Nebraska’s Presence Guides National Policy Set at American Farm Bureau Convention

ANAHEIM, CAL. - Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) played an active role in shaping national agriculture policy during the American Farm Bureau Federation's (AFBF) 107th Annual Meeting and Convention, with delegates advancing priorities that directly impact farmers, ranchers, and rural communities across the country.

"The strength of Farm Bureau is in its members. When farmers and ranchers from across the country come together to discuss issues important to agriculture, it ensures that members are directing our policy positions. We're pleased that many of the policies recommended by Nebraska farmers and ranchers will now become policy of the American Farm Bureau," said Mark McHargue, NEFB president.

Protecting private property rights while balancing growing demands for energy and infrastructure emerged as a top issue during policy discussions. McHargue emphasized the importance of balancing infrastructure needs with protecting productive farmland.

"Private property rights are something we hold very dear in the ag community. When we take farm ground out of production, it limits the ability for the next generation to come back," McHargue said. "But we also know we need property for things like data centers, solar, and wind to produce the energy that our country needs. Developing policy around how we balance those needs is incredibly important right now."

Trade was also another central focus at the convention as delegates discussed expanding market access for U.S. agricultural products. McHargue said strong trade relationships are essential for farm profitability and long-term sustainability.

"We need more destinations for the products we produce on our farms," he said. "Trade brings optimism back to agriculture, and it's critical for keeping our operations viable."

Delegates also addressed nutrition and food policy, emphasizing the importance of science-based discussions that reflect how food is produced.

"No matter how food is processed, the focus should be on nutrition, safety, and affordability," McHargue said. "Farmers produce high-quality, nutritious food, and consumers should have confidence in that."

Delegates to the national convention re-elected McHargue to the AFBF Board of Directors, underscoring the value of collaboration among farmers and ranchers from across the country.

"When agriculture does well, our communities and our nation do better," McHargue said. "Farmers and ranchers working together to shape policy gives me confidence that we're building a better future for the next generation."

Nebraska Farm Bureau state board members serving as delegates to the AFBF Annual Convention included Mark McHargue of Central City (NEFB President), Katie Olsen of Atkinson (NEFB 1st Vice President), Adam Boeckenhauer of Wakefield (Northeast Region), Andy DeVries of Ogallala (Northwest Region), Jim Stewert of Lincoln (Southeast Region), and Steve Stroup of Benkelman (Southwest Region).

Beyond policy changes, Nebraska Farm Bureau members also participated in AFBF Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) competitive events during the annual convention. Lance Atwater, an Adams/Webster County Farm Bureau member, was recognized as Nebraska's representative for the Achievement in Agriculture award and was named a Top 10 national finalist. Lydia O'Brien, an Arthur County Farm Bureau member, competed in the YF&R Discussion meet.

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. Nearly 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.