Elton Berck was a man of many interests, having been employed as a farmer, an insurance representative, a machinist, and a farm leader. His service to agriculture included lobbying before the Nebraska Legislature and testimony before U.S. Senate and House Agricultural Committees. Elton served as State President of the Nebraska Farmers Union and radio and t.v. stations viewed him an expert regarding current agricultural information.
Elton L. Berck, the fifth state president of Nebraska Farmers Union, was born near Papillion in Sarpy County, Nebraska. He grew to manhood, was educated and farmed in Polk County. Education beyond High School included Business College and Adult Education, University of Nebraska.
Elton became familiar with every region of his beloved homestate of Nebraska. At a professional meeting at fort Robinson in August of 1964 he wrote a poem entitled "My Land, My Country" the last verse of which reads as follows:
Oh here there is a place where man breathes deeper
Where sky makes distant union with the endless plains
And ghostly warriors tell those blest to see them
How wilderness became our freedoms new domain.
Always supportive of the University of Nebraska, Elton constantly pointed to the need for Ag research and its importance to all citizens of Nebraska and the world. In the spring of 1974 Elton received the Nebraska Builders Award from the Board of Regents. It was during this same season that National Farmers Union presented him with their highest honor namely the Meritorious Service Award. It was fitting and proper that his cherished Nebraska and National Farmers Union each honored him with these high awards. For truly Elton Berck was "Mr. Agriculture" when he served as State President of the Nebraska Farmers Union. The Radio and T.V. Stations felt they could call on him anytime for current information.
Elton L. Berck served as legislative representative for the Farmers Union the better part of two decades. He advocated taking a reasoning approach. He once advised, "Do your homework on the bills. Create a sense of confidence. Stand back of what you say and, above all, don't say one thing today and the opposite thing tomorrow".
Never one to be selfish with his native farm insight and ability Elton was repeatedly called upon to represent the family farmer in the Halls of Congress. His testimony appears frequently in the Congressional Record. National Farmers Union relied heavily upon Elton as a special representative before both the United States Senate and House of Representatives.
At its duly assembled convention in 1973 Nebraska Farmers Union honored Mr. Berck by presenting him a bound book of Testimonials. Perhaps the one from Congressman Charles Thone sums it up the best. He wrote, "Agriculture interests have been well served by Elton's vast experience, his keen perception, and his forceful dedication to the task. He, of course, knows the Nebraska Agricultural scene, both production-marketing and governmental, from A to Z. He is just as at home here in Washington in both Halls of Congress as down at the Department of Agriculture, where his calm voice is frequently heard and always listened to".
Indeed Elton's life has been a lifetime of service. He has served in many capacities throughout his lifetime in his church. He taught Sunday School and served as Sunday School Superintendent, as well. He once said, "as long as a person has an active mind he ought to do what he can. If you have a physical disability, or your mind becomes shadowy, it is a different matter". A deeply serious man, Elton attempts to stay abreast of the problems the world faces even today.
What a man! Our best phrases fail to accurately describe him. He wore many hats. This poem in the form of a prayer that he wrote on August 14, 1962 points, in part, to his philosophical nature.
Our prayer be that the purpose of the foundling fathers
Who dedicated to almighty God their land and fortunes
Might kindle, in each coming generation, a flame of spirit
To keep alight eternally our freedom's fire.
Thank you
