Nebraska Farm Bureau
KEARNEY, NEB. – Delegates representing farm and ranch families from all 93 Nebraska counties outlined key agricultural policy priorities and elected new leaders for Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) as part of the organization’s 107th Annual Meeting and Convention held Dec. 8-10 in Kearney. Delegates discussed a broad spectrum of agricultural policy issues to provide direction for the organization.
The demand for energy is increasing at an unprecedented rate. The agricultural sector in Nebraska serves as both a current and potential energy resource. While delegates adopted policy to support updating the electrical transmission infrastructure, they opposed the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Interest Electric Corridors (NIETC). Biofuels, especially ethanol, have played a crucial role in reducing the nation's dependence on foreign energy sources for transportation and will continue to do so in the future. Delegates adopted policy to support the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Nebraska.
“As the demand for renewable fuels increases, producers have the opportunity to access new markets, which will enhance the resilience and profitability of the agricultural economy while fostering a sustainable future for generations. We advocate for the use of domestically grown products in the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel. However, it is essential to avoid imposing specific conservation practices as a requirement for feedstocks to qualify for SAF production,” said Mark McHargue, NEFB President.
Nebraska Farm Bureau has long been a supporter of beginning and young farmers and ranchers. Delegates advanced national policy to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Meeting and Convention in January aimed at making U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans more accessible.
“Today’s beginning and young farmers and ranchers face challenges including access to land, capital, affordable housing, and federal programs. To secure the future of agriculture, we must empower the next generation of farmers and ranchers with the resources they need to succeed. By making USDA loans more accessible and flexible, we open doors for beginning farmers and ranchers to start and grow their operations, ensuring a sustainable agricultural industry for years to come,” said McHargue.
Delegates also reaffirmed their support for Nebraska’s livestock industry, consumer choice, and proper food labeling surrounding the discussion of lab-produced protein, which involves the production of protein products from animal cells grown in a laboratory setting.
“Our delegates reiterated how vitally important Nebraska’s livestock industry is to our state’s agricultural complex, and voted to ensure no state tax dollars should be used to purchase or research lab produced protein for human consumption. At the same time, they overwhelmingly voted to ensure consumers have the opportunity to choose what they are feeding themselves and their families. Nebraska Farm Bureau also firmly believes in the importance of clear and accurate labeling for lab-produced protein products,” said McHargue
The lack of rural veterinarians, particularly those focused on large animal care, has been an ongoing concern for farmers and ranchers in Nebraska. NEFB has supported efforts to encourage large animal veterinarians to locate to underserved areas in Nebraska. Delegates this year adopted policy to support the Nebraska Elite 11 Veterinarian program. The program is a scholarship program for Nebraska students aimed at increasing the number of new veterinarians practicing in production animal practices in rural Nebraska
“Our representatives addressed various concerns that significantly impact the lives of farmers, ranchers, and all residents of Nebraska. Their effective leadership is essential for advancing agriculture and ensuring the overall prosperity of our state,” said McHargue.
In addition to setting state and making national policy recommendations, delegates also held elections for positions on the Nebraska Farm Bureau board of directors.
Katie Olson, a Holt County Farm Bureau member, was re-elected to serve as the First Vice President of the organization. Olson and her husband, James, have a cow/calf operation and grow irrigated corn and soybeans near Atkinson.
Matt Jedlicka, a Colfax County Farm Bureau member, was re-elected to serve as the Central Region representative. Jedlicka and his wife, Sharee, partner with his family to grow row crops and operate a cattle feed yard near Schuyler.
Jim Stewart, a Lancaster County Farm Bureau member, was elected to serve as the Southeast Region representative. Stewart farms and has a cash grain operation near Lincoln.
The Nebraska Farm Bureau is a grassroots, state-wide organization dedicated to supporting farm and ranch families and working for the benefit of all Nebraskans through a wide variety of educational, service, and advocacy efforts. More than 55,000 families across Nebraska are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve rural and urban prosperity as agriculture is a key fuel to Nebraska’s economy. For more information about Nebraska Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit www.nefb.org.