us.
– Leslie McCuiston, Pig Farmer
We take care of our cattle and
land because it is the right thing to
do and it is something we love.
– Tim Hruby, Cattle Rancher
OF NEBRASKA’S
LAND IS USED
FOR FARMING
AND RANCHING.
DIGGING DEEPER…
Why is it important for farmers to be good stewards of their soil?
DIGGING DEEPER…
Why is it important for farmers
and ranchers to be good
stewards of livestock?
4 54 5
FARMERS CARE ABOUT SOIL & WATER
Rain is essential for plants to grow, but too much rain can be a problem. With heavy rainfall, water can carry soil away
through water erosion. Wind, too, can be a problem that farmers have to manage. Strong winds can lift soil off of a eld
and carry it away. This is called wind erosion. Soil is a valuable resource that farmers want to keep on their elds.
COVER CROPS
Farmers can plant cover
crops in the fall after
harvest. The growing
plant roots help hold the
soil in place during winter
and early spring. Wind and
water erosion are reduced.
Cover crops also absorb
extra nutrients in the soil (like
nitrogen). This prevents them from
running into watersheds. Cover crops can increase soil
health, water retention, and even crop yield.
BUFFER ZONES
Buffer zones are sections
of plants between elds,
streams, creeks, lakes
and wetlands. Buffer
zones lter water runoff
and help stop soil from
washing off the elds.
They also provide wildlife
habitat and help rain water
absorb into the ground naturally.
92nd
Seed
Spring/Fall
Gage
5th
5.7 million
Stem
Winter/Summer
Grant
Answers:
1. 5th; 2. Gage; 3. spring/fall; 4. seed; 5. 5.70 million
What is CropMetrics?
CropMetrics works with technology, software, and agronomy to help farmers
answer the questions: “When do I irrigate?, “How much water do I put on?” and
Where should the water go?. We develop and supply technology solutions
that increase efciency of water, nutrients, and energy use and conserve natural
resources.
How does CropMetrics help farmers be good stewards?
Everything we do is in partnership with the farmer, and using different tools, such as
soil moisture probes in the ground, can help farmers manage water use.
What is GrainBridge?
GrainBridge is a web program and app that helps producers make a plan for their farm to
estimate what it will cost to grow their crop. Once the crops are raised, we help the farmer
keep track of where the crop is sold, along with all the other money coming in and out of the
farm so the farmer can make the best decisions on how and when to sell crops.
How can students be involved in agriculture?
Technology is very important in areas such as agronomy to manage yields, articial intelligence
in farming equipment and drones, all the way to marketing and nancial applications like at
GrainBridge. There’s never been a more exciting time to be in agricultural technology. What we
see today is just the beginning, and it only
gets more fun and exciting from here.
Scott Speck
Regional Leader, CropMetrics
From Gothenburg, NE
Chak Barber
Director of Technology,
GrainBridge
From Lincoln, NE
CARING FOR LAND AND SOYBEANS
The Ryan Ueberrhein family farms 2,000 acres of soybeans
and corn near Valley, NE. Ryan shares: “We use no-till practices
on our sandier ground, planting corn into the soybean stubble.
By doing this, we are not disturbing the soil with tillage and
reduce the risk of erosion primarily from the wind. This allows
us to keep moisture in the soil so we don't have to irrigate the
crops as much.
“My goal is to produce more on the land I have using
less fertilizer, less chemicals, less water, and less fuel.
– Ryan Ueberrhein, Soybean Farmer
Soybeans are a crop Nebraska farmers often plant using no-till practices. What do you know about soybeans in
our state? Using the words provided, ll in the blank with the word that completes the sentence. There are more
words than you will use!
1. Nebraska ranks ________ in U.S. soybean production.
2. ________ county Nebraska produces the most soybeans in our state.
3. Soybeans are planted in the _________ and harvested in the _______.
4. Farmers harvest the ______ of the soybean plant.
5. In 2017, soybeans were planted on _________ acres of Nebraska land.
DIGGING DEEPER…
How is Chaks career important in agriculture?
DIGGING DEEPER…
How does CropMetrics use technology to help farmers be good stewards?
CAREER SPOTLIGHTS
Did you know 1 in 4 jobs in Nebraska are related to agriculture? Lets
meet individuals with careers involving agriculture and technology.
HOW ARE THESE CAREERS RELATED TO STEWARDSHIP?
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HOW ARE YOU A STEWARD?
Stewardship is the responsible and careful management of something entrusted to one’s care. Someone who is a
good steward exhibits positive personal character traits: respect, care, responsibility and good citizenship toward
land, air, water, plants, animals, and people.
You may not grow crops or raise livestock, but you can be a steward of what is around you. When you are a good
steward of your own environment, you make a positive impact for future generations, just like Nebraska’s farmers
and ranchers do each day.
HOW AM I A STEWARD?
Check the box next to the positive ways you are a steward.
Pick up trash and put it in a trash can
Don’t stand with the refrigerator door open
Turn the water off while I brush my teeth
Pull weeds in my yard
Recycle cans, bottles, and paper
Walk to events instead of driving
Turn the lights off when no one is in the room
Make sure my pets have plenty of food, fresh water, and a warm place
to sleep
Reuse old paper for scratch paper
Reuse items instead of throwing them away
Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom is a program of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation whose
mission is to engage youth, educators, and the general public to promote an understanding of the vital
importance of agriculture in the lives of all Nebraskans. To learn more or access an electronic version of
this publication, visit us at www.nefbfoundation.org or contact the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation.
(402 ) 421-4747 | 5225 South 16th Street, Lincoln, NE 68512
www.nefbfoundation.org | foundationforag@nefb.org
Special thanks to these organizations for their continuous support: Nebraska Corn Board, Nebraska Beef Council, Nebraska Soybean Checkoff,
Nebraska Pork Producers Association, and We Support Ag.
WRITE THREE OTHER WAYS YOU CAN BE A GOOD STEWARD:
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