Senator Ricketts’ Weekly Column: Happy Beef Month, Nebraska!

This month, we celebrate Nebraska as the Beef State.  Agriculture is the heart and soul of our state, and beef is a cornerstone.  We’re recognizing the hard-working producers who make that possible.  That’s why I introduced a resolution that designates May as National Beef Month.

This resolution honors Nebraska cattlemen and women.  Overall, our cattle account for about $16 billion of cash receipts for Nebraska’s economy.  Last year, we led the nation with over $1.75 billion in beef exports.  Nebraska also led the nation in commercial cattle slaughter, with over 6 million head.  Nebraska beef production is key to our state’s success.

Nebraska’s ranchers are the best in the world.  They’ve shown it this year in response to this spring’s devastating fires across the state.  The wildfires across Western Nebraska are the worst since we became a state.  They are the ninth most devastating in American history.  They have burned over 1,000,000 acres.  Hundreds were evacuated and one Nebraskan was tragically killed.  Despite the challenge posed by the wildfires, Nebraska ranchers banded together.  Nebraska Cattlemen gathered donations and delivered animal feed.  Farmers and ranchers from across the state helped move animals to safety.  Nebraskans are resilient, we help one another.

This past week, I kicked off Beef Month with the Nebraska Cattlemen.  We enjoyed some Nebraska beef with a barbecue at their office.  I was able to share how I’m fighting for Nebraska beef.  This month, I introduced a bill that protects real meat.  It would prohibit labeling plant-based or cell-based alternatives as “meat.”  That name will be reserved for the real thing.  I also discussed my bill that would make sure sound science is used for animal feed regulations.

Then, I hosted Under Secretary of Agriculture Richard Fordyce.  He oversees Farm Production and Conservation.  We heard from Nebraska ranchers.  We listened to them about the challenges for rebuilding and policies that get in the way.  They said they needed flexibility, not one-size-fits-all policies.

Under Secretary Fordyce and I also shared information about recovery resources.  We discussed how the Farm Service Agency (FSA) supports Nebraska agriculture.  Their programs help with farm credit, risk management programs, and wildfire recovery.  One first-generation farm family shared how grateful they are for FSA loans.  With access to this support, and a lot of hard work and stewardship, the family has been able to grow their operation.  Now, they feel confident that their children can pursue a future in agriculture.

With the wildfires, I’ve worked with the USDA to encourage flexibility for farmers and ranchers who are rebuilding.  A roundtable participant was impressed by the strong partnership between the USDA and state and federal leaders.  From day one, they have listened and been responsive.  The participant noted that promised flexibility and resources are actually being implemented.  One example of USDA flexibility consistently raised was fence posts.  USDA policies dictate that recovery funds are used for strict standards.  Usually, they only provide assistance for replacement fences that meet USDA specs.  Our farmers and ranchers stressed the need for quick replacements.  Slightly smaller posts will do the job just fine.  The USDA listened and changed their policies.  I am encouraging USDA to continue finding new ways to support Nebraska’s recovery.

When I was Governor, I partnered with our ranchers as they navigated droughts, extreme flooding, and the effects of a global pandemic.  As they rebuild from the devastating fires of this past spring, their resilience is on full display.  I am proud to partner with them again in the United States Senate.  This month and every month, we celebrate Nebraska’s beef industry.  Happy National Beef Month, Nebraska!

My team and I are here to serve you.  Contact us anytime by phone at 202-224-4224.  You can also view my website at https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/contact.