Cherry County rancher learns from her experiences both on the ranch and abroad

Kristen Sindelar
Dec 9, 2022
Dec 9, 2022

1 of 2

Anita Keys is involved in nearly every aspect at the Keys Ranch. One of her duties is to checks cows in the pasture at Cherry County.

Submitted photo

In 2021, the Keys Ranch recognized its 125th year. Kerry’s great-grandparents established the ranch in southeastern Cherry County near Elsmere, Neb.

Submitted photo

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Kristen Sindelar

Anita Keys is a lifelong learner. Nearly everything she does revolves around learning, teaching and agriculture.

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Keys 6.jpg — When Anita Keys substitute teaches, she likes to share with the students where their food comes from and promote agriculture.
Submitted photo

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Keys 2.jpg — The Keys Ranch has been in the family since 1896 and is located in the southeast corner of Cherry County.
Submitted photo

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Keys 8.jpg — Anita and her husband Kerry ranch together near Elsmere, Neb.
Submitted photo

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Keys 1.jpg — The 2022 Ag-ceptional Woman of the Year is Anita Keys, pictured here with her family after receiving the award during the 2022 Ag-Ceptional Women’s Conference Nov. 18. They are Amanda, left, Anita, Kerry and Stacey Keys.
Submitted photo

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Keys 4.jpg — Anita Keys volunteers for many organizations, including CommonGround. Here, Anita and Kelly Witte of Scribner, Neb. give a demonstration about dry edible beans at the Nebraska State Fair.
Submitted photo

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Keys 7.jpg — As a lifelong learner, Anita Keys makes agricultural education priority. She has had the opportunity to travel internationally multiple times, such as a trip to Peru with the LEAD alumni group.
Submitted photo

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Reporter Kristen Sindelar has loved agriculture her entire life, coming from a diversified farm with three generations working side-by-side in northeastern Nebraska. Reach her at Kristen.Sindelar@midwestmessenger.com.