Sherman Berg
As retired President of the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben Foundation, Sherman is a true champion for youth interested in remaining within the state of Nebraska and pursuing a career in agriculture. Following 40 years of service to the livestock industry, he has directly impacted over 30,000 youth that have participated in the programs he has developed for the World's Largest 4-H Livestock Show at Ak-Sar-Ben. Sherman developed the "Catch-a-Calf" program, a mentoring program that pairs a member of the Omaha business community with each youth involved. This effort has aided in narrowing the urban and rural divide that exists within the state and resulted in many scholarships being offered to 4-H'ers by their mentors. Further, Mr. Berg was instrumental in development of the Purple Ribbon Auction that garnered over $290,000 in scholarship funds for youth programs this past year alone. In addition to these highly influential programs, Sherman is one of the founders of the River City Roundup festival that, for more than 23 years, has educated urban youth on the agriculture industry and its importance to the state. Finally, Mr. Berg has directly impacted the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Block and Bridle Club, supporting the Little Ak-Sar-Ben competition.