President’s Column
Dear Farm Bureau Members,
As we wrap up calving season and quickly move into planting season, I wanted to take a minute to wish you well during this busy time of year. I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to do some traveling around the state in this new role and I’ve appreciated the chance to meet with many farm bureau members and county leaders to hear what’s on their minds and to get their thoughts on how we move our great organization forward. Those travels have been extremely valuable but will slow during the busy planting season.
These visits have also allowed me to meet with others in our rural communities who rely on agriculture for their livelihoods and well-being. While the majority of you reading this column are familiar with who we are as an organization, and the work we do on behalf of Nebraska’s farm and ranch families, these travels have been a good reminder that not everyone involved in agriculture is as familiar. Those interactions have provided a wonderful opportunity to tell the story of Farm Bureau; it’s an impressive one that more people across our state need to hear. In these conversations, I’ve found people who are still surprised to learn that we are the largest general farm organization made up of individual County Farm Bureaus and that we have a full staff of people that come to work every day focused on helping achieve a great quality of life and prosperity for Nebraska farm and ranch families.
I share this story for a couple of reasons. First, I hope it serves as a reminder that none of us who are involved in our organization should assume that our friends and neighbors understand the scope of Farm Bureau’s efforts and reach. My travels tell me there are still many Nebraskans who should be members and vocal supporters of our work. I hope you’ll join me in helping spread the word to encourage those in your circles who should be members but aren’t. My other reason for sharing is to reinforce the fact that as we head into this busy season, please know the Nebraska Farm Bureau has your back. Whether its uncertainties surrounding President Biden’s executive order to conserve 30 percent of lands and waters by 2030, proposals in Washington D.C., to eliminate stepped-up basis devastating family farms, or working secure property tax relief, the Nebraska Farm Bureau team will have your back on these and numerous other issues while you’re busy doing what you need to do. Of course, your voice is always the strongest when it comes to connecting on issues with your locally elected leaders, but know that we’ll continue to be there make sure you’re informed on what’s happening and how you can engage to help as part of our broader efforts.
Please know I’m here to serve, alongside numerous others that make up our Farm Bureau team. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at markm@nefb.org. Stay safe and be well! Until Next Time,
Until next time,
