Serving an area encompassing much of rural Nebraska, Nebraska Public Power District celebrates the impact agriculture has on its customers and communities. National Agriculture Week and Nebraska Agriculture Week is being observed from March 21-27. In addition, Nebraska Agricultural Day is Tuesday, March 23.
As the state’s top industry, agriculture adds more than $21 billion to the economy each year, accounting for approximately 20% of the overall economy. The crops and livestock raised by the state’s ag producers generate income and jobs beyond the farm and ranch.
Governor Pete Ricketts, in an official press release marking the week, praised the “hard work our farmers and ranchers do to produce high-quality and affordable food. The crops and livestock they raise feed families in our state, across the nation and around the world.”
Even with the global pandemic, 2020 was a strong year for U.S. corn and soybean exports. Soybean exports were up 38% over 2019, and corn exports were up 20%. American wheat exports in 2020 also topped 2019’s totals.
Nebraska’s ag production is as diverse as its weather and ranks high in many commodities and species including being at or near the top in all cattle and calves, commercial red meat production, popcorn, corn for grain production and exports, Great Northern Beans, pinto beans, soybean production, alfalfa hay production, all hogs and pigs on-farm and commercial hog slaughter, grain sorghum, sugar beet production, sunflower production, winter wheat production and ethanol production.
“Agriculture in Nebraska is vital to our economy and drives other sectors including manufacturing and transportation,” said Mary Plettner, NPPD Economic Development Manager. “Our rural communities depend on agriculture and NPPD is pleased to support and recognize our ag sector.”
Read Gov. Pete Rickett’s entire press release here: Celebrating and Growing Nebraska Agriculture | Office of Governor Pete Ricketts