By Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation
GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — Nebraska leaders, farmers, students and industry partners gathered at Raising Nebraska on the Nebraska State Fairgrounds on March 17 to recognize National Agriculture Week and highlight the vital role agriculture plays in the state’s economy and communities. This year’s observance comes as historic wildfires have devastated parts of Nebraska, impacting farm and ranch families, livestock and rural communities. The event, hosted by the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, showcased Nebraska agriculture’s innovation, resilience and commitment to community support.
“Agriculture is the backbone of our state, supporting farmers and ranchers, creating jobs and driving innovation in industries like ethanol production and the growing bioeconomy,” said Mark McHargue, president of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation. “Right now, many farmers and ranchers are facing tremendous losses from these wildfires. Nebraska agriculture is a strong community and when one part of our state hurts, we all come together.”
Governor Jim Pillen signed the official proclamation recognizing National Agriculture Week March 15–21. He also recognized First Lady Suzanne Pillen for her leadership through the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation Bushels of Stories program, which helps young Nebraskans learn about farming, ranching and the people who produce their food, recognizing the farmers and ranchers who sustain Nebraska’s economy and rural communities.
“This week reminds us how important agriculture is to Nebraska,” Gov. Pillen said. “At the same time, our thoughts are with families impacted by these historic wildfires. Farmers and ranchers are resilient, and Nebraskans will stand together to help our neighbors recover and rebuild.”
Agriculture leaders emphasized the growing bioeconomy, including ethanol, as a way to create new markets for farmers while supporting rural communities during challenging times.
“Ethanol adds value to Nebraska crops and strengthens our rural economy by turning what farmers grow into clean energy and new products,” said Sherry Vinton, director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. “Nebraska agriculture is rooted in resilience, and clean-burning ethanol plays an important role in supporting our rural communities and consumers—both in strong times and as they bounce back from challenges.”
Students from Husker Motorsports at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln also highlighted ethanol’s role in innovation, including high-performance racing and renewable fuel development.
“Ethanol’s high-octane performance makes it a strong fuel for motorsports and shows the potential of renewable fuels grown by Nebraska farmers,” said Curtis Krause of Husker Motorsports. “As we celebrate agriculture this week, we also stand with farmers and ranchers impacted by wildfires and support the communities working to recover.”
In response to the wildfires, the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation announced the launch of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Disaster Relief Fund to support farmers, ranchers, rural firefighters and rural communities affected by the fires.
“The losses many families are experiencing right now are heartbreaking,” McHargue said. “The Nebraska Farm Bureau is establishing a disaster relief fund to provide support. Our agricultural community has always stepped up to help neighbors in times of need, and we will continue to do so.”
To donate, visit https://www.nefb.org/disaster and click the NEFB Disaster Relief Fund button.
The mission of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is to engage youth, educators and the general public to promote an understanding of the vital importance of agriculture in the lives of all Nebraskans. The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. For more information about the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, visit www.nefbfoundation.org.