2026 - Ray Ward
2026 - Ray Ward Legacy Award Winner
The Nebraska Soil Health Coalition (NSHC) is pleased to announce that the first-time recipient of the new “Legacy Award” est. in 2026 is Dr. Ray Ward. Subsequent NSHC awardees will receive the Legacy Award in his name. The award was presented on February, 23, 2026 at the NSHC Celebration and Producer Training Event at Roseland, NE.
Quotes
“Ray has been an outstanding teacher, mentor, and friend. He always takes time to discuss questions that producers or me have because he understands the importance of helping producers in a timely manner with their questions. Ray has played a critical role in advocating for and advancing no-till in Nebraska.””
“Ray Ward is not only an amazing scientist but he is also a wonderful teacher and caretaker. He has the ability to provide information in a way that benefits every person. He is the perfect person for the Nebraska Legacy Award.”
“Ray always delivered the facts about fertility and cropping situations, clearly aiming to provide producers with optimum recommendations for them. His concern for the well being of soil and producers shone through his work and advice.”
“Ray is a mentor and a friend, but most importantly he is an applied scientist. This is true in the field and the soil pit as well as in the laboratory.”
“In 1983, Dr. Ray Ward began a modest soil laboratory in his garage in Kearney. Today, he serves as Chairman of the Board of a world-class, 32,000-square-foot soil and water testing facility. A true pioneer, Ray has been a leading voice in the soil health movement within agriculture. In my view, he stands as the most influential figure in NE for helping farmers and consultants successfully reduce nitrate levels in groundwater throughout the Platte Valley and across the state. When sulfur deficiencies began appearing in southern counties, I turned to Ray for guidance. Through our collaboration, I gained a deep appreciation for his remarkable expertise in no-till farming and soil science.”
“Ray Ward has been foundational to both the soil health movement and to Green Cover, not just because of his deep scientific expertise in soil fertility and aggregate stability, but because of his remarkable intellectual humility. He grew up riding on his father’s moldboard plow and had the courage to later recognize that very implement had destroyed 18 inches of topsoil, and then became one of no-till’s most passionate advocates. What makes Ray truly special to us at Green Cover is his generous spirit—he’s spent countless hours patiently educating farmers at field days and conferences, always translating complex soil science into practical wisdom that helps people change their operations for the better.”
“Our introduction to Dr. Ray Ward was on the 1st No-till on the Plains bus trip, when we stopped at his laboratory in Kearney. His enthusiasm about testing soil to improve one’s operation was contagious…he decided to join us on the bus tour – and his stories about soil and geology became a staple on later tours. The how many clay particles are in an inch cube, how sand hills formed and what to look for to notice nutrient deficiencies to back up what the lab tested are legendary.
We sent him a story about how soil was formed by earthworms from observations by Dwayne Beck when he returned from his trip aboard the HMS Beagle, which planted the seeds and ideas for “On the Origin of Species.” Ray used the earthworm part to talk about soil formation and soil health.
The number of times Ray would point out something from observations and our soil tests that led directly to improving profitability on our farm are numerous. His ability to explain, notice and come up with a solution made great outcomes for us.
Now, if Ray would tell us all again how many clay particles are in a cubic inch of soil, which is one of his best learning stories and help lead us into a deeper dive on how to achieve soil health on our farms—he is truly a Soil Caretaker.
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“Ray makes others feel comfortable regardless of their level of soil testing knowledge and agronomy background. He has a unique ability to break down complex concepts into easily understood steps. He has made an impact on me through a close mutual friend, Jody Saathoff (deceased), that transcends simply discussing nutrient recommendations but modeling how to make our land better for present and future generations. He always remembers his roots and through his handcrafted clocks he utilizes wood that has “a story from his farm” to raise funds for community organizations. I am lucky to call him a friend and I will always be indebted.”
“Ray is a steadfast advocate for agriculture, soil science, and soil health science, with a long-standing vision that connects soil health to both human and ecosystem health. Through his experience and generosity, he has supported the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture in many ways, serving as a trusted advisor, investing in student scholarships and development, mentoring students and faculty, and opening doors for hands-on learning through Ward Laboratories. His commitment has made a lasting difference for students, the department, and the University of Nebraska.”
“I will never forget the first time I met Dr. Ward. We sat on the floor, drinking a beer and visited with him about a controversial fertilizer method. He was so kind but let me know what he thought of it. That was the first of many lessons I absorbed from him. Ray and Jolene were there for me during the death of my beloved niece. He was a mentor but so much more importantly, a friend. Love you Dr. Ward!”
“If you have wind and water erosion, along with water quality and quantity all addressed, then you can get as fancy as you want.”