As Nebraskans are further removed from where their food, fiber, and energy are grown, it is important for Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers to share their story with state legislators. Nebraska Farm Bureau’s (NEFB) Promotion and Education (P&E) and Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Committees, which are made up of farmers and ranchers across the state, did just that during National Agriculture Week.
Governor Jim Pillen declared March 17- 23, 2024 as National Agriculture Week in Nebraska. This week celebrates the history, inventions, careers, products, and trade of agriculture. To celebrate, Nebraska Farm Bureau’s P&E and YF&R Committee members provided beef sticks and popcorn made from products grown by farmers and ranchers to raise awareness to state senators of Nebraska’s number one industry: agriculture.
“When I get to share my story with my elected officials, I feel like I am making an impact,” said Karen Grant, NEFB P&E committee member from Madison County. “It is so important that senators hear from individuals who work on the farm or ranch and see how policy impacts us directly.”
P&E Committee members lead the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation’s volunteer promotion and education efforts through training and outreach education. Agriculture fuels the economy in Nebraska and the message shared with senators by committee members helps Nebraska inch closer to every Nebraskan understanding the impact of agriculture in the state.
In addition to raising awareness, YF&R committee members spoke to state senators about the challenges they face on their farms and ranches in Nebraska. Members advocated for reducing property taxes in the state.
“We are thankful for the tremendous gains made in property tax relief over the last four years,” said Jill England, Central Region YF&R Committee member from Hall County. “There is still progress to be made to ensure that property, income, and sales taxes provide equal footing in funding our state’s priorities.”
The YF&R program is comprised of men and women ages 18-35 who are Farm Bureau members and looking to develop their leadership skills while also meeting and networking with their peers. For more than 50 years, young farmers and ranchers from across Nebraska have come together to share their experiences and to gather ideas and information.
The success of agriculture is critical to the future of a prosperous Nebraska. Whether you live in a big city, small town, or farm or ranch, agriculture is a part of your everyday life. National Agriculture Week was celebrated March 17- 23, 2024 and is used as an opportunity to highlight how agriculture is a part of Nebraska.
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Photo Credit: nebraska-farm-bureau
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Rural Lifestyle