Senator Ricketts’ Weekly Column: Supporting the Ag Leaders of Tomorrow

This week, we celebrate national Future Farmers of America (FFA) Week.  Agriculture is the heart and soul of what we do in Nebraska.  The Nebraska FFA is doing tremendous work to cultivate the next generation of ag leaders.  Nebraskans who participate in FFA are the future of our state’s agriculture industry.

Nebraska FFA was the 6th state to charter in 1928.  Today, it has nearly 12,000 members.  FFA helps young Nebraskans build the work ethic that is the foundation of our state.  It gives members practical industry knowledge.  It develops leadership skills.  It promotes excellence in both the classroom and in the ag sector. I’m proud to support the FFA.

FFA helps build the future of Nebraska agriculture.  That’s why I’m a cosponsor of the National Future Farmers of America Week resolution.  In the Senate, I’m fighting for the FFA mission.

Last year, we passed the Working Families Tax Cuts.  This legislation supports the next generation of ag leaders. Whether taking over the family business or starting their own operation, we encourage young Nebraskans to enter the ag industry.  That’s why we strengthened the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Benefit.  We extended its coverage from five years to ten years.  That gives new producers access to critical risk management tools for longer.

The Working Families Tax Cuts also supports educational access for rural students.  It excludes agricultural assets from student financial aid calculations.  Now, farm kids have greater access to financial aid.  Additionally, it expands Pell Grant eligibility to short-term job training.  That includes skills like welding, diesel tech, and irrigation system management.  Those skills are critical to a career in agriculture.

We also expanded and made permanent the Death Tax exemption.  80% of Nebraska farms are family-owned.  They should stay that way.  Thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts, more family-owned farms are protected.  The bill reduces the number of farm and ranch families subject to the Death Tax by 50%.  Now, $200 billion in hard-earned family farm assets across the country will go to the next generation, not the government.  This ensures that FFA members can apply their skills to their family farms for multiple generations.

Our farmers and ranchers produce the safest and most abundant food supply in the world.  I am proud to support Nebraska’s FFA chapters and the young people stepping up to carry on our state’s proud agricultural tradition.  FFA is training the leaders who will keep Nebraska’s agriculture legacy strong.  It makes a positive difference in the lives of thousands of young Nebraskans.

From first-year FFA members to officers and leadership, thank you for supporting Nebraska agriculture.  Happy FFA week!

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 http://www.ricketts.senate.gov/contact.