Milton Fricke was a leading force in Sarpy County’s Soil Conservation District in 1945. He served on the Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation Commission and on the National Soil and Water Association Board of Directors. Milt, his wife and sons formed a corporation consisting of 1,400 acres and 125 purebred Holsteins. His land included contour farming, conservation cropping, residue management, and 15 acres of native prairie.
The man we honor tonight is a strong candidate for the title of "Nebraska's Mr. Conservation".
While his activities in the field of agriculture are many and varied, his contributions to the conservation of our natural resources are outstanding. His accomplishments and contributions extend all the way from the land on which he lives through the county, state and on through national legislation relating to soil conservation, water quality and flood control.
Milt Fricke and his family are the third generation living on a farm in Sarpy County that was purchased by his grandfather in 1856.
He, his wife and two sons operate 1400 acres of owned and leased land with a herd of 175 purebred Holsteins.
Speaking of conservation, there are two farm ponds, 71,000 feet of terrace (that's 14 miles), 11 acres of grassed water ways, 49,000 feet of tile drains, 6200 feet of diversions, 3 grade stabilization structures and 5 acres of wildlife habitat. There are 15 acres of native prairie. They use residues to control erosion.
Milt was the leading force in organizing the Sarpy County Soil Conservation District in 1945. He was the first chairman and served on the Board from 1945 to 1975.
Today he serves as a Board member of the Papio Natural Resources District.
He was an officer in the state association of soil conservation districts and active in the national organizations. He promoted state and national legislation and held several offices in the national organization.
Milt was a member of the Nebraska Soil and Water conservation Commission for 12 years.
I served with him part of the time. While I was Director of Agricultural Extension, I can assure you I felt his pressure to step up the educational work promoting conservation.
Milt wrote the Public Law 566 application for flood control on the Papio. The plan was authorized.
One might think that with all his conservation activities there was no time for other community activities. Not so. Here is a list of some of his activities.
* Member and Director of Farm Bureau
* Master of Pamona Grange
* Member of Papillion Grange
* A 4-H club leader
* Director and Area Vice President of the National Soil and Water Association for 12 years * A member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church serving most of the offices and teaching Sunday School
* Chairman of Papillion School Board helping get the Future Farmers of American in the systems
There is a list of 15 awards the Fricke family has received over the years: Farm Family of the year -- The Skelly Award – Distinguished Service Award – Honorary member – Soil Conservation Society of America and many others.
With two sons to carry on the farm operations Milt will continue to support the conservation of natural resources.
People like Milt Fricke make Nebraska the great Agricultural State it is. He's done his share and will leave his mark.
Milton Fricke richly deserves the distinguished award to be given to him.
