1997 Tree Award for Keith-Arthur Counties

Denny and Rona Ansley

Lemoyne, Nebraska

After years of improvements, the Ansleys own and operate 3,200 acres consisting of 135 acres of alfalfa and oats under pivot irrigation, and 3,065 acres of rangeland which supports a 250 cow/calf operation. Examples of conservation work which have been or are being utilized include: proper irrigation management practices by using minimum tillage and low energy pressure on an irrigation pivot system; proper planned grazing and range rotation; three miles of livestock pipeline to include five tanks; and one windmill and two miles of cross fencing.

Through the years, the Ansleys have been involved in the planting and nurturing of 2,330 trees, including Cedar, Rocky Mountain Juniper, Hackberry, Honeylocust, Silver Buffaloberry, Sumac, and Chokecherry. Maintenance has included 9,920 feet of water conservation mulch installed on their trees, as well as the installation of drip irrigation on 500 trees for better survivability.