Agriculture is the heart and soul of what we do in Nebraska. Family farms and ranches are the backbone of our communities. But times in farm country are tough. Corn and soybean prices are low, and input prices are high. The economic challenges of the last several years have placed stress on our farm families.
The National Farm Bureau reports Nebraska farm bankruptcies were up 29% last year. But this statistic doesn’t tell the whole story. For Nebraskans, agriculture is a proud generational business. Our farms and ranches are passed down through families who have poured blood, sweat, and tears into their ground and their livestock. With the tough economic conditions, many will leave the agriculture industry altogether if circumstances do not improve.
As I traveled home this week, I heard these stories firsthand. I remain committed through my work in the Senate to help our farmers and ranchers through this tough time. This week, I hosted an ag roundtable with Representative Adrian Smith.
During these meetings we discussed how we can help. I was able to share how the Working Families Tax Cuts will benefit farm families. We also discussed the importance of trade and the benefit of securing year-round E15 for Nebraska and the country.
Nebraska is a biofuels state. Chief Ethanol, which hosted the roundtable, is the longest-running ethanol plant in the country. Nebraska is second in the nation for ethanol production, with 25 ethanol plants that employ over 1,300 Nebraskans. The Working Families Tax Cuts unleashes Nebraska’s power to fuel the world. Senate Republicans returned the 45Z clean fuel production credit profits to agriculture producers. This credit extends business certainty and raises demand for agricultural feedstocks. The 45Z credit will support domestic biofuel production. In turn, that means more investment and better prices for farmers. Last year, Nebraskans saved $325 million using ethanol blends. Ethanol is a win for producers, consumers, and the environment.
We also discussed how to open up markets overseas for ethanol and other commodities. Ag exports are crucial for Nebraska’s farm economy. One way we’re opening trade opportunities is with the Working Families Tax Cuts. It doubles funding for the Market Access Program and the Foreign Market Development program. This will provide $285 million each year for expanding commercial ag export programs. With expanded exports, we will strengthen our ethanol producers, our farmers, and our ranchers. I will keep fighting to open new markets for Nebraska.
At the roundtable, we also discussed ways to expand the use of biofuels. A top priority this year is securing year-round E15 to support Nebraska producers. President Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin both support year-round E15. Currently, the House of Representatives is working on legislation to secure year-round E15. Moving this across the finish line is a top priority. It will require bipartisan cooperation and strong industry support. But we will provide certainty for the renewable fuels market and consumers.
While Congress develops updated year-round E15 language, I continue to fight for Nebraska biofuels. I’m working on bills like the Renewable Fuels for Ocean-Going Vessels Act. I support the Farm to Fly Act for developing Sustainable Aviation Fuel. Home-grown fuel should help power America’s skies, seas, and highways. That’s why I lead the fight in the Senate to support biofuels in different transportation sectors.
When agriculture thrives, Nebraska thrives. I’m working with Nebraska ag producers and educators to strengthen our future. I look forward to speaking with more farmers and ranchers, to hear what they need and share how I can support them. I remain committed to Nebraska agriculture. I fight every day to preserve it for the next generation of farmers and ranchers.
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.
