Nebraska Farm Bureau Leadership Academy Members Bring Farm and Ranch Voices to Washington, D.C.

Nebraska Farm Bureau Leadership Academy and Board of Directors advocate for agriculture in our nation's capital. (from left, back row) Mark McHargue, NEFB President, Merrick County; Lisa Bousquet, Dakota County; Bruce Williams, Saunders County; (from left, middle row) Lance Atwater, Adams/Webster County; Chad Nienhueser, Adams/Webster County; Teagan Thode, Keith County; Adam Boeckenhauer, Dixon County; (from left, front row) Halie Groth, Buffalo County; Hannah Pearson, Custer County; Kris Rut, Arthur County; Joni Titus, Cherry County; David Grimes, Kearney/Franklin County.

LINCOLN, NEB. - When members of the Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) Leadership Academy boarded their flights to Washington, D.C., they carried with them the voices of farm and ranch families from across Nebraska. Over the course of several days, they met with all five members of Nebraska's congressional delegation and other officials, putting the challenges and priorities of agriculture front and center on Capitol Hill.

For the Leadership Academy cadet, the trip was about more than policy. It was a chance to see firsthand how grassroots advocacy can shape the future of farming and ranching.

"Our time in Washington, D.C. gave us a firsthand opportunity to share how policies being debated in Congress directly impact Nebraska farm and ranch families," said Hannah Pearson of Custer County. "We were able to bring the challenges of high input costs, volatile markets, and rising interest rates right to the people making decisions."

The group's conversations centered on the realities of today's agricultural economy. With tight margins, uncertain markets, and rising borrowing expenses, increasing both domestic and international sales is critical. Members also highlighted the urgent need for Congress to pass a "Farm Bill 2.0" before the current extension expires in September 2025, asking the delegation to support a federal legislative fix to California's Proposition 12 and year-round E15.

"Farmers are operating on razor-thin margins, and programs passed last year won't provide support until next season," said Chad Nienhauser of Adams/Webster County. "We need policies that deliver certainty now and keep agriculture competitive in both domestic and international markets."

Trade also took center stage. Nebraska farmers depend on export markets for roughly 30% of their income, making strong trade agreements and access to new buyers critical.

"Trade is absolutely essential," said Bruce Williams of Saunders County. "We need new markets and fewer barriers. At the same time, it's important that Nebraska's farmers aren't left carrying the cost of trade disputes.

The Leadership Academy cadets also voiced concerns about the federal "Make America Healthy Again" report, which included sharp criticism of crop protection tools like atrazine and glyphosate. NEFB urged lawmakers to ensure any recommendations are guided by sound science, while at the same time, not making policy changes that put our abundant food supply at risk.

"As farmers, we care deeply about the health of our families and our communities, but we also rely on proven tools to grow safe, abundant food," said Halie Groth of Buffalo County. "It's important that health policy decisions are based on science and facts, not fear."

For the Academy cadets, the trip to Washington, D.C. was part of their yearlong Leadership Academy journey. The program is designed to equip emerging Farm Bureau leaders with the skills to advocate effectively, connect with members, and strengthen the grassroots foundation of the organization.

"Leadership Academy is a powerful experience for county board members and rising leaders," said Audrey Schipporeit, NEFB's director of generational engagement and facilitator of the 2025 Leadership Academy. "By visiting Washington, D.C. and engaging directly with lawmakers, these members are learning how their voices can move agriculture forward, not just in Nebraska, but across the country."

For this year's Leadership Academy members, the trip was a reminder of the value of showing up and speaking out, keeping the grassroots mission of Farm Bureau strong.

Leadership Academy members that participated in the visit to Washington, D.C. included:

• Lisa Bousquet (Dakota County Farm Bureau)
• Kris Rut (Arthur County Farm Bureau)
• Bruce Williams (Saunders County Farm Bureau)
• Chad Nienhauser (Adams/Webster County Farm Bureau)
• Teagan Thode (Keith County Farm Bureau)
• Joni Titus (Cherry County Farm Bureau)
• Hannah Pearson (Custer County Farm Bureau)
• Halie Groth (Buffalo County Farm Bureau)

Members of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Board of Directors who also participated include:

• Lance Atwater (Adams/Webster County Farm Bureau)
• Adam Boeckenhauer (Dixon County Farm Bureau)
• David Grimes (Kearney/Franklin County Farm Bureau)
• Mark McHargue (Merrick County Farm Bureau)

The Nebraska Farm Bureau is a grassroots, state-wide organization dedicated to supporting farm and ranch families and working for the benefit of all Nebraskans through a wide variety of educational, service, and advocacy efforts. More than 55,000 families across Nebraska are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve rural and urban prosperity as agriculture is a key fuel to Nebraska's economy. For more information about Nebraska Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit https://www.nefb.org.