Continue Scrolling Down for More News!

Policy Watch -- July 2, 2009

The Nebraska Corn Growers and Soybean Associations organized a meeting this week among agriculture groups to discuss development of a grain indemnity fund in the state. Nebraska Farm Bureau participated. More

#
Kevin Peterson, NFBF board member testifies at the final NAIS Listening Session June 30, 2009.

Click here to listen or download testimony courtesy of Brownfield Radio Network.

Click here to read Farm Bureau's testimony.

Farm Bureau Asks USDA for Immediate Help for Livestock Farmers

Nebraska Farm Bureau has identified 5 ways USDA can provide some immediate assistance to livestock farmers in Nebraska and the U.S.  More

Farm Bureau Disappointed in House Passage of Climate Change Bill

Nebraska Farm Bureau believes "The American Clean Energy and Security Act" is seriously flawed and is disappointed it passed the House. Nebraska's U.S. Representatives' did the right thing in voting against this harmful legislation. More

#

Nebraska Farm Bureau's sixth Crop Report for 2009 shows widespread rains but hail damage only in certain areas. Read the crop scouts' reports here.

#
Jefferson County Is Newest Livestock Friendly County

Gov. Dave Heineman proclaimed Jefferson County Nebraska's newest Livestock Friendly County Monday, bringing the number to 13. Pictured from left are Marvin Yost and Michael Dux, Jefferson County commissioners; Tony Likens, chair of the county commissioners and Jefferson County Farm Bureau board member; Gov. Heineman; and pork producer Brian Stark, president of Jefferson County Farm Bureau, who hosted the governor's news conference. Jefferson County Farm Bureau played a key role in the county receiving the designation. Read more here.

#
Do you have questions about Bovine TB and what it means for your operation?

For authoritative answers to your questions, click here.

#
Nebraska U.S. Rep. Lee Terry
Farm Bureau Members Talk Cap and Trade with Congressman Lee Terry

Click here to listen or download.

Nebraska Farm Bureau President Keith Olsen and several State Board Members participated in a conference call Thursday morning with Congressman Lee Terry to discuss cap and trade legislation before the House of Representatives.

Farm Bureau Checklist Helps Farmers, Homeowners with Property Valuation Protests

If you believe your Nebraska real property has been valued incorrectly, you'll want to check out Farm Bureau's checklist of how to file a protest here. Real more about the issue here.

Farm Bureau Opposes EPA Plan Requiring Large Livestock Operations To Report Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Manure

Manure is less than 1 percent of total GHG and Farm Bureau questions the value of collecting this information for the purpose of informing public policy decisions. Read more here.

2009 Legislative Session Successful for Agriculture

Agriculture wasn't at the top of the Nebraska Legislature's 2009 agenda, but senators took several actions that will assist the state's farmers and ranchers, Nebraska Farm Bureau said Tuesday. More

Nebraska Farm Bureau: Keep Animal I.D. Voluntary

Nebraska Farm Bureau supports a voluntary national animal i.d. system, Board member Sherry Vinton of Arthur said Monday (June 1) in comments at USDA's National Animal Identification System Listening Session in Loveland, Colo. Read Vinton's comments

Curtis, Sutton Students Receive FB Youth Ambassador Scholarships

Dillon Mortensen of Curtis has been selected as the 2009 Nebraska Farm Bureau Youth Ambassador and recipient of a $1,000 scholarship. Runner-up Shelby Yost of Sutton receives a $500 scholarship. More

#
Nebraska Farm Bureau participated in the signing ceremony for LB 476 at the state capitol Wednesday, May 27. The bill provides for a continuation of state funding that supports the career education student organizations in Nebraska -- including FFA, FBLA, FCCLA, DECA, HOSA, and SkillsUSA.

Click here to read the News Release.

Kati Ladenburger, a producer who farms with her husband Nick on their southwest Nebraska farm, talks about animal care.

Click here to watch the video.

#
This April 2008 photo shows the prevalence of Russian olive trees along the Republican River six miles west of Benkelman.
Vegetation Management Program Needs To Continue

#
Mini-Grants for Ag Literacy

The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture offers a Mini-Grant Program to fund projects that will increase agricultural literacy. County Farm Bureaus may apply for grants up to $500 for classroom education programs for grades K-12. More

#
This February 2009 photo shows the same location, after invasive species were removed.
Farm Bureau Supports LB 98, which would continue the Riparian Vegetation Management Task Force

Read about LB 98.

Photos courtesy of State Sen. Tom Carlson

#
Beau and Cortney Bearnes, and daughter, Alaina, 9 months. The Bearnes farm near Central City.
Direct Payment Limit Would Impact Family Farms

President Obama wants to end direct payments to farmers if their annual gross sales revenue reaches $500,000 or more. Some 6,000 Nebraska family farms could be affected.

Read an interview with Young Farmer Beau Bearnes, who explains the impact of direct payments on his family farm.

Click here to take action.

#