Ed’s special interest in water and irrigation policy led to the formation of LB962, a visionary idea for water policy in Nebraska. Although many recognized the importance of water to Nebraska agriculture, Ed Schrock was the person who provided urgency and action to resolve the challenges of declining water availability and increasing demand.
The name of Ed Schrock has been synonymous with progressive agriculture and water issues in Nebraska throughout the 1980's, 1990's, and into the 21st Century. He has been one who has not been afraid to raise his voice on several controversial subjects. His progressive leadership and vision of the future makes him an outstanding selection for the 2007 Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement Award.
He grew up on the family farm established by his grandfather who came to Phelps County in 1889 from Peoria, Illinois. Today, Ed and his wife, Judy, their sons, Tom and Ted, and his two brothers and families are involved in the family farming operation. After college and marriage, Ed settled on the farm and before long, became active in community affairs. He then moved on to be involved in state affairs…particularly the Nebraska Corn Growers Association.
His legislative career began in 1991, when then Governor Kay Orr appointed him to fill the vacancy of Bill Barrett who had won election to Congress. His stint in the Nebraska Legislature was short-lived, as his seat was lost by redistricting in 1992. He then decided to run in 1994 to represent the new district. He was elected, then reelected in 1998 and 2002. He served on several committees, including the Appropriations Committee. (He even had fond words of remembrance about that committee.) Probably his strongest interest and contributions came as a member and then chairman of the Natural Resources Committee.
His special interest in water and irrigation led him to co-chair, with Senator Elaine Stuhr, the Water Policy Task Force, from which cam LB962, a visionary idea for water policy in Nebraska. In fact, real progress made in Nebraska water law can be credited to Ed Schrock! Although many recognized the importance of water to Nebraska agriculture, Ed was one who provided urgency and action to begin resolution of the challenges of declining water availability and increasing demand. No one has ever accused him of being bashful.
In addition to his legislative service, Ed served his state and country in the U.S. Army National Guard, the Nebraska Natural Resources Commission, and the Phelps County R-4 School Board. He belongs to the Nebraska Cattlemen, Nebraska Soybean Association, Nebraska Wheat Growers, and the Nebraska Farm Bureau. He assisted in the formation of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association and served as its president from 1980-82. In fact, one of the things that increased his activities on behalf of agriculture was a low turnout of 15 people during the early years at the Nebraska Corn Growers Convention in Kearney. The next year, there was a big turn-out. (Ed had gotten busy.)
Besides his contributions to water policy in Nebraska, Ed considers some of his accomplishments during his service in the Nebraska Legislature…The College Saving Plan, Ethanol Promotion, and having the LT Governor appointed rather than elected.
Ed has received many honors. In 2001, he received the American Coalition of Ethanol Award for Promotion Ethanol Production in Nebraska and in 2002, the Nebraska Corn Board presented the 2002 Agricultural Achievement Award to Ed for his leadership with corn producers and the industry. In fact, ethanol has dominated our discussions many times in recent years.
(I'm sure Ed finds it hard to believe that we once had to really work to get investment money into ethanol production!)
Ed and his wife, Judy, both graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan University. In fact, around Superior where Judy is from, Ed is still known as Judy Grove's husband. She is a retired French teacher and the couple have taken several internationally related trips. The couple are very active in Holdrege United Methodist Church. They both have held offices, were Sunday School teachers, and Ed sings in the choir.
Ed says he still wants to spend more time fishing and travel, as well as keeping a close eye on the farm and Nebraska agriculture. He has been a close observer, and maybe more behind the scenes, as the present water issues are debated in the Legislature.
Closing…Ed Schrock has been in the leadership forefront on many Nebraska agricultural issues, particularly ethanol and water. His mark on resulting policies will be evident for many, many years. Congratulations to Ed Schrock and his family.
