The cards need to be turned in by that date in order to avoid a fine, city officials said. Despite government definitions, we know that our rural communities are an important part of our state, and agriculture remains our number one industry. The economic conditions of our farmers and ranchers affect all of us, and that's why the current challenges facing our ag community demand immediate attention. I recently toured southwest Nebraska, where a late freeze and a shortage of rain are causing crisis conditions. At the same time, those along the Missouri and other eastern rivers are dealing with flooded farmland.
Indicators show declining crop and livestock prices.
More than half of the 192 Nebraska farms participating in a UNL program did not generate enough income to pay family living expenses last year. At the same time, the Freedom to Farm Act is phasing out government payments to producers. In Nebraska, we have a long tradition of turning challenges like this into opportunities. I previously called on Congress to increase loan rates an average of a dollar a bushel to help producers facing serious cash flow problems. I am also asking Congress to fund the Livestock Feed Program to help producers purchase feed when pastures are not able to be used.