Policy Development

The power of Farm Bureau has always been vested in our grassroots policy development process.

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The Policy Development Process

Farmers and ranchers ultimately determine where Farm Bureau stands on agricultural issues. Policy development starts with a member having an idea and sharing it with other farmers and ranchers at the county Farm Bureau. From there, the idea can advance from the county, to the state and then onto the national level, provided it meets consensus approval from other farm and ranch members along the way. Farm Bureau’s policy development process is a hands-on, unique experience anchored in tradition and success.

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Policy Development Process

County Members

Jan-July

A Farm Bureau member has an idea on how to improve agriculture. The Farm Bureau member takes the idea to their County Farm Bureau meeting to present to the Board of Directors.

County Farm Bureaus

August-October

The idea is presented to the County Farm Bureau at the County Annual Meeting as a resolution, the Board of Directors or County Policy Development Committee discuss if the resolution moves on to the State Legislative Policy Committee (SLPC). This is also the time that the counties review current or lapsing policies.

State Legislative Policy Committees (SLPC)

November

The State Legislative Policy Committee reviews the resolutions from county Farm Bureaus. The Committee either supports, modifies, rejects, or requests additional information on the resolution. If approved, the resolution moves to the voting delegates at the state annual meeting.

NEFB Annual Meeting

December

The resolution is discussed and voted on by the county delegates at the state annual meeting. Delegates are made up of county Farm Bureau farmers and ranchers designated by their counties. If the resolutions pass, they become state policy. The national resolutions that pass are forwarded to the American Farm Bureau Federation for their delegates to review and process.

NEFB Policy

The state resolutions that are passed at the state annual meeting are put into the state policy book. The NEFB staff and lobbyists work to turn the policies into a law, regulation, or statement that supports the farmers and ranchers of Nebraska.

FB Federal Policy

The national resolutions that are forwarded to the American Farm Bureau Federation are discussed and voted on by delegates from all 50 states and Puerto Rico at the national annual meeting. If they are adopted, they are then added to the national policy book. These then become a guide for Farm Bureau’s federal advocacy efforts.

Shaping Policy Together

Key Annual Events

Farm Bureau’s grassroots policy development process is driven by our members—farmers, ranchers, and agricultural advocates who understand the real challenges facing rural Nebraska. Each year, our core events provide opportunities for members to discuss issues, propose solutions, and shape the policies that guide our work at the local, state, and national levels:

Policy Forum

Date
November 20, 2025
Time
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location
Kearney Holiday Inn
Details

Bringing farmers and ranchers together to develop organizational policy and shape the future of agriculture! Participate in our Policy Forum, where members can share their insights on resolutions put forth by their County Farm Bureau. Each county representative will have a maximum of three minutes to discuss each issue or resolution, excluding any questions from the State Legislative Policy Subcommittee (SLPC).

Additional Information: Policy resolution packets will be available for download by Friday, Nov. 14 to provide time for review prior to Policy Forum.Individuals who are unable to participate in Policy Forum can submit comments on resolutions for consideration by the State Legislative Policy Committee. All comments must be emailed to Whittney Kelley by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, November 19.

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Meeting room

Nebraska Farm Bureau Annual Meeting And Convention

Date
December 7-9, 2025
Location
Younes Conference Center South, Kearney, NE
Details

The Nebraska Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and Convention is the premier gathering for farmers and ranchers across the state to engage in educational workshops, discuss key agricultural issues, and establish the organization's policy direction for the upcoming year. This event offers members the opportunity to enhance their leadership skills, stay informed on industry trends, and directly influence the legislative priorities that impact their livelihoods. ​

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Conference Room

Legislative Conference & BBQ And Brews

Date
February 25, 2025
Time
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location
Scottish Rite Temple, 332 Centennial Mall S, Lincoln, NE
Details

Join us for a day of action, insight, and connection. Get up to speed on the biggest policy issues affecting agriculture, meet face-to-face with elected officials, and hear the latest legislative updates from Lincoln and Washington, D.C.

Then, wrap up the day with good food, cold drinks, and great company at BBQ & Brews from 5:00-7:00 p.m. It’s your chance to network, share ideas, and unwind with fellow Farm Bureau members and policymakers.
Don’t just watch policy happen—be part of it!

Register Now
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Stand Up for Agriculture!

Policy Development Guides

Having good information is critical in evaluating agriculture policy issues. There’s always more to the story, and digging into the issues is important. Our policy development guides are meant to be a resource for members looking for background information on higher profile agriculture issues to help them make informed recommendations as part of Farm Bureau’s policy development process.

Your Voice in Action

Policy Books

Log in to see official NEFB state and federal policy.

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Federal Policy

American Farm Bureau Federal Policy outlines federal initiatives and policies as set forth by the AFBF delegate body comprised of farmers and ranchers from across the country.

View Federal Policy Book
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State Policy

Nebraska Farm Bureau State Policy outlines state initiatives and policies as set forth by the NEFB delegate body composed of farmers and ranchers from across the state.

View State Policy Book

Tell Us How We Can Help You!

Tell us how proposing a policy can make your operations more efficient!

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Policy Development Contacts

Jordan Dux

Jordan Dux

Senior Director of National Affairs
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Whittney Helms

Whittney Helms

Public Policy Associate
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