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Nebraska Ag News Headlines
Certainty for Farmers and Ranchers
By: Deb Fischer, U.S. Senator - 06/19/2018

When we gather around the table for a meal with our family, we should thank our farmers. As President Reagan once said of our ag producers, "They are the preservers of an incredible system based on faith, freedom, hard work, productivity, and profit." Everything we can do to promote sound agriculture policy helps secure a better future for Nebraska and our country.

Agriculture is the backbone of Nebraska's economy and it's part of who we are. In fact, one of every four jobs in Nebraska is directly tied to agriculture. That's why I'm thankful to represent Nebraskans on the Senate Agriculture Committee as we craft an important piece of legislation, the 2018 farm bill.

There is a lot of anxiety in farm country today. With current net farm income down by over 50% compared to 5 years ago and uncertainty surrounding international trade and biofuels policy, farmers and ranchers are worried. They are looking to Congress to provide the certainty and predictability they need to support their families and feed the world.

Since my first day in Congress, I have worked with my colleagues to promote common-sense policies that enable our ag producers to prosper. This farm bill process gives us the opportunity to accomplish this mission.

Recently, in the Senate Agriculture Committee, we voted to advance the 2018 farm bill by a vote of 20 to 1. The bill now heads to the Senate floor for consideration, and I'm hopeful debate on the legislation will take place in the coming weeks.

Traveling around our state, Nebraskans have told me they are looking for a strong farm safety net that upholds the integrity of the crop insurance program. This important program works for farmers and ranchers in Nebraska. Crop insurance is a critical risk management tool and has been my top priority throughout this process. I appreciate that the farm bill will enhance this program.

I was pleased to sponsor several amendments to the farm bill that were adopted by the committee.

One of my amendments would direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service to recognize as a best management practice, the use of remote telemetry data systems for irrigation scheduling. These systems combine the use of cloud-based field, weather, crop, and soil data. This ensures that the precise amount of water is applied to crops, saving water and energy while also increasing yields.

Also, I sponsored an amendment that would create a task force at the Federal Communications Commission that would be charged with identifying breaks in high-speed internet connectivity across America's farm and ranch land. Working with the USDA, the task force would promote the rapid expansion of high-speed broadband, with the goal of achieving service to 95 percent of agricultural lands by 2025.

The farm bill also builds off of Congress's existing commitment to expand broadband deployment to underserved and rural areas. By prioritizing projects that provide broadband to rural areas, we can boost connectivity and enhance agricultural productivity.

Additionally, I have been working closely with Nebraskans and the administration for the past year to provide more flexibility for ag commodity and livestock haulers. I remain fully committed to exploring all avenues, including additional legislation, to provide flexibility for livestock and ag commodity haulers.

I am confident the Senate farm bill is strong, bipartisan legislation that will give Nebraska farmers and ranchers the tools and certainty needed to provide food, fuel, and fiber to our nation and the world. I look forward to continuing work on this important measure during the upcoming debate on the Senate floor.

Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.


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