Bridging the Gap from the Field to the World
Combines are rolling, and harvest is in full swing across Nebraska. It’s one of those seasons that brings both hard work and a sense of rhythm back to our lives. At the same time, many of our County Farm Bureaus are gathering for their annual meetings. I always look forward to this time of year. It’s a chance to see familiar faces, share ideas, and talk about the future of Farm Bureau together.
As I sit in the combine and reflect on the meetings I’ve attended, I’m struck by how a field in Merrick County or a meeting hall in Brown County can feel a long way from Lincoln or Washington, D.C. But the truth is, through Farm Bureau, that distance isn’t as far as it seems. Whether it’s a quick phone call, a conversation, or coordinated advocacy, we have a direct line to the people making decisions that affect our farms and ranches every day.
Recently, I traveled to Washington, D.C. for an American Farm Bureau Board of Directors meeting. While there, I had the opportunity to share what I’ve been hearing from you - your concerns about economic pressures and uncertainty in rural communities. Those conversations helped identify the policy priories for the organization that landed on President Trump’s desk the next day. Farm Bureau is calling on the President and Congress to make strategic policy changes that can stabilize agriculture. That includes support for year-round E15, expanding markets, restoring whole milk in schools, and protecting interstate commerce from state laws that could disrupt markets.
Opening markets is key for farm and ranch families and continues to be a major focus of the organization. USDA’s Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, Luke Lindberg, was in Nebraska recently with a clear message: the trade agreements are in place, now it’s time to go get the deals done. When dignitaries visit Nebraska, we get to make our pitch right here at home. Ambassadors from Iraq and Algeria were here this month, and they made it clear they want Nebraska’s ag products. And U.S. Trade Representative Greer is making sure agriculture is prioritized in every new trade agreement - not years down the road, but right now.
We’re also seeing exciting opportunities in the sustainable aviation fuel industry. The UK is showing serious interest, and their embassy staff and airline executives toured Nebraska to see our ethanol industry firsthand. With our carbon pipeline, Nebraska is well positioned to lead in this space and create new opportunities for our farmers and ranchers. Now is the time to leverage our position in Nebraska agriculture.
One thing Farm Bureau does best is bring people together. It is my privilege as President to serve the members and connect the dots and help bring together agriculture, government, and world markets. The conversations we’re having today are shaping the policies of tomorrow. Even when the distance feels long and the times feel tough, Farm Bureau is the bridge. And together, I believe we’re in a strong position to keep Nebraska agriculture moving forward.