Galen & Marilyn Rader Presented Pioneer Farm Family Award

Galen and Marilyn Rader of Brunswick were selected as 2014 Pioneer Farm Family honorees for Antelope County and were presented their award during the Antelope County Fair's annual barbecue.

In order to qualify for the Pioneer Farm distinction, members of the same family must have owned a parcel of land consecutively for at least 100 years; while the Heritage Farm recognizes families that have owned a parcel of land consecutively for 150 years. 

The Rader land was purchased on Oct. 2, 1913 by Jesse Edward Rader and brother George W. Rader as co-owners. George (a single man) died at a later date and Jesse then added his wife, Josephine Rader, as owner. Together, they had 15 children. 

On Sept. 14, 1957, Edward and Lois Rader purchased the farm. They raised their family and owned this land for 27 years. On March 1, 1982, Galen and Marilyn Rader purchased this farm. They had three children - Kristine, Bill and Catherine. 

Since its inception, 59 years ago, more than 8,100 families have been granted the Pioneer Farm Award 
from across the state. This is the first year for the Heritage Farm Award. Each honoree receives an 
engraved plaque and gatepost marker as permanent recognition of this milestone.