NEBRASKA, March 22 - Media Contacts:  

Taylor Gage, 402-471-1970

Justin Pinkerman, 402-471-1967

Media Release:

Gov. Ricketts Proclaims National Ag Week in Nebraska, Announces Multi-Stop Agricultural Tour

NDA Director Steve Wellman (podium) and Gov. Ricketts (in back of podium)

at today’s press conference.

Video from this morning’s press conference is available by clicking here.

LINCOLN – Today, Governor Pete Ricketts proclaimed March 21-27, 2021 as National Agriculture Week in Nebraska during a press briefing at the State Capitol.  Tomorrow and Wednesday, he will tour agricultural operations across the state with representatives from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA).

“Over the past 12 months, Nebraska’s family farmers and ranchers have once again shown the world how their grit, strength, and generosity can carry us through tough times,” said Gov. Ricketts.  “Despite the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, they made sure American families had access to the food they needed to feed their families.  National Agriculture Week is a great opportunity to thank and celebrate the ag producers whose hard work helps to grow Nebraska.  We look forward to taking this message on the road this week to communities around the state.”

Agriculture is Nebraska’s largest industry.  On a per capita basis, Nebraska generates more revenue from agricultural commodities than any other state.  In order of value, Nebraska’s top five agricultural commodities in 2019 were cattle and calves, corn, soybeans, hogs, and dairy products (milk).

NDA Director Steve Wellman and Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue joined the Governor for today’s press conference to underscore the importance of agriculture in the state.

“Agriculture continues to be Nebraska’s largest economic driver supporting one out of every four Nebraska jobs,” said NDA Director Wellman.  “Agriculture delivers $21 billion in gross receipts to the state each year.  I want to thank Nebraska’s farmers, ranchers, and the many businesses that support them, and encourage them to continue their great work of producing safe, healthy food for us and consumers around the world.”

On a limited basis, the Governor’s Ag Week tour events are open to credentialed media at the times and locations indicated below.  Media interested in attending should RSVP to Ryan Kopsa at ryan.kopsa@nebraska.gov or 402-890-2467 to ensure access.   

Tuesday, March 23

1:00 p.m.          Bull Sale Kick-Off, Frenzen Sale Facility, 49241 State Highway 14, FULLERTON  

2:30 p.m.          Tour of Loup River Distilling, 503 Howard Avenue, ST. PAUL

Wednesday, March 24

10:00 a.m.        Tour LandMark Implement, 745 N. 13^th Street, HEBRON 

1:30 p.m.          Tour Diller Locker Company, 601 Commercial Street, DILLER

3:40 p.m.          Tour Cornhusker Beef, 73234 628 Avenue, JOHNSON 

Nota Bene: These events are open to credentialed media on a limited basis.