March 19th through the 25th is National Agriculture Week, an opportunity for Nebraskans and all Americans, to reflect on the many contributions of farmers, ranchers and the entire agribusiness industry. As Governor, I feel a tremendous responsibility to do all I can to strengthen agriculture from promoting Nebraska products overseas to finding new markets here at home. While the industry is challenging, it's up to us to turn those challenges into opportunities. While we feel it's important to search worldwide to market Nebraska products, we believe it's just as important to explore ways to encourage expansion and relocation of markets and increase product demand right here in Nebraska.
Many producers realize agriculture is no longer business as usual.
It's no longer just about cows, pigs, corn and dirt. Instead, it's about marketing, forming cooperatives and utilizing value-added agriculture. One of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture's missions is to promote and develop these kinds of activities. The Department has a strong commitment to promoting and encouraging our state's food companies. They provide many opportunities for these companies to show the public who they are as well as link them with national and international buyers.