Nebraska Farm Bureau, (Courtesy)
KEARNEY — Delegates representing farm and ranch families from all 93 Nebraska counties outlined key agricultural policy priorities and elected leaders for Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) as part of the organization’s 108th Annual Meeting and Convention held Dec. 7-9 in Kearney.
Delegates discussed a broad spectrum of agricultural policy issues to provide direction for the organization.
At the heart of their discussion were the challenges and opportunities facing farm and ranch families. From taxes and water to data and regulations, members expressed their shared commitment to preserve and protect what makes Nebraska farming and ranching strong.
“It’s no secret that Nebraskan’s pay some of the highest property taxes in the nation. As an organization, we’re committed to finding ways to lessen that burden. Delegates discussed ideas to better control property taxes, including issues around transparency in taxation as it relates to local tax collection and local bonds, to ensure the public is better informed” said Katie Olson, NEFB First Vice President.
Delegates adopted policy to support economic development by placing greater emphasis on supporting sparsely populated villages, towns, and counties, focusing on workforce housing and childcare.
As farming and ranching modernize, operations are producing more digital data. Members addressed a growing concern about how that information is used, who owns it, and what’s being done to keep it protected. Delegates adopted policy to ensure farmers and ranchers retain all rights to their data, while also calling for standards of care and protection of data by third parties with access to the information.
Water is critical to agriculture, and effective water management is just as important. Nebraska continues to examine water quality, quantity, and the infrastructure behind it.
“Delegates discussed the best path forward to safeguard irrigation, support sustainable water use, and preserve natural resources. Farmers and ranchers understand how important it is to be proactive in addressing natural resources challenges in our state, but any initiative needs to be backed by sound science and should work for farm and ranch families,” said Olson.
Another top issue discussed at the meeting was regulations related to the Nebraska Livestock Brand Act. Last year, the Legislature engaged in discussions about changes to Nebraska’s brand laws. That topic will be back on the table this session.
“Members had a long and heathy discussion about the Brand Act, discussing ideas that could bring clarity or modernization while balancing tradition and protection of livestock operations. Delegates ultimately voted to stand on our current policy, which supports the work of the Brand Committee,” said Olson.
Delegates turned a spotlight on the Make America Health Again (MAHA) movement by advancing policy which will be discussed at the national level during the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting in January. From food labeling to school food programs to agriculture practices, the MAHA movement has raised several policy questions that matter to agriculture and rural Nebraska.
“In a time when urban and rural interests sometimes feel at odds, delegates emphasized the need for policies grounded in fairness, transparency, and respect for agriculture’s role in feeding the nation. Their effective leadership is essential for advancing agriculture and ensuring the overall prosperity of our state and our nation,” said Olson.
In addition to setting state and making national policy recommendations, delegates also held elections for positions on the Nebraska Farm Bureau board of directors.
Lance Atwater, an Adams/Webster County Farm Bureau member, was elected to serve as the South-Central Region representative. Atwater and his wife, Krystal, have a row crop farm near Ayr.
Bree DeMontigny, a Cherry County Farm Bureau member, was re-elected to serve as the North Central Region representative. DeMontigny has a commercial cow/calf ranch near Valentine.
Steve Stroup, a Dundy County Farm Bureau member, was re-elected to serve as the Southwest Region representative. Stroup and his wife Julie have a cow/calf operation along with a feed lot and grow irrigated corn and hay near Benkelman.
Dawn Kucera, a Madison County Farm Bureau member, was re-elected to serve as the Ag Promotion At-Large representative. Kucera and her husband, Regan, have a row crop farm, growing corn and soybeans near Madison.
Matthew Erickson, a Johnson County Farm Bureau member, was newly elected to serve as the Youth At-Large representative. Erickson and his wife, Riley, have a row crop farm and they custom farm. They also raise chickens for Smart Chicken near Sterling.
