In acknowledging her decades of leadership and service to sustainable agriculture, USDA has recognized Nebraska farmer Linda Kleinschmit as a NCR-SARE Hero.
Linda is a former Center for Rural Affairs Advisory Board member. She and her husband Martin, a former Center staff member, farm 365 acres of organic crops and livestock near Hartington, Neb.
The Hero award honors the leadership, vision, contributions, and impact of select north central region residents in the field of sustainable agriculture through service to SARE or impact in their communities. USDA’s Sustainable Ag Research and Education agency funds research, education, and publications through four regional divisions. Brad Brummond of North Dakota and Linda Kleinschmit are the 2016 Hero selections.
Linda was selected for her leadership in both SARE and in her state and community. Linda served four years on the NCR-SARE Administrative Council, which makes policy and funding decisions for the 12-state region. For five years, she lead or assisted the region’s Professional Development Program, which provides training to agricultural educators. She is a current member of the NCR-SARE Technical Review Committee, which advises the Administrative Council, and also serves on the Nebraska State SARE Advisory Committee.
In addition, Linda currently serves on the Nebraska Farm Service Agency State Committee, and has served on the State Board of Directors for Nebraska Farmers Union, the National Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture, the Steering Committee for Ogallala Commons, and the state and national steering committee for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Integrated Food and Farming System Initiative.
Congratulations to Linda for this honor, and thanks for her many years of service.
Feature image: Linda Kleinschmit on the arm of husband Martin. The photo was taken at a family wedding by Jerry Dewitt.
