Nebraskas AG industry of 100 billion US dollars is the focus of National AG Day

Nebraska agricultural leaders gathered in Omaha on Tuesday to celebrate the national agricultural day and to emphasize the role of the industry in both the state and the economy.

“It's not just Nebraska, but we are making these celebrations across the country,” said Mark Mchargue, President of the Nebraska Farm Bureau. “Sometimes it only takes this special day to remember how hard our farmers and cattle breeders work every day.”

Spokesman for the event organized by the Omaha Chamber of Commerce underlined Nebraska's status as an agricultural power pack. Mchargue found that agriculture is number 1 of the state, which generates around 100 billion US dollars in economic activity and supports 244,000 jobs.

“Omaha is really a hub for agribusiness, not only in Nebraska, but in the region,” he said. “In Omaha there are so many things that people really don't notice.”

A legacy of agricultural management

David Bracht, chairman of the Omaha Chamber Agriculture Council, spoke about the deep agricultural roots of the region and its continued global influence.

“The industry is more than just a part of our economy here – it is really part of our story,” said Bracht. “From our historical floors to our global position in irrigation technology, agriculture was always part of our success.”

The agricultural sector in Nebraska goes beyond agriculture and ranch and resorts to biofuels, food processing and the latest agricultural technology.

“We produce food and fuel in a global level that reaches global markets and has a global reputation,” said Bracht. “And we do it sustainably with the latest technology.”

The connection between agriculture and urban growth

Karen Black, Vice President for Research and Development at Conagra Brands, emphasized the connection between agriculture and food production and raised the role of farmers and cattle breeders to bring products to the storage of shelves nationwide.

“Every product that we manufacture, whether it is the wheat in our pasta or the vegetables for healthy selection meals begins with producers who work tirelessly,” said Black. “Their commitment to quality and sustainability ensures that families across the country can enjoy safely, nutritious and delicious food every day.”

Sherry Vinton, director of the Nebraska Ministry of Agriculture, repeated these feelings and called Omaha “the intersection of the rural GRIT and urban opportunities”.

“Nebraska's history is his floor,” said Vinton. “Our farmers and cattle breeders grow the corn that provides our ethanol plants, increases the cattle that feeds our nation and the world, and do everything while taking care of the country that has been in their families for generations.”

She also emphasized the ability of the industry to innovate and adapt innovations.

“This is not just a tradition – it's innovation,” she said. “From precision agriculture to sustainable breakthroughs of bioeconomy, Nebraska agriculture has been constantly changing.”

Trade, tariffs and challenges of the workforce

When the event went into a Q&A meeting, the speakers provided the current challenges in the industry, including trade uncertainty and labor shortage.

Mchargue recognized concerns about the tariffs, but emphasized that the farmers of Nebraska remain resistant.

“I guarantee that we will plant on our farm in about a month,” he said. “Every kind of tariff discussion will certainly not prevent us from doing what we do every year.”

Vinton also burdened the strong position of the state in global trade.

“Nebraska led the nation last year with over 2 billion US dollars of exports in beef exports,” she said. “There was a demand for our product that did not let go of even at high prices.”

When Vinton was asked about potential shortage of work, he emphasized the need for a reliable workforce in the animal sector.

“We are certainly dependent on good solid workers, especially in our cattle operations,” she said. “We have to make sure that we maintain the ability to get this work to work on our operations.”