Anita Keys
About Anita
Elsmere, Nebraska
I live and work with my husband, Kerry Keys, on a fourth-generation cow-calf ranch in the Sandhills near Elsmere. We are proud to have raised our two adult daughters, Stacey and Amanda, on this ranch. I substitute teach at area schools and enjoy making jams, jellies and denim hot pads that I sell at craft fairs.
Agriculture has always been a major part of my life. Growing up on the family farm in Wayne County, I was active in 4-H, which has fostered my current involvement judging local and state 4-H events. I also have a passion for global awareness, which began during my participation in the International 4-H Youth Exchange (IFYE) program.
After obtaining a home economics degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, I spent six months in Germany as part of the IFYE program and then worked in extension.
I enjoy bringing my professional and life experiences together when conversing with others about rural life. Whether I’m sharing our way of life on the ranch and promoting Nebraska agriculture in the classroom, through interviews on Pure Nebraska, or with other moms at the grocery store, I’ve found that we truly do have CommonGround.
News from Anita
Ground Beef Supreme
CommonGround volunteer Anita Keys shares her recipe for Ground Beef Supreme with Pure Nebraska viewers. Ground Beef Supreme 1 ½ lbs. ground beef1 onion (chopped)½ c. celery (chopped)½ c. butter1 1/3 c. hot water1 can cream soup (mushroom, celery, or chicken)¼ c. milk1...
Charcuterie Board Basics
CommonGround volunteer Anita Keys shares some tips on Charcuterie Board Basics with Pure Nebraska viewers. Charcuterie Board Basics MeatsCheesesBreads/CrackersFruits/ Vegetables/ PicklesSpreadables Place large itemsAdd meats and cheesesAdd breads/ crackersAdd...
Zucchini Meatballs
CommonGround volunteer Anita Keys shares her recipe for Zucchini Meatballs with Pure Nebraska viewers. Zucchini Meatballs 1 pound Ground Beef (93% lean or leaner)1 cup grated zucchini1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon pepper Preheat oven to 400°F.Combine all...
Keys Freezer Corn
CommonGround volunteer Anita Keys shares her family's recipe for freezer corn. Keys Freezer Corn 2 qt. corn (cut from the cob (4 dozen ears of corn gave me ~6 qt. This really depends on the length of the cob, fullness of the ear, variety of sweet corn, etc.))1 pt. or...
How We Care for the Land and Cattle
Being ranchers in the Sandhills of Nebraska, my husband, Kerry, and I are all about being good stewards of our land and our livestock. We do what we can to improve our land and water to ensure the health, safety and well-being of our cattle. We do this to provide...
Roast Beef Salad Spread
CommonGround volunteer Anita Keys shared her recipe for Roast Beef Salad Spread with Pure Nebraska viewers. Roast Beef Salad Spread 2 cups ground roast beef*a 3 lb. roast makes ~ 4 c. of meat½ cup dressing (I use Miracle Whip)1 tablespoon pickle relishBread (crackers,...