Nebraska Soil Health Coalition Awards
Nebraska Soil Health Coalition Awards
The Ray Ward Legacy Award
by the Nebraska Soil Health Coalition
(est. Dec. 2025)
Dr. Ray Ward founded Ward Laboratories in 1983 alongside his late wife, Jolene. Dr. Ward holds certifications as a Professional Agronomist (CPAg), Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS), and Certified Crop Advisor (CCA). He earned his Ph.D. in Soil Fertility from South Dakota State University in 1972, following a B.S. and M.S. in Agronomy from the University of Nebraska in 1959 and 1961, respectively.
Ray’s contributions to agriculture have been widely recognized, including the Soil Science Industry Award (2005) and Soil Science Professional Service Award (2007) from the Soil Science Society of America, the J. Benton Jones, Jr. Award (2011) at the 12th International Symposium on Soil and Plant Analysis in Greece, and the Henry Beachell Distinguished Alumni Award (2016) from Nebraska Ag Alumni. He was also honored with the 2019 No-Till Innovator Award, the 2022 Silver Eagle Award from Nebraska Farm Bureau, and the 2023 Honoree Award from the Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement.
Ray was appointed by Governor Ricketts and he served on the Nebraska Healthy Soils Task Force, 2018-2020. He is a founding member of the Nebraska Soil Health Coalition, a 501(c)3 that was established in 2023. These efforts now assist regenerative agriculture and Dr. Ward is dedicated to helping producers use resources efficiently, promote soil health, support environmental stewardship, and provide reliable laboratory data to improve agricultural productivity and decision-making, https://www.wardlab.com/ward-team-member/raymond-ward/
Further information is at—https://nda.nebraska.gov/healthysoils and https://www.nesoilhealth.org/board-members
The three criteria by priority for the Ray Ward Legacy Award include:
Regenerative Impact on Rural Nebraska - The nominee's body of work demonstrably strengthens Nebraska's agricultural communities and rural vitality. The top considerations include: the economic impact, community building, and infrastructure for soil health adoption.
Mentorship and Generational Influence - The nominee is committed to developing the next generation of soil health practitioners through teaching, mentorship, or creating pathways for young farmers/ranchers.
Advances the Nebraska Soil Health Coalition—The nominee makes a significant contribution to advancing the mission, goals and values of the NSHC.
The Nomination Procedure:
This recognition will be awarded annually (desired) or as based on merit. NSHC members and nonmembers are eligible for nomination.
Nominations shall be made by completing and submitting a brief online nomination form by December 1.
Each nominator may only make one nomination for the Legacy Award per year chosen from an individual, team or organization. Self-nominations are welcome.
The nominee's professional curriculum vitae or resume is encouraged, but not required.
The Selection and Recognition Steps:
The NSHC Board and Staff will make the selection.
The selectee will be recognized by the NSHC. A press release will be collaboratively disseminated with the awardee/s and our partners.
A hand made mantle clock constructed by Ray Ward will be given as recognition.
The recognition and award will be completed at the NSHC annual meeting that is typically held each January.
“…Decision makers need to consider the potential negative impacts of near-term decisions on the long term and look for solutions that best fit both the near term and long term. We need nature and what is best for humanity to play a bigger role in our economy and lives. We need more emphasis on the simple joys of living. What is needed is a future that can provide for every person’s needs while safeguarding the living world on which we depend...”
The Alan Moeller Pillar Award
by the Nebraska Soil Health Coalition
(est. Dec. 2025)
Behind every worthy and successful effort by groups of people, there are those visionary leaders who grasp the potential and work tirelessly and unselfishly alongside others in pursuing that dream. For the Nebraska Soil Health Coalition, Alan Moeller was that person. Drawing from his long career and life experiences with Nebraska agriculture, Alan identified and articulated the benefits associated with enhanced soil health; benefits impacting all Nebraskans. Then, through his ‘servant leadership’ style, he led by example in advancing the policy support and the organizational framework for what was to become NSHC. And he humbly did so with positive, unwavering commitment, even when challenged by serious illness, right up to his untimely death in 2023 (stated by Bruce Johnson, close friend and fellow founding member of the NSHC).
Alan wrote the original Unicameral resolution to form the Nebraska Soil Health Task Force, two subsequent bills and obtained partial funding through LB 925. He was one of five lead authors and the editor of the Task Force Report where he drafted the genesis of our NSHC structure. His passion and thoughts ooze throughout our website, action steps and desired goals. Alan’s vision is powerfully stated by him in August, 2022.
Further information is at—https://nda.nebraska.gov/healthysoils and https://www.nesoilhealth.org/board-members
“…Decision makers need to consider the potential negative impacts of near-term decisions on the long term and look for solutions that best fit both the near term and long term. We need nature and what is best for humanity to play a bigger role in our economy and lives. We need more emphasis on the simple joys of living. What is needed is a future that can provide for every person’s needs while safeguarding the living world on which we depend...”
The three criteria by priority for the Alan Moeller Pillar Award include:
Servant Leadership—demonstrates Alan Moeller's spirit of going "above and beyond" through selfless service, visionary work, and unwavering commitment to Nebraska's rural and agricultural communities.
Hub Engagement and Advancement—is an active participant in activities including the Stakeholder Visioning Group, Producer Learning Communities, and/or the Demonstration and Education Sites that significantly advance Hub achievements— https://www.nesoilhealth.org/strategy
Advocate and Team Builder—stimulates high-level producer, community, and partner engagement; and involvement in the Coalition.
The Nomination Procedure:
This recognition will be awarded annually. NSHC members and nonmembers are eligible for nomination.
Nominations shall be made by completing and submitting a brief online nomination form by December 1.
Each nominator may only make one nomination for the Pillar Award per year chosen from an individual, team or organization. Self-nominations are welcome.
The nominee's professional curriculum vitae or resume is encouraged, but not required.
The Selection and Recognition Steps:
The NSHC Board and Staff will make the selection.
The selectee will be recognized by the NSHC. A press release will be collaboratively disseminated with the awardee/s and our partners.
A hand made mantle clock constructed by Ray Ward will be given to signify the award.
The recognition and award will be completed at the NSHC annual meeting that is typically held each January.