In late April, Nebraska’s 2021 Leopold Conservation Award was presented to the Switzer family of Loup County. The family was recognized by Gov. Pete Ricketts in a ceremony at the capitol.
The Leopold Conservation Award Program recognizes agricultural landowners with a strong land ethic. Center for Rural Affairs staff were proud to nominate the Switzer family for this award, and congratulate them on the well-deserved honor.
The multi-generational Switzer Ranch sits on 12,000 acres of native prairie in the Sandhills, and exists alongside Calamus Outfitters, a nature-based tourism operation. It is managed by siblings Sarah Sortum and Adam Switzer, and their parents, Bruce and Sue Ann Switzer.
The family has a strong commitment to conservation, in particular efforts to protect native bird, wildlife, and plant species. The list of the ranch’s conservation methods is long—from prescribed burns, to deferred rotational grazing, to invasive species management.
“Our focus really started to shift from being solely a cow-calf operation to being an operation (with) biodiversity goals about 12 years ago,” Sarah said.
Over the years, Sarah has worked with the Center to promote conservation. In 2016, she was featured as a success story for the publication Conservation Programs & Land Stewardship, and more recently shared her story about prioritizing conservation. She has also advocated on behalf of federal conservation programs that help farmers and ranchers implement new practices, such as the Conservation Stewardship Program.
“Sarah and her family are incredible leaders and educators about conservation and the Sandhills,” said Kate Hansen, Center policy assistant, “I am thrilled to see them being recognized with this award.”
Click here to learn more about the Switzer family.
Feature photo courtesy of the Switzer family
