As we look back on 2019, the year has brought Nebraska many challenges. Multiple “Polar Vortexes” brought bitter cold temperatures and record-breaking snowfall to some areas of the state. Once that snow began to melt, rivers swelled and some residents fled for higher ground. Despite these challenges, people across our great state reminded the rest of the country that we are #NebraskaStrong.
As flood waters subsided and the ground thawed, Nebraskans everywhere rolled up their sleeves and went to work. Communities banded together to help businesses clean up and reopen in a matter of days. Farmers and ranchers immediately began repairing fences and cleaning up fields. In no time at all, most of the state was back to business as usual.
Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers proved to be particularly resilient. Wet spring conditions allowed small windows of opportunity to get their crops into the ground, but they worked tirelessly to ensure there would be a crop to harvest. That hard work paid off this fall. Net farm income is projected to be at the highest level since 2016 and has been growing for three consecutive years. The growth in net farm income will in turn provide a boost to Nebraska’s rural communities as Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers spend the extra income in their hometowns.
As we reflect on 2019, Nebraska faced many challenges, but at each challenge Nebraskans stood strong, united, and ultimately overcame them. 2020 brings us a new decade and many new challenges not only to Nebraska but to the rest of the country as well. However, the resilience and determination that was on display in Nebraska in 2019 shows that we are all #NebraskaStrong and that the people of Nebraska are up for the challenge.