The One Hundred Ninth Legislature of Nebraska recognizes Keith Berns of Bladen for his significant contributions to soil conservation, awarding him the Nebraska Natural Resources Districts Outstanding Soil Conservation Award. With over twenty-five years of no-till farming experience and a decade of teaching agriculture and computer science, Berns has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainable farming practices. He co-owns Green Cover Seed, a leading provider of cover crop seeds, and has conducted extensive research on various cover crop species, focusing on their growth patterns and benefits for soil health.

Berns has maintained a 1,500-acre farm practicing continuous no-till farming for over a decade, utilizing innovative cover crop strategies to enhance soil structure and nutrient cycling. He developed the SmartMix Calculator, a widely used online tool that assists farmers in selecting appropriate cover crops. Additionally, Berns holds a master's degree in Agricultural Education and has served on the Nebraska Healthy Soil Task Force, further promoting soil conservation efforts in the state. The resolution concludes by congratulating Berns on his achievements and directing that a copy of the resolution be sent to him.