Column: Nebraska is Fertile Ground for Ag

Statement

Nebraska's rich agricultural heritage dates far back to our state's early days, when pioneers first tamed and tilled land that was once considered the Great American Desert. Over the years, agriculture's importance to our state, and our state's ag contributions to the nation have been significant. Nebraskans have blazed the trail in farming and ranching practices. We have revolutionized everything from the seeds we plant and how we irrigate, to the way we cope with drought and continue to feed a growing world population with limited resources.

Our state also boasts a long history of leaders who have helped shape the industry into what it is today. Last weekend I was honored to be recognized alongside some of Nebraska's ag giants, whose work in ag and conservation have helped to advance the field worldwide. It was a privilege to be considered in the same company with J. Sterling Morton, Clifford Hardin and Clayton Yeutter--all former Secretaries of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Morton, also a former governor of the Territory of Nebraska, is credited with hosting the first Arbor Day in 1872. Hardin served as USDA Secretary from 1969 to 1971 and was instrumental in passing the 1970 farm bill. Yeutter was USDA Secretary during the George H.W. Bush Administration. He also is a former U.S. Trade Representative, where he helped launch historic trade negotiations that led to the creation of the World Trade Organization.

These Nebraskans reflect our state's commitment to cutting-edge farming and ranching that has set our state apart as a leader in agriculture. The numbers tell the story. Nebraska leads the nation in commercial red meat production at 7.3 billion pounds in 2013. We also lead the nation in the number of cattle on feed with nearly 2.5 million head. That's almost 40 percent more cattle than people in Nebraska. We harvest more irrigated land than any other state and produce 34 percent of the nation's popcorn.

Agriculture accounts for a large part of our state's economy. Cash receipts from farm marketings injected $24 billion into Nebraska in 2012, according to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. Every dollar in ag exports drives $1.29 in other economic activity, including transportation, financing, warehousing and production.

Research and education in Nebraska is equipping a new crop of producers with the latest tools and techniques to increase efficiency and yield, even in difficult conditions. The University of Nebraska's National Drought Mitigation Center and various extension programs are just a few examples of how agriculture--one of the world's oldest trades--is constantly being revolutionized and improved to meet new challenges.

It has truly been an honor to serve Nebraska and the nation on the Senate Agriculture Committee and as USDA Secretary. I am so proud of the hard work our farmers and ranchers do each day to not only feed and fuel our state, but also the world.

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