Headline Stories

Sen. Ben Sasse is Stepping Down from the Senate

Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse has confirmed he is the sole finalist to be the next President of the University of Florida, and if selected would resign from the U.S. Senate. Sources close to Sen. Sasse indicate his resignition from the Senate would not come until the final vote by the University’s Board of Trustees, likely mid-November to December. Following Sen. Sasse’s resignation the Governor will have 45 days to appoint a replacement who will serve until January of 2025. This would put both of Nebraska’s Senate seats up for grabs in 2024. The seat would be up for election again in 2026, technically the end of Sasse’ Senate term. Sasse has served as a U.S. Senator representing Nebraska since 2015. Nebraska Farm Bureau would like to thank Sen. Ben Sasse for his service to the farmers and ranchers of Nebraska. We’ve always appreciated working with Ben for the betterment of our state and Nebraska agriculture. We look forward to working with Gov. Ricketts as he seeks to appoint a replacement for the next several years.

NEFB Supports the Precision Agriculture Infrastructure Grant Program

E-connectivity is paramount to be competitive in today’s market. Nebraska Farm Bureau is working with the Public Service Commission and many stakeholders to ensure implementation of the Precision Agriculture Infrastructure Grant Program (PRO-AG) created this legislative session in LB 1144 is as effective as possible. Under the program these grants may be awarded to wireless network providers that provide adequate precision agriculture connectivity, or to an agricultural cooperative, agronomist, or agricultural producer.

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month

There are growing risks of cyberattacks on Nebraska agriculture. As farmers and ranchers adopt more smart technologies and rely on the internet, the potential for cyberattacks increase. October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and Nebraska Farm Bureau is working with the State Attorney General’s office and the FBI to provide steps farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses can take to minimize their exposure to cyberattacks. Here are things you can do to protect your operations from cyberattacks.

Early Voting Begins

On Oct. 4 counties started mailing out ballots to registered voters who have previously requested absentee ballots.

Important dates to remember: 

• October 28: Last day to request a ballot be mailed to you and the last day for in-person voter registration.
• November 7: Last day for early voting-in person at the county clerk or election commissioner office.
• November 8: Statewide General Election.

This election is important as we elect candidates who understand agriculture and rural issues. The Nebraska Farm Bureau Political Action Committee (NEFB-PAC) has endorsed candidates seeking election during the 2022 General Election. These endorsements are based on the candidate’s positions on agriculture and rural issues and recommendations from district evaluation committees made up of farmer and rancher members.

Harvest Tip: Overweight Permit Exemption Form

In order to qualify for the overweight permit for your farm trucks, you must provide origin and destination information for each of your farm locations. Simply fill out the form, sign it, and keep the completed form in your truck(s) for your driver(s) to use.

Policy Watch…

Supreme Court back in action; NEFB talks about precision ag with the Government Accountability Office; and Farm Bureau meets with the White House Office of Management and Budget on Biden WOTUS Rule; get all the details on these stories in Policy Watch.

Ag in the Classroom: Cafeteria Chronicles

Second-grade teachers across that state received a new Agriculture in the Classroom resource called Cafeteria Chronicles that aims to equip students with the knowledge of how food grows and becomes a meal from farmers in Nebraska while helping teachers accomplish learning outcomes.

Leadership Academy Applications Due – Nov. 4

Farm Bureau members involved in production agriculture or agribusiness with the potential for providing exceptional leadership in their county, community, and state should consider applying for the 2023 Leadership Academy!