By Scout Nelson
The Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) Leadership Academy Cadets recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate for Nebraska’s agricultural community.
The visit marked the culmination of a yearlong leadership training program designed to enhance public speaking, advocacy, and personal growth skills among farmers and ranchers from across Nebraska.
During their trip, the Cadets met with Nebraska’s Congressional Delegation to emphasize the importance of passing a new Farm Bill. They urged lawmakers to protect federal crop insurance and update essential programs that support the agricultural sector.
With the Farm Bill at a critical juncture, Cadets highlighted the need for a robust safety net for farmers to manage risks effectively.
The Cadets also voiced concerns about the impact of California’s Proposition 12 and Massachusetts’s Question 3, which impose state-specific food production standards.
They advocated for legislative solutions to prevent individual state regulations from dictating national agricultural practices, stressing that such policies undermine farmers’ ability to produce safe, quality products.
Labor issues were another key focus, with Cadets highlighting the challenges associated with the H-2A program, a crucial resource for agricultural labor.
They advocated for the passage of legislation to pause wage rate increases for H-2A workers, arguing that stabilizing labor costs is vital for the long-term viability of small and medium-sized farms.
Additionally, Cadets expressed concerns about the expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA), which provides reduced tax rates for farm and ranch operations.
They emphasized the need for tax code certainty to support business growth and sustainability in an inherently uncertain industry.
The group also addressed proposed changes to federal pesticide regulations by the EPA, warning that these changes could limit access to essential crop protection products.
They argued that farmers need reliable tools for weed management to maintain productivity and meet food production demands.
Through meetings with officials from the New Zealand Embassy, House Agriculture Committee, Syngenta, and American Farm Bureau, the Leadership Academy Cadets reinforced their commitment to advocating for policies that protect and promote Nebraska’s agricultural industry.
Photo Credit: nebraska-farm-bureau
Categories: Nebraska, Government & Policy