Innovation in Agriculture

A tireless work ethic and commitment to innovation has made Nebraska’s Third District the top-producing agriculture district in the country. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit some of these innovators and see how they are shaping the future of our state’s number one industry.

The University of Nebraska Extension is on the cutting edge of research in many areas related to agriculture. This week, I attended the Water and Crops Field Day at the West Central Research and Extension Center in North Platte. Through the ingenuity of our producers, Nebraska has transformed an arid landscape into fertile farmland. Irrigation advancements, along with continued biotechnology research, allow for higher yields while using fewer resources.

Another stop was the open house at NU’s Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory near Whitman. This research facility specializes in cattle and natural resources management. Considering beef is a top Nebraska export, the research conducted at Gudmundsen plays a crucial role in our economy by applying valuable research knowledge to advance animal agriculture.

During my travels, I also visited the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, commonly known as MARC, in Clay Center. The research conducted at this facility aids in more efficient production of safe, affordable food along with sustainability in agriculture production, including best management practices with animals and the environment.

It is important to celebrate the advancements being made in agriculture. The work at MARC is having a positive global impact, and the center’s collaborative efforts with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln benefit all.

This is why I founded the Modern Agriculture Caucus – to educate my colleagues and the public about the innovation taking place in agriculture and to build public trust by helping Americans better understand how their food is produced. I fear there is a growing disconnect between urban and rural in this country, and too many Americans think their food comes from the grocery store. While this may seem like an innocent misconception, it unfortunately results in the proliferation of unscientific, anti-agriculture policies.

Fortunately, the Modern Agriculture Caucus has had success bridging this divide, hosting numerous briefings on topics ranging from biotechnology to precision agriculture to modern irrigation techniques. Bad policy harms both producers, by increasing the costs of their inputs, and consumers, by increasing the cost of their food. It is important to remember we are all in this together.

The Third District is leading the way in efforts to feed the world, and I will continue to share these stories in Washington to ensure our producers’ future success.