Headline Stories

Viral Video Claiming Farmers Paid to Destroy Crops Proves False

Over the past week, NEFB, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, USDA-FSA, etc. received calls from across the country from folks who reported seeing a video on social media (Facebook or Tik Tok) claiming farmers were getting paid by the federal government to destroy crops/dump oil. The video, which appears to be a compilation of several videos from social media platforms, shows “farmers” talking about receiving letters from “USDA” or another agency telling them they would need to destroy their crops in order to receive their “subsidies.” The overarching claim of the video is that the federal government is trying to create a food/oil shortage. The claims made in the video(s) are false, and there is no program or agency forcing farmers to destroy their crops/dump oil. Apparently, these videos were made as part of a larger “joke.”

Policy Watch…

In this week’s Policy Watch, the Nebraska Legislature announces dates and locations for upcoming Redistricting Committee public hearings, Common Sense Nebraska weighs in on proposed repeal of WOTUS rule, and NEFB Submits Comments on USDA’s Meat and Poultry Processing Infrastructure Program.

Provide Input at 30×30 Virtual Listening Session

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is conducting a virtual listening session on the 30×30 or America the Beautiful initiative with stakeholders and the general public September 13 at 3 p.m. CT. The 30×30 initiative proposes to conserve 30 percent of our lands and waters by 2030. NOAA has significant authority over waters, including the ability to designate and manage marine sanctuaries, manage fisheries, and list species under the Endangered Species Act.

Farm Bureau Members Save on HHD Tickets

Husker Harvest Days is fast approaching September 14-16 in Grand Island. Nebraska Farm Bureau has a deal for members to save on tickets. Get two (2) advance (online) tickets for the price of one (1) ticket at the gate using code: “FBBOGO” and enter the number of tickets you need in the FBBOGO dropdown box. That’s 50% off the cost of tickets at the gate and 25% off the standard advance ticket!

NDA Receives Grant for Behavioral Health Assistance

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) has received a one-year, $500,000 grant from USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture for behavioral health assistance for people involved in the agriculture industry. NDA will work in partnership with Legal Aid of Nebraska to administer a behavioral assistance voucher program through the Nebraska Rural Response Hotline.

AFLAC Open Enrollment Deadline Approaching

Open Enrollment for Nebraska Farm Bureau’s newest member benefit with Aflac closed September 15.

If you are among the 57 percent of Americans who’ve had to pay an unexpected medical bill you thought health insurance would cover, then you need to learn more about what Aflac has to offer. Aflac can pay you money directly to help cover that bill, your prescriptions and help with your rent.