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.
2026 Policy Guides
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.
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Energy Priorities
The demand for energy is growing exponentially due to the information technology (IT) age. At the same time, the demand for energy continues to grow both for agriculture and the rest of the state and nation’s economy. Working to ensure we have the capacity to meet future energy needs while at the same time balancing the many challenges that go along with that must continue to be examined.
School Property Taxes, Credits, and Maximum Levies
The reliance of property taxes to fund Nebraska schools continues to be a hot topic within our state. As the cost of education continues to grow along with the many other entities who rely on property taxes to fund their budgets, the burden on property taxpayers also grows. While there are many facets to this conversation, ultimately, we ask, should Nebraska convert school-related property tax credits into direct state funding for K-12 schools to reduce reliance on local property taxes?
Revitalize Rural Nebraska
Should Nebraska better align its Revitalize Rural Nebraska Grant Program and Mainstreet Revitalization Act to be more helpful in building stronger, more sustainable rural communities?
Nebraska Election Laws
Recent changes to election law in Nebraska and across the nation have generated increased public interest in election administration and election integrity. Policymakers continue to debate proposals related to voter identification, proof of citizenship requirements, voter registration maintenance, election audits, ballot security, absentee voting procedures, cybersecurity, and the initiative and referendum process.
Nameplate Capacity Incentives
The demand for energy is growing exponentially. During the 2026 Nebraska legislative session, legislation was introduced to create uniform standards for permitting renewable energy projects. Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) currently does not have specific policy focused on this particular issue.
Agricultural Data Privacy
In 2026, the Nebraska State Legislature passed LB 525, the Agricultural Data Privacy Act. Among its many provisions, the bill focused on protecting data being generated on farms or ranches, however implementation and expansion of the law remains an important topic.
Agricultural Business Startup Incentives
Strengthening Nebraska’s rural economy is of paramount importance. Currently, there are few incentives in the ImagiNE Nebraska Act, the Nebraska Advantage Act, and the Site and Building Development Act that are available to agricultural business startups.
Affordable Housing
Affordable housing continues to be a major challenge for many rural Nebraska communities. In some areas, jobs are available, but communities struggle to attract and retain workers because there are not enough affordable homes, rental units, or move-in ready housing options.
Nuclear Energy
As the demand for reliable, low-carbon energy grows, nuclear power is emerging as a critical tool to support Nebraska’s agricultural and energy sectors. This guide is intended to help county Farm Bureau leaders and members evaluate the safety of advanced nuclear technologies, the direct impact that low Carbon Intensity (CI) energy has on our ability to market Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and ethanol at a premium, and the recent advanced nuclear siting evaluations conducted by the Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD).
Data Centers
Data centers are migrating from urban tech hubs into rural communities, drawn by affordable and flat land, water and energy. For Nebraska farmers and ranchers, this shift arrives with both serious risks and substantial opportunities — and the outcome depends almost entirely on whether the agricultural community engages the process or sits it out.
Carbon Markets
The intersection of agricultural commodity production, renewable energy incentives and environmental policy has culminated in the rapid expansion of carbon markets, fundamentally redefining the bioeconomy. For Nebraska’s farming and ranching members, the agricultural industry is actively transitioning from traditional volume-based biofuel incentives to performance-based carbon intensity metrics.
Rural Healthcare
Many rural communities struggle with provider shortages, hospital financial pressures, workforce recruitment and retention difficulties and increasing distances to specialized care. When healthcare services are reduced or lost, rural residents are often forced to travel long distances for routine appointments, emergency treatment, maternity care, mental health services and specialty care. These barriers can lead to delayed treatment, poorer health outcomes, increased costs and added burdens on families and employers.
Agricultural Planning and Zoning
As communities evaluate new opportunities, this principle must be paired with accountability, informed decision-making and a commitment to agricultural growth. Planning and zoning committee members, county commissioners, and other local leaders responsible for economic development should recognize the significant benefits that new agricultural investments can bring to their communities, including increased tax revenue, quality employment opportunities, infrastructure improvements and long-term economic vitality.
Pipelines
As momentum builds around emerging energy pathways such as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), expanded natural gas utilization, hydrogen production and transport, and large-scale carbon capture and sequestration, Nebraska’s role as an energy corridor state is becoming increasingly significant.
Brand Inspection
During Nebraska’s 109th Legislature, public hearings, Brand Committee meetings and introduced legislation brought Brand Act discussions to the forefront of agricultural policy. While changes were ultimately implemented, more debate is on the horizon. In order to be prepared for continued reformation, the membership should evaluate current Farm Bureau policy that impacts livestock owners under the Nebraska Livestock Brand Act.
Policy Development Contacts
Jordan Dux
