By Scout Nelson
The 2025 Nebraska Rural Poll highlights how rural Nebraskans continue to value protecting American jobs, creating more choices for consumers, and strengthening global relationships as essential elements of U.S. trade policy. Despite ongoing trade tensions, most opinions remain like last year, with some notable changes in economic priorities.
This year, more respondents rate lower prices for consumers as very important, increasing from 51% in 2024 to 56% in 2025. Likewise, 47% of respondents now consider strengthening economic ties with other nations to be a top priority.
“Even with the implementation and threat of new tariffs since we conducted our 2024 survey, we didn’t see big changes in how rural Nebraskans view trade policy,” said survey manager Becky Vogt. “The items that did see increased importance, though, suggest they are paying more attention to economic concerns — where we get our goods and how much we’re paying for them.”
The poll shows that 57% of rural Nebraskans rate protecting American jobs as very important, while 56% emphasize lowering consumer prices. About 54% believe creating new export opportunities for agricultural producers should be a major focus. Nearly half support strengthening political and economic relationships with other nations.
“These responses show that rural Nebraskans view trade policy through the lens of their household budgets and local economies,” said Brad Lubben. “Protecting jobs, keeping prices manageable and supporting agricultural exports rise to the top because they directly affect rural livelihoods.”
Results also vary by occupation and age. Younger adults (19–29) prioritize affordable prices, while older respondents place less emphasis on this issue. People working in construction, installation, or maintenance show stronger concern for job protection, while those in agriculture link trade policy to global competitiveness and exports.
The findings reveal a wide range of perspectives across Nebraska’s rural communities, reflecting the importance of balanced trade policies that protect jobs, support producers, and maintain affordable prices for consumers.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-hirurg
Categories: Nebraska, Business, Government & Policy