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LR 93

Congratulate Keith Berns for receiving the Nebraska Natural Resources Districts Outstanding Soil Conservation Award

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Dave Murman

Nebraska Legislature ceremonially congratulates Keith Berns for decades of no-till farming and leadership in soil conservation and cover crops.

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Bill Summary · LR 93

Summary of Legislative Resolution LR93 (Nebraska)

Purpose and scope

  • LR93 is a ceremonial legislative resolution recognizing Keith Berns of Bladen, Nebraska, for receiving the Nebraska Natural Resources Districts Outstanding Soil Conservation Award.
  • The resolution expresses the Legislature’s congratulations and directs that a copy be sent to Keith Berns.

Key provisions

  • Clause 1: The Legislature congratulates Keith Berns for his dedication to soil conservation, sustainable agriculture, and education.
  • Clause 2: A copy of the resolution is to be transmitted to Keith Berns.
  • Not a change in law or a funding measure; purely ceremonial recognition.

Background and achievements of Keith Berns (as described in the resolution)

  • More than 25 years of no-till farming experience.
  • A decade of teaching agriculture and computer science, demonstrating commitment to both practice and education of sustainable farming techniques.
  • Co-owner/operator of Green Cover Seed, a leading provider and educator on cover crops in the United States.
  • Conducted extensive research on over 120 cover crop species, analyzing growth patterns, nitrogen fixation, moisture usage, and grazing potential.
  • Founding influence on Green Cover Seed with his brother, Brian Berns, after experimenting with cover crops and water usage on a south-central Nebraska farm.
  • Manages a 1,500-acre farm implementing continuous cover crop, no-till strategies for over a decade to improve soil structure, moisture retention, and nutrient cycling.
  • Developed the SmartMix Calculator, a widely used online tool to help farmers select cover crops.
  • Holds a Master’s degree in Agricultural Education from the University of Nebraska.
  • Appointed by Governor Pete Ricketts to the Nebraska Healthy Soil Task Force and served as its chairman, reinforcing his leadership in soil conservation.

Procedural history and timeline

  • Introduced: March 27, 2025 (LR93 introduced by Murman, primary sponsor).
  • Laid over: March 27, 2025.
  • Adopted: April 3, 2025.
  • President/Speaker signed: April 3, 2025.
  • Status: Adopted.

Sponsors

  • Primary sponsor: Murman (Legislative district 38).

Impact and notes

  • The resolution is ceremonial, recognizing individual contributions to soil health and conservation.
  • No fiscal impact or policy changes are enacted by LR93; it serves to honor and publicly acknowledge Keith Berns’ work and leadership in sustainable agriculture.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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