A northern Nebraska ranching family has won a statewide award for land stewardship.

The Beel family of Johnstown was given this year’s Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award. The award is presented annually to private landowners who engage in sustainable land-management practices.

The family has worked on the land for 75 years. The ranch is owned and operated by brothers Frank, Henry and Adam, and their wives Jennifer, Mary and Jenny.

The Beel family will receive $10,000 and a crystal. The Sand County Land Foundation, Nebraska Cattlemen and Cargill present the award annually. The Beel family was recognized last week by Gov. Dave Heineman.