The value of agriculture

In recognition of the agriculture industry's contributions to our state, I am declaring March 14 to 20 as Nebraska Ag Week. A strong rural background is the foundation of our state and a rich mix of natural resources helped establish Nebraska as a strong agricultural state.

To highlight the important of agriculture, this year I will be joined by many Nebraska farm and commodity groups at several events this week where family-owned and operated farms will showcase some of the many contributions of farmers and ranchers across our state.

While Nebraska ranks 38th by population, we have one of the nation's largest agriculture economies. In 2008, cash receipts from farm activity contributed more than $17 billion to Nebraska's economy and represented five percent of the United States total. Some of our largest commodity categories include cattle and hogs, grains, soybeans, dry beans and dairy products.

In addition to providing food for American households, the products grown and raised in Nebraska are exported to more than 170 countries around the world. Processed foods and raw commodities are Nebraska's top two exports. In fact, for many international consumers their first introduction to our state comes from the marketing efforts of Nebraska beef, pork and other food products.

The demand for agricultural products here at home and abroad has helped buffer our state from the effects of the national economic slowdown. Agriculture is Nebraska's largest industry with one in every three jobs related to agriculture. In addition to farmers and ranchers, our modern agriculture economy includes food processing and biofuel production that have created new jobs and stimulated new investment in recent years.

Yet our farmers and ranchers are still the backbone of this industry and we are fortunate that overall agriculture has been stable. Last year's corn and soybean harvests were at record levels for Nebraska and are predicted to be up another 13 and 15 percent this year. The livestock sector has faced real challenges these past few years. However, cattle and pork producers have said this year is likely to be better. That is good news because when agriculture does well, Main Street and small town Nebraska does well.

In addition to driving export opportunities, providing jobs and economic activity that sustains communities across the state, Nebraska farmers and ranchers put a priority on helping ensure a safe food supply and preserving our natural resources.

More than 95 percent Nebraska's total land is privately-owned. Whether acres are devoted to crop production, range and pastureland, or used as conservation space, the vast majority of land in our state has been cared for over many generations by people who understand the value of good stewardship. That is a tradition that continues to be a priority for producers today.

I want to thank the families in Kearney, West Point and Raymond who are part of our Nebraska Agriculture Week activities, and thank you to the many groups who are taking part in this year's celebration.

It's important to acknowledge the dedication of our farmers and ranchers. Their work impacts every Nebraskan and produces food that feeds American families and others around the world. Nebraska Agriculture Week is an opportunity to highlight the pivotal role of our agricultural producers.