Agriculture is Nebraska’s number one industry and the heart and soul of our state. Agriculture
deserves recognition and celebration every day, especially during National Ag Week, March 17-23.
As the Director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA), it’s an honor and a
privilege to serve the dedicated people of Nebraska’s agricultural community.
Being Nebraska born and raised, my roots run deep within the agricultural community. My family
and I ranch south of Whitman in the scenic Sandhills, giving me a firsthand understanding of the
role agriculture plays in shaping Nebraska. I’m proud to be part of the extensive network of
45,000 farmers and ranchers who consistently deliver high-quality agricultural products year
after year.
I always like to talk with people about Nebraska agriculture because it’s interesting and exciting.
Nebraska is the best place in the world to grow agriculture. Nebraska has abundant resources,
the best land for growing crops and for grazing, plenty of water, wide open spaces, and ample
feed for livestock.
Out of Nebraska’s perfect resources for growing agriculture, one tops them all – our people.
Nebraska farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses are true innovators, embracing precision
agriculture, genetic advances, and modern equipment to produce more while using fewer
resources. Their innovations ripple across the entire state, impacting all of us and emphasizing
the interconnectedness of agriculture with our daily lives.
Farmers and ranchers are also dedicated and resilient. They face challenges and come back
stronger. January proved to be a challenging start to this year when severe winter weather
created significant challenges for everyone, including those who work in Nebraska’s agriculture
industry. During these severe winter weather emergencies, Nebraska livestock producers did
what they do best. They fed, cared for, and kept close watch on their livestock.
For those producers unable to tend to their livestock and needing immediate assistance during
the storms, NDA worked with local, state, and federal partners to prioritize their critical needs.
We send our heartfelt thanks to Nebraskans for supporting Nebraska farmers, ranchers, and
agribusinesses during winter emergencies and always.
Building on past challenges makes us stronger as we continue to look toward the future of
Nebraska agriculture. Nebraska agriculture provides us with ample reasons to be grateful and to
celebrate.
Notably, Nebraska is a powerhouse when it comes to agriculture, leading the nation in many
important categories. In beef production, Nebraska’s quality products are unmatched. We are:
- #1 in beef and veal exports (2023);
- #1 in commercial cattle slaughter (2023);
- #2 in all cattle on feed (Jan. 1, 2024); and
- #2 in all cattle and calves (Jan. 1, 2024).
While beef takes the spotlight, the Nebraska swine industry, with 3.8 million head and a sixthranking of all hogs and pigs on farms (Dec. 1, 2023), makes its mark.
Our state’s poultry production has significantly increased in recent years, as well, with recent
hatcheries and a world-class chicken processing operation in Fremont. Chicken eggs are on
Nebraska’s list of 10 leading commodities for 2022.
Nebraska’s varied climate, elevation and soil help farmers grow a plentiful supply and variety of
crops. In 2023, we ranked: - #2 in the nation for proso millet production;
- #3 in the nation for corn for grain production;
- #4 for dry edible pea production;
- #5 in grain sorghum production; and
- #6 in soybean production.
Nebraska has a unique advantage, known as the “Golden Triangle,” where the combination of
corn, livestock and ethanol production provides significant opportunity to add value at every
step along the production chain.
In 2023, Nebraska ranked number two in ethanol production with 24 operating facilities having
the capacity to create more than 2.3 billion gallons of clean, reliable, renewable fuel.
Approximately 35 percent of Nebraska’s 2023 corn crop was used in ethanol production putting
Nebraska corn and value-added agriculture in action.
Clearly our agriculture industry is worthy of celebration. Anything worthy of celebration is also
worthy of preservation and education. Youth outreach in agriculture education is an important
part of the work we do at NDA. With that in mind, I’d like to mention NDA’s annual Nebraska
Agricultural Youth Institute. NAYI is a good way for Nebraska high school juniors and seniors to
learn more about Nebraska agriculture and the many careers available in the ag industry. Those
who attend NAYI do so for free thanks to many generous sponsors. Applications are available
online at nda.nebraska.gov/NAYI. Students need to apply by the April 15 deadline to secure a
place at this year’s NAYI.
As we celebrate National Ag Week, let us express our gratitude to the farmers, ranchers, and all
the people working in the ag industry to provide us with the food, feed, and fuel we depend on
every day. By recognizing the challenges, celebrating the successes, and advocating for the
future of agriculture, we help make our agriculture sector even stronger.
Thank you for allowing me to shine a spotlight on Nebraska agriculture during this special week
and always
