Al Davis, Others, Recognized By Center For Rural Affairs

Longtime Sandhills rancher Al Davis and others were recognized by CFRA

The Center for Rural Affairs has announced recognition of outstanding people and businesses building strong and vibrant rural communities.

“Each year, we honor the rural champions who help us accomplish so much for rural America,” said Brian Depew, executive director. “This group of award winners has gone above and beyond to lay the foundation for a better rural future.”

Awards include:

Seventh Generation Award: Al Davis of Lincoln, Nebraska

A lifelong Sandhills rancher and former state senator, Davis has engaged in multiple areas of the Center’s work over decades, in addition to serving his community and the state. The Hyannis native served in the Legislature from 2013-17 and is a founding member of the Independent Cattlemen of Nebraska.

The Seventh Generation Award is a lifetime service award presented to an individual or individuals who have made major contributions to improving rural life and protecting our land and water.

Citizenship Award: Mitch Schlegelmilch, of Exeter, Nebraska

Schlegelmilch is board president of Greg’s Market, a community grocery store owned by the Exeter Investment Group. He testified in the Nebraska Legislature in support of a grocery store bill in spring 2024 and has worked with the Center to advance grocery legislation while advocating for his community and grocery store. Schlegelmilch has also participated in events hosted by the Center to spread the word about Exeter’s unique store operating model.

The Citizenship Award is given to an individual or individuals who actively participate in the civic process of creating public policy, and who work closely with the Center to advance public policies that strengthen family farms, ranches, and rural communities.

Rural Community Champion Award: Sandro Lopes of David City, Nebraska

As owner and operator of Huerto Regenerativo NaTerra, Lopes is a native Brazilian hailing from the heart of the Amazon Rainforest. He is a leader in his community and in the regenerative farming movement in Nebraska. Lopes farms using Indigenous techniques that he loves sharing with others including youth. He supports other beginning farmers in gaining land access and has partnered with the Center.

The Rural Community Champion Award is bestowed to a person or persons who work with the Center and make extraordinary contributions to building community engagement within their own communities. People who receive this award provide a model for innovation, stewardship, or community development.

Entrepreneur Award: Tony and Amber Ellsworth of Waterloo, Nebraska

The owners of Ellsworth Crossing, a farm-to-fork market, offer a variety of local foods while emphasizing customer service. They pride themselves on providing natural, locally-sourced food and involve their children in the business.

The Entrepreneur Award recognizes entrepreneurs who have received Center services and achieved remarkable success in business while demonstrating the values of innovation, community leadership, and social responsibility.

Partner Award: Ben Jewell of Lincoln, Nebraska 

Jewell has dedicated more than 12 years to strengthening local and regional food systems. The associate extension educator with Rural Prosperity Nebraska at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has made significant contributions to Nebraska’s food security and agricultural communities. As a key member of the Nebraska Regional Food Systems Initiative, Jewell helped to secure the largest-ever USDA farm-to-school grant for Nebraska. He brought together food partners from across the state, including the Center, to create the Nebraska Rural Farmers Market Handbook. He organizes farm and food business workshops and was involved in the Heartland Regional Food Business Center.

The Partner Award is presented to an individual or organization that best exemplifies partnership to the Center. This person or organization has demonstrated outstanding support to the Center and exceptional dedication to either community or economic development.

Awards will be presented to each recipient this spring.

The Center for Rural Affairs works to strengthen small businesses, family farms and ranches, and rural communities through action-oriented programs addressing social, economic, and environmental issues.