LINCOLN, Nebraska – Nebraska conservation leaders were recognized on the national stage during the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) annual meeting hosted Feb. 15-19, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas.

During the meeting, Dr. Orval Gigstad of Syracuse, Andy Bishop of Grand Island, and Jeff and Jolene Steffen of Crofton were honored for their outstanding commitment to natural resources conservation and stewardship. The awards recognize leadership, partnerships, and agriculture producers.

Hall of Distinction
Dr. Orval Gigstad, Nemaha Natural Resources District
For more than 30 years, Dr. Orval Gigstad has been a steadfast champion for natural resources stewardship at the local, state, regional, and national levels. He has served on the Nemaha Natural Resources District (NRD) board since 1993 and on the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) board since 1996, including two terms as president.

At the national level, Gigstad has devoted countless hours to NACD committee service and policy development, helping guide conservation efforts nationwide. He previously served as chair of NACD’s Northern Plains Region and currently serves as vice-chair, providing leadership continuity and mentorship. Gigstad is the first Nebraskan to be inducted into the NACD Hall of Distinction.

“Orval’s national involvement has enriched conservation programs back home in Nebraska,” said Dean Edson, Nebraska Association of Resources Districts executive director. “His steady leadership and collaborative approach continue to earn the trust and respect of conservation stakeholders across the state.”

The Hall of Distinction honors current and past NACD leaders who have made significant contributions to the nation’s conservation movement.

Friend of Conservation Award
Andy Bishop, Rainwater Basin Joint Venture
As coordinator for the Rainwater Basin Joint Venture (RWBJV), Andy Bishop has demonstrated exceptional leadership in strengthening partnerships among agricultural producers, conservation agencies, and private landowners. RWBJV works to protect critical wetland and bird habitat while supporting productive working lands through voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs.

Through industry symposiums, outreach, and partnership building, Bishop has helped address barriers to conservation adoption and strengthened the role of Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts.

“Andy Bishop embodies the spirit of this partnership award,” Edson said. “He is a trusted partner to Nebraska’s NRDs and helps bridge the gap between agriculture and stewardship, helping protect our natural resources for future generations.”

The Friend of Conservation Award recognizes an individual, business, organization, or agency outside the association for outstanding contributions to the conservation of our nation’s natural resources.

Hugh Hammond Bennett Award for Conservation Excellence
Jeff & Jolene Steffen, Crofton, Nebraska
Jeff and Jolene Steffen have farmed southeast of Crofton along Bow Creek since 1984. Their diversified operation includes row crops, livestock, and certified seed production. For more than 30 years, the Steffens have implemented a continuous no-till cropping system and added integrated cover crops and livestock grazing to improve soil health and sustainability.

The Steffens’ conservation plan was originally initiated in the early 1990s and has been continuously revised based on field observations, University Extension insights, research collaborations, agronomist input, and peer exchanges.

Their conservation practices have led to measurable outcomes including reduced nitrogen use, decreased herbicide inputs, elimination of insecticides since 2011, increased water infiltration, improved nutrient cycling, and enhanced biological activity. Their backyard borders the Bow Creek, a treasured family landmark, further motivating their efforts to reduce soil erosion and enhance water quality.

Lewis & Clark NRD General Manager Annette Sudbeck emphasized the Steffens’ influence beyond their operation.

“What makes Jeff and Jolene truly remarkable is not only how they manage their own farm, but how generously they share their experiences with others,” she added.

The Hugh Hammond Bennett Award for Conservation Excellence presented by the National Conservation Planning Partnership (NCPP) recognizes producers and conservation planners who demonstrate exceptional leadership and achievements in conservation planning and implementation—continuing the legacy of Hugh Hammond Bennett, widely regarded as the “father of soil conservation.”

About the National Association of Conservation Districts
The National Association of Conservation Districts is the nonprofit organization that represents the nation’s 3,000 conservation districts, their state and territory associations and the 17,000 individuals who serve on their governing boards. For 90 years, local conservation districts have worked with cooperating landowners and managers of private working lands to help them plan and apply effective conservation practices. Learn more about NACD at www.nacdnet.org. 

About the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts
The Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD), the trade association for Nebraska's 23 Natural Resources Districts (NRD), works with individual districts to protect lives, property and the future of Nebraska’s natural resources. NRDs are unique to Nebraska, and act as local government entities with broad responsibilities to protect Nebraska’s natural resources. Major Nebraska river basins form the boundaries of the 23 NRDs, enabling districts to respond to local conservation and resource management needs. Learn more about NARD at www.nrdnet.org.

Dr. Orval Gigstad accepts the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) Hall of Distinction Award from NACD Secretary-Treasurer Karl Jensen in San Antonio, Texas, on Feb. 17, 2026.

Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) Director Dr. Orval Gigstad accepts the NACD Friend of Conservation Award on behalf of Rainwater Basin Joint Venture (RWBJV) in San Antonio, Texas, on Feb. 18, 2026. RWBJV Coordinator Andy Bishop was not able to attend.

Jeff and Jolene Steffen of Crofton, Nebraska, received the Hugh Hammond Bennett Award for Conservation Excellence in San Antonio, Texas, on Feb. 18, 2026. From left, National Conservation District Employees Association President Melissa Higbee, Jeff and Jolene Steffen, and Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief of Staff Colton Buckley.