Nebraska farm leaders advocate for key farm bill issues

By Scout Nelson

Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) Leadership Academy Cadets recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate for a strong Farm Bill and key legislative priorities affecting Nebraska’s farm and ranch families. During their visit, the Cadets met with Nebraska’s Congressional Delegation to emphasize the importance of federal crop insurance, H-2A workforce reform, and extending the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

“Leadership Academy Cadets experience our government first-hand and interact with elected officials, showing them the role, they can play in protecting their right to farm,” said Jordan Dux, NEFB senior director of national affairs.

Cadets highlighted the need for the Farm Bill to protect crop insurance and update critical programs that farmers rely on. They also voiced concerns about California’s Proposition 12 and Massachusetts’s Question 3, stressing that these state laws should not dictate nationwide food production practices.

Cadets advocated for H-2A program reforms, crucial for the agricultural workforce in Nebraska. “Passing legislation that pauses the Adverse Effect Wage Rate for H-2A at 2023 levels is crucial,” said Dan Kristensen, row crop farmer from Kearney County.

The Cadets also urged lawmakers to extend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. “My operation would look very different without TCJA,” said Sam Gifford, a cadet from Buffalo County, highlighting the importance of tax stability in agriculture.

Additionally, Cadets raised concerns about the EPA’s proposed pesticide regulation changes, which could restrict access to essential crop protection products. Clade Anderson, a sales agronomist, emphasized that these tools are critical for weed management and overall production.

The NEFB Leadership Academy’s visit provided a valuable opportunity for members to directly engage with policymakers and advocate for the future of Nebraska agriculture.

Photo Credit:nebraska-farm-bureau