Survey - rural Nebraskans unfamiliar yet supportive of farm bill programs

By Scout Nelson

A recent survey conducted in rural Nebraska has revealed an interesting paradox: a majority of residents are not well-versed in federal agricultural policy, including the Farm Bill, yet they show strong support for the programs it encompasses. The survey found that two-thirds of the respondents were unfamiliar with federal ag policy, with only 7% very familiar with it.

Agriculture workers and certain demographic groups, such as older adults and those with higher education levels, were more likely to be familiar with agricultural policy. The Farm Bill, a comprehensive policy covering aspects ranging from farm income safety nets to food assistance programs, plays a critical role in agriculture and food in the U.S.

Despite the general unfamiliarity with the bill, respondents showed significant support for various programs under it. Conservation programs, rural development initiatives, and research and education programs received high support, while international food assistance programs were less favored.

Domestic food assistance programs, which constitute a major portion of the Farm Bill's spending, were supported by over 60% of the survey participants, with stronger backing from lower-income households.

Brad Lubben, a Nebraska Extension specialist in agricultural policy, highlighted the complexity of the Farm Bill, noting that while the bill might be challenging to grasp, its individual components are crucial to different groups and generally receive wide support.

In the Nebraska Panhandle, residents exhibited strong support for a variety of programs, reflecting the region's diversified agricultural economy and its reliance on federal programs for agricultural growth and stability.

The 2023 Rural Poll by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln surveyed over 6,000 households, representing 86 of Nebraska's 93 counties. This annual survey, with a 3% margin of error, explores rural Nebraskans' perspectives on policy and quality of life, focusing on federal agricultural policy.