March 15, 2009
Dear Fellow Nebraskans:
As a leading agricultural producing state, it’s important that we take time to celebrate. March 15 to 21 is National Ag Week. This is an opportunity to highlight the pivotal role agriculture continues to play in our state.
Agriculture is an important part of our state’s economy and Nebraska’s largest industry. Cash receipts from farm activity contributed more than $14 billion to Nebraska’s economy in 2007 and made up appropriations five percent of the total U.S. economic output.
In the past year, the demand for agricultural products and the continued growth of this industry helped limit the effects of the national economic slowdown in our communities. Agriculture enterprises take many forms, ranging from the produce grown and sold at hundreds of roadside stands and farmers market booths to massive shipments of raw commodities and processed foods sent year round as part of our state’s international trade efforts. Some of the largest commodities produced in Nebraska include cattle and hogs, grains, soybeans, dry beans and dairy products.
While many of these crops and food products represent traditional markets for our state, this industry has branched out to businesses that add value to raw commodities and agricultural waste products to create ethanol and other biofuels. It’s also attracted visitors to our rural areas in connection with tour and travel enterprises cropping up on many farms and ranches.
These two areas represent a growing sector of the agriculture industry. They were topics highlighted recently as part of the 21st Annual Governor’s Ag Conference. We were joined by nearly 300 farmers, ranchers and industry representatives from across the state who came to listen to nationally-known policy experts.
Sara Wyant from Agri-Pulse Communications discussed some of the new administration’s vision for the renewable energy sector and the role agricultural producers would play in achieving goals for expanded production. We heard from Steve Kopperud with Policy Directions, Inc. about the need for Nebraska producers to be actively engaged in animal welfare issues that impact policy decisions at the state and federal level.
Nebraska native and past U.S. Agriculture Secretary Clayton Yeutter was on hand to discuss international trade issues. As a former trade representative for the United States, he discussed the potential for demand for Nebraska and U.S. agricultural products to continue increasing as the world population continues to grow.
Just as agriculture was essential in the growth and development of our state and nation, it continues to play a central role in American lives. We rely on this industry for the food on our tables, the fuel that powers our vehicles, clothing and so many other aspects of our everyday lives.
The contributions of our farmers and ranchers play a central role in our success as a state. As we celebrate National Ag Week, I hope all Nebraskans consider the impact our agricultural industry has on our lives. To those who are part of this dynamic industry, thank you for the positive impact you have on lives of our citizens and others around the world.
