Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Joins Nebraska Farm Bureau for SAF Conference, Farm Tour, and Ag Industry Events

Nebraska Farm Bureau welcomed U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Alexander Vaden to Nebraska on Aug. 15 for a day of connecting with producers, touring agricultural facilities, and engaging with industry leaders. 

During his visit to Nebraska Sec. Vaden spoke at the Sustainable Aviation Fuels Conference at SAC Air Museum near Omaha. Nebraska Farm Bureau joined the Nebraska Corn Board and Renewable Fuels Nebraska in hosting the event, bringing together leaders from agriculture, energy, aviation, and government to chart a cleaner future for air travel. 

U.S. Rep. Mike Flood opened the event with a call to harness Nebraska’s agricultural strength to fuel innovation. Sessions throughout the day explored the potential of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) to reduce emissions while creating new markets for corn, soybeans, and other biofuel feedstocks grown in the state. Sec. Vaden was the keynote speaker. 

Next on the agenda was a farm tour of Douglas County President Ryan Ueberrhein, who farms near valley. There several local farmers attended the session with Sec. Vaden discussing current crop conditions, market outlooks, trade and the innovations driving Nebraska agriculture.  

The next stop was a group tour of the Greater Omaha Packing Co., a beef processing plant. Although production lines were not running, Deputy Secretary Vaden and Nebraska Farm Bureau leaders met with CEO Henry Davis and President Mike Drury to learn about the company’s operations, Nebraska beef’s competitive advantages, and current challenges facing processors. 

The day ended with dinner, where Deputy Secretary Vaden joined leaders from Nebraska’s top agricultural organizations for a discussion on policy priorities, industry trends, and opportunities to strengthen Nebraska’s role in feeding the world. 

Hosting Deputy Secretary Vaden allowed Nebraska Farm Bureau to showcase the strength and diversity of Nebraska agriculture. It's essential that national leaders experience firsthand the people, values, and operations that power our state's economy and feed the nation.