Brian Depew is the executive director of the Center For Rural Affairs. At an early age, Depew learned to care about his community and the world around him from his parents. It was only a matter of time before Depew became active in his community, engaging in local debates over school consolidation and corporate control of livestock. In college, he immersed himself in environmental and agricultural ethics, and wrote a master’s thesis on the moral obligation to save the family farm. Today, Depew makes good on that obligation, and a larger obligation to all rural residents. In Lyons, Neb., Depew likes that he can participate in national debates and stay rooted in a town of 860 people at the same time. On his 12 acres outside of town, Depew enjoys chopping wood, working in the garden and tending a small flock of sheep. Reach Depew at 402-687-2100 ext 1015, email
[email protected], or on social media @BrianDepew.