COLUMBUS, Neb. —

                 The Nebraska Sheep and Goat Association is proud to announce a special achievement. Tom Drudik of Grand Island, Nebraska, is the recipient of the 2025 Ted and Alice Doane Service Award. This award recognizes his decades of service, leadership, and dedication to the state’s sheep and goat industries.

                 Drudik was raised near Nelson, Nebraska. He began his lifelong connection to agriculture and livestock as a member of FFA. In FFA, he raised sheep as a youth project. His early passion for the industry led him to earn his State Farmer Degree. Naturally, he continued his education at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL). There, he majored in Agriculture.

While at UNL, Drudik was a member of Dr. Ted Doane’s Wool Judging Team. The team competed at major contests in Denver and Kansas City. It performed exceptionally well at the American Royal. He was also a member of the 1965 Livestock Judging Team and graduated in 1966.

After graduation, Drudik began his career in education. He taught high school agriculture in North Bend, Nebraska. During this time, he also raised sheep. Additionally, he worked toward his master’s degree. His commitment to agricultural education and producer development continued when he joined Nebraska Extension in Hall County in 1973. He held this position for 33 years until his retirement in 2010.

In 1980, Tom and his late wife Betty purchased an acreage south of Grand Island. There they raised their two children, Doug and Dennise. Both were active in Hall County 4-H. Drudik often said, “If you are going to promote the sheep industry, you need to raise sheep. If you are going to teach it, you probably need to raise sheep.” He lived by this philosophy every day.

Throughout his career, Drudik’s main goal was to help producers improve their flocks and adopt better management practices. He was an early advocate for genetic testing to prevent Scrapie. He promoted the use of RR rams. He also helped to clarify misconceptions about the disease and its prevention. His educational outreach in this area significantly benefited Nebraska sheep flocks and helped modernize genetic selection practices statewide.

Always forward-thinking, Drudik also recognized the value of technology for outreach. With help from his son Doug, he launched the Nebraska Sheep Producers website. It became a leading source for marketing updates and management information. He continued managing the site until his retirement.

Drudik’s leadership also shaped the exhibition side of the industry. He was instrumental in starting the Meat Goat Show at both the Nebraska State Fair and Aksarben. Over the years, he served as 4-H Sheep Superintendent in both Lincoln and Grand Island. He co-supervised the Open Class Sheep Shows alongside his longtime colleague, Jim Mueller.

Through decades of education, leadership, and hands-on involvement, Tom and his late wife Betty Drudik have created a lasting legacy. They had a significant impact on Nebraska’s sheep and goat community. Their tireless dedication to youth and adult programming has inspired generations of producers. This effort has contributed immensely to the industry’s growth and success.

The Nebraska Sheep and Goat Association congratulate Tom Drudik on this well-deserved recognition. They also thank him for his many years of service to Nebraska agriculture.

About the Ted and Alice Doane Service Award

The Ted and Alice Doane Service Award honors individuals for their outstanding contributions to the Nebraska sheep and goat industries. These contributions are through leadership, education, and service. The award is named after longtime educators and industry supporters Ted and Alice Doane. It reflects a tradition of excellence. It also shows commitment to the advancement of small ruminant agriculture in Nebraska.