The Raun “homeplace” near Minden, Nebraska, has been in the family since 1883.
In addition to producing crops and livestock, this farm continues to inspire agricultural
leadership for the benefit of community, state, national and international organizations.

From the highway, it looks like any other south-central Nebraska upland homestead: straight fencerows, fertile fields, buildings in good repair, and inviting farm home. But there’s something vastly different about the Raun family farm near Minden, Nebraska. What is it? People. For four generations, its major product has been people
who know how to achieve. How to make great things happen.

Since the 1920’s, at least 34 members of the Peter and Anna Marie Raun family have attended the University of Nebraska. Professionally, this extended family includes farmers, scientists, professors, teachers, judges, lawyers, artists, journalists, housewives, sportscasters, advertising executives and financial advisors. Many remain in Nebraska, but some have scattered to California, Washington D.C., Colorado, Texas, Arizona, Iowa, Oregon, Oklahoma and Georgia. All are using their educations to help make the world a better place.


Three generations of Rauns enjoy time together: (left to right) Robert with
grandson Peter and son Kevin.

Another notable fact: The Kappa chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho contributed to the collegiate experience of four Rauns:

Ned S. Raun, Ph.D. Dr. Raun has 40 years of experience in the management of international agricultural research and education programs in Latin America, Africa and Asia. As a Rockefeller Foundation and Winrock International team leader, he developed livestock research and training programs in Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa. More recently, he assumed leadership for the MidAmerica International Agricultural Consortium, developing research and education partnerships among five MIAC universities and counterpart institutions in Mexico.
Robert L. Raun: Now a “semi-retired farmer,” Robert once served Nebraska as Director of the Department of Agriculture, as well as Chairman of the University Board of Regents. His leadership skills were sharpened as an undergraduate at the University: President of AGR, president of Block and Bridle, president of the Student Body, president
of the Innocents Society. For 12 years,
he served on the board of trustees, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, which continues to make valuable contributions to agriculture around the world. As always, he participates as a leader in church and community activities.

Arthur P. Raun, Ph.D.: Following a four-year hitch in the Air Force, Dr. Raun joined Eli Lilly and Company where he conducted development research on a number of drugs and feed additives for beef cattle, including diethylstilbestrol, progestins, other steroids and antibiotics. His research defined new applications for diethylstilbestrol in cattle and sheep. He also directed the efficacy research on the use of Tylan for control of liver abscesses in feedlot cattle. Most notable was his work leading to the discovery of monensin (Rumensin) as a cattle feed additive. Rumensis has been used in the cattle feedlots since 1975. This achievement led to his recent recognition as one of the top 25 individuals making great contributions to the beef industry.

Kevin Raun: Kevin has been farming since 1980, electing early on to stay close to the soil. He has found leadership opportunities in the Platte Valley to be just as rewarding as they were three generations earlier. His community involvement includes service on the board of the local co-op and the Grant Township Board. He is a member and
lector at St. John’s Catholic Church in Minden and has taught high school religion classes in nearby towns. He is a participant in Nebraska’s LEAD program, a post-graduate curriculum of study and international travel to better understand problems and opportunities around the world.

Raun achievements abound! In fact, achievement is such a strong trait in the Raun family that one might wonder if it is due to genetics or environment. Clearly some guidelines were established on the Raun farm generations ago. Guidelines regarding work, education and self-development. Guidelines on church and community responsibilities. Guidelines that will help Kevin’s three sons find their roles in life. n

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