By Scout Nelson
Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) members traveled to Washington, D.C., to share the concerns of farm and ranch families with lawmakers and federal agencies. Their goal was to advocate for agricultural priorities and ensure Nebraska's voice is heard in national policies.
Led by NEFB President Mark McHargue, the group met with Nebraska’s congressional delegation, including Sens. Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts and Reps. Don Bacon, Adrian Smith, and Mike Flood. Meetings were also held with the Environmental Protection Agency, USDA, and the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office.
Farmers urged support for the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” calling for the inclusion of important Farm Bill provisions and tax reforms. They asked lawmakers to extend key tax policies such as Section 179, bonus depreciation, and estate tax exemptions.
Trade was another top concern. With 30% of Nebraska’s farm income tied to exports, NEFB members stressed the importance of creating new trade agreements and removing trade barriers.
“Trade is essential. It is crucial to establish new trade agreements among numerous countries globally. The products we produce in Nebraska will not all be consumed within the state. We are the best at what we do, particularly in raising the finest beef in the world, a fact recognized internationally. Now, we must create pathways for our products to reach the global market,” said Bree DeMontigny, Cherry County rancher and NEFB Board member.
NEFB also responded to concerns from the “On our family farm, we use crop protection products. We value the rigorous, science-driven work of the EPA to make sure these products are safe, enabling us to grow healthy and affordable food,” said Micah Erickson, a Johnson County farmer.
The Nebraska delegation attended policy briefings with the American Farm Bureau Federation, joined a Leader-to-Leader reception, and participated in the traditional Nebraska Breakfast on Capitol Hill.
This visit reflects the Nebraska Farm Bureau’s commitment to advocating for agricultural families and promoting strong rural communities. NEFB supports over 56,000 member families across the state and continues to work toward agricultural and economic prosperity.
Photo Credit: nebraska-farm-bureau
Categories: Nebraska, Government & Policy