More than 30 members of the Glenn and Opal Cool family gathered at the Custer County Fair last Thursday to accept the Aksarben and Nebraska Farm Bureau Pioneer Family award. This award is presented to families that have lived on the same land (40 acres or more) continuously for 100 years and have been actively engaged in agriculture on that land.

Glenn and Opal purchased the farm in the Callaway area in 1925. The couple had a family of eight children. The current owner, Boyd Cool, and his wife, the late Mary Anne Cool, had 10 children: Steve (deceased), Judy, Joe, Becky, Richard, Anna, Theresa, Amanda, Nicholas and Megan.

Connie Cool, wife of Joe, said, “We are hoping to continue the tradition.” She said that over the years, the family no doubt has been encouraged at times to leave the farm and make a living elsewhere but has declined the suggestion. “It’s not an easy life. And it’s a real testament to those who stay 100 years or more.”

The Cool family farm now consists of 320 acres of farmland and also includes cattle and hay.

Also during the fair, the Jim and Julianna Jenkins family was awarded the Aksarben and Nebraska Farm Bureau Heritage Award for 150 years of the same family living on land (40 acres or more) and being actively engaged in agriculture. The original owners, Almira and Frances Boblits, acquired the land in 1876. Currently more than 3,600 acres are farmed and ranched by the Jenkins family, who grow corn, alfalfa, Sudan Grass, nature hay, and raise feeder cattle.

The Jenkins' also hold some of the oldest cattle brands in Nebraska. They utilize rotational grazing for grassland biodiversity management, and incorporate renewable energy – including a 25-kilowatt solar panel array that powers the shop and feeding facility.

Jim and Julianna hosted a celebration marking the milestone of the ranch in late June.