Staff
Casey Hoins - Coordinator
casey@nesoilhealth.org
Casey Hoins brings extensive experience in program and grant management across agriculture, water, and sustainability sectors. As a senior program manager she has led conservation-focused projects for nonprofits, municipalities, and agricultural clients across Nebraska and managed large USDA agriculture programs globally. A member of a fifth-generation farm in central Nebraska, Hoins is deeply committed to supporting producers and rural communities. “I am passionate about providing a network of support to empower Nebraska producers on their soil health journey,” she says. “Building healthy soil has a positive impact on our communities and state as a whole.” Hoins holds a Master of Science in Land Resources and Environmental Science from Montana State University, where she researched the effects of regenerative agriculture on soil and water health, and a Bachelor of Science in Biological Systems Engineering from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Casey resides in Omaha with her husband, Zach, and three children
Kristin Blomendahl - Administrative and Engagement Associate
kristin@nesoilhealth.org
Kristin Blomendahl is an Administrative and Engagement Associate with the Nebraska Soil Health Coalition. She started with the NSHC in January 2026. As a native-Nebraskan, raised on a farm in northeast Nebraska, she understands the value of strong community and building leadership in rural areas. She attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and received a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science and Dietetics, and a Master of Science in Nutrition and Health Sciences. With her educational background and prior professional experience, she strongly believes in efforts to maximize health. She values the contributions individuals can have through their farming operations, family legacy, community, and environment. Kristin, and her husband, Ben, live in Lincoln and have two children.
Brian Brhel - Producer Lead
brian@nesoilhealth.org
Brian Brhel comes from a diverse family farm near Denton, NE where “out of the box” thinking was the norm. He has built his farming operation over the last 22 years with many “discoveries” through personal observation and learning from those who were willing to share. Drawing from his experience in AG retail and then wholesale ag distribution and now full-time farmer, he finds all roads still point to the design of nature as our best teacher. His farm consists of beef cattle as the cornerstone enterprise with other interests in cover crops seed production such as rye, oats, forage peas, buckwheat and hairy vetch. This also supplies seed for the grazing and cropping rotations. His focus is to use roots of living plants and cattle to improve the health of the soil that drives the farm economically while protecting the resource.
Zach Mader - Producer Lead
zach@nesoilhealth.org
Zach Mader has 25 years of farming experience north of Grand Island and a deep commitment to regenerative agriculture. Around 15 years ago, he attended his first No-Till on the Plains conference, where he realized there was a different way to farm - one that prioritizes soil health and sustainability. Since then, Zach has focused on implementing no-till practices, water management, nutrient optimization, and food production strategies. Known for his innovative problem-solving and leadership in farm and ranch operations, he is passionate about building resilient agricultural systems and fostering collaboration to drive meaningful results.