creator:

title:

dates:

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repository:

Special Collections Department, Iowa State University.

access:

Open for research

publication rights:

Consult Head, Special Collections Department

preferred citation:

Robert H. Steffen Papers, MS 135, Special Collections Department, Iowa State University Library.

Robert H. ("Bob") Steffen was born 20 February 1917 to Herman and Christine Steffen in Cedar County, Nebraska.  He and his ten brothers and sisters were raised on a farm near Constance, Nebraska.  He graduated from Creighton University (1939) and then served in the Pacific during World War II.  He attended the Bio Dynamic School of Agriculture (1942-1943) in Kimberton, Pennsylvania.  He then served as Farm Superintendent (1943-1977) at Boys Town in Nebraska.  He was a leader in pioneering organic farming and sustainable agriculture.

Steffen was a member of numerous organizations.  He was a founding member of the Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society; past chairman of the Douglas County (Nebraska) Soil and Water Conservation District; and co-founder and past chairman of the Quality Environment Council of Omaha.  He served on the Board of Directors of the Bio Dynamic Farming and Gardening Association of North America and the Center for Rural Affairs.  He also helped organize the Organic Crop Improvement Association.  He was honored as "Outstanding Conservationist of the Year" (1974) by the Nebraska Wildlife Federation and received the Stewardship Award (1990) from the Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Association.

Collection description