20 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN June/July 2024 PEOPLE In Memoriam – Paul R. Johnston Paul Rodney Johnston, 95, of Lincoln passed away March 30, 2024. He served the Nebraska livestock and agriculture industry most of his life – and much of it with the Nebraska Livestock Feeders Association (NLFA), one of the organizations that merged to form the Nebraska Cattlemen. Johnston was born July 31, 1928, in Holdrege to Silas and Hulda (Nelson) Johnston and graduated from Mascot High School in 1946. He farmed with his parents in Harlan County and, in 1946, he and his parents moved to a ranch in Holt County. He graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1957 with a degree in agriculture. After graduation, Johnston worked with the Dekalb seed corn and poultry production division in Fremont for two years. He then spent six years as the Colfax County Extension agent, plus one year as the ag representative for the Farmers & Merchants Bank of Schuyler. For the next 23 years, Johnston served as the executive vice president of the NLFA. In 1979, the family and office moved to Lincoln. In 1987 the NLFA and the Nebraska Stockgrowers merged to form Nebraska Cattlemen, with Paul serving as government affairs coordinator. In 1988, Gov. Kay Orr appointed Johnston as the assistant director of agriculture for the state of Nebraska. While with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA), he served as livestock promotion specialist and was involved in promotion of livestock seedstock in Mexico, Argentina and Venezuela. He retired from NDA in 1993 but continued to hold different part-time jobs. In 2005, he joined the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation as a project assistant on a part-time basis – this continued until his health forced him to stop working in 2012 at age 85. Paul served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from 1951 to 1953. He was attached to the Air Force in Korea, building airfields in Korea as an aviation engineer. Under his supervision, the airfield at Kimpo, Korea was completed in record time, and he was awarded the Bronze Star 50 years later. Paul married Maxine Peterson on Aug. 8, 1954. He is survived by his wife, Maxine; sons, Mark (Cindy) Johnston, and Jeff (Myra) Johnston; daughter, Kay Grauf; seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren; sister-in-law and nieces and nephews. ~NC~ DAKOTA PARTNERSHIP RANCH Outstanding grass ranch, well-blocked 26,276± deeded acres. Complete set of quality improvements including an owner’s residence and two employee compounds. Stocked with 1,800 bison and wildlife abound. $31,700,000 WWW.HALLANDHALL.COM SALES | AUCTIONS | FINANCE | APPRAISALS | MANAGEMENT VIEW MORE REGIONAL LISTINGS ONLINE BOZLE CREEK RANCH Bozle Creek Ranch contains rich agricultural fields intertwined with wooded creek bottoms leading up to pine-covered ridges. Not only an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, but it is also a viable working cattle ranch. $14,780,000 DRUMMOND SOUTH RANCH 6,848± acre Drummond South Ranch, 1,569± acres leased for a total of 8,418± acres under fence. Grassy hills, large stands of hardwood trees, cattle, and trophy whitetail deer. Just 30 minutes northwest of Tulsa. $18,838,215 NEBRASKA IRRIGATED FARM Nebraska Irrigated Farm is located in the Nebraska Sandhills and consists of 4,599± deeded acres with 21 center-pivots irrigating 2,744± acres. Newer center pivots and wells produce 2,000± GPM with no pumping restrictions. $16,750,000 WILLOW CREEK FARMS A well-balanced estate encompassing 800± acres, a thoughtfully designed lodge, varied topography, and abundant water. Hay pastures with sensible horse improvements, mature timber, a private lake, and frontage on Roland Lake. $9,950,000 HILSEWECK RANCH Waterfront property on the Canadian River, encompassing 10,218± acres. Located in Pittsburgh County, west of McAlester and 165 miles north of Dallas. Great access with interior gravel roads and an abundance of surface water. $24,014,039
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