The Rest of the Story: Soil Health, Community, and a Vision for Nebraska
Paul Harvey’s iconic sign-off—“And now you know the rest of the story”—captivated more than 24 million weekly listeners from 1951 to 2008. His legendary piece “So God Made a Farmer” resonates to this day, celebrating the spirit of rural America. If Harvey were alive today, we believe he’d champion a Nebraska-rooted, community-led movement that’s redefining stewardship and sustainability.
You Should Have Seen
You should have seen the pheasants we spotted from the school bus windows, their vibrant colors standing out against the Nebraska landscape. You should have seen how we turned on the hydrant in the farmyard and drank the cool, refreshing water in big gulps on a hot summer day, never giving a second thought to whether it needed treatment.
As I reflect on how much has changed in rural Nebraska over the decades, I’ve come to appreciate the “Seventh Generation Principle,” an ancient Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) philosophy. It encourages us to consider how our decisions today will impact the next seven generations. I can’t help but wonder—what will my grandkids say to their grandkids about the choices we’re making now?
It’s in Our Water
On a cold and soggy December morning, I met with Marty Stange, Environmental Director for Hastings City Utilities, for a tour of his reverse osmosis (R.O.) water treatment facility. We talked a lot about soil health—how it affects groundwater, human health, and the rising levels of contaminants like nitrate, uranium, selenium, and chromium, all of which are potential carcinogens.
“Grassroots” Support for Sustainable Agriculture
Healthy soil is the foundation of everything—supporting healthy plants, healthy food and water, and ultimately, healthy people. And it all begins with the “grassroots” that grow in and thrive from it.