Working for Nebraska Cattle Producers Through COVID-19 
Farm Bureau Leaders:

Nebraska agriculture is facing unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) works to represent the interests of our members across the spectrum of agriculture, I am writing today to highlight specific actions NEFB has taken of interest to cattle producers, including the formation of a new Nebraska Farm Bureau Cattle Markets Task Force. 

Please know that Nebraska Farm Bureau is in daily contact with officials at all levels of government including Gov. Pete Ricketts, USDA Sec. Sonny Perdue, USDA Under Secretary Greg Ibach, Under Secretary Bill Northey, Nebraska’s congressional delegation and staff, state senators, as well as both federal and state agency heads to find solutions in these difficult times. Here are some of the ways we are continuing to work for you in these difficult times.  

Cattle Markets Investigation 
From the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak, Nebraska Farm Bureau listened to the concerns of members, in turn, urging members of Congress, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, and U.S. Attorney General William Barr at the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and address any potential price fixing or market manipulation activity to ensure the cattle meat packing industry is in compliance with the goals of the federal antitrust laws of maintaining a competitive marketplace. I am pleased to share that the steady drumbeat of pressure generated by NEFB was amplified May 5 when Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson and 11 other Attorneys General joined Nebraska Farm Bureau in pushing for a DOJ investigation into violations of federal antitrust laws. 

Securing Direct Financial Assistance  
Nebraska Farm Bureau has been a strong advocate and worked closely with Nebraska’s Congressional delegation to highlight the need for direct assistance to cattle producers, including cow-calf producers, who have experienced economic losses due to the pandemic. Nebraska Farm Bureau worked to ensure producers were eligible for CARES Act disaster programs such as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, as well as developing resources to help producers navigate them. Nebraska Farm Bureau will continue to develop resources and share information as USDA reveals details about assistance through USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program.  

Push to Keep Meat Processors Open 
Nebraska Farm Bureau has been in constant communication with Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture to offer support for efforts to protect meat processing employees to ensure meat processing continues to move forward in Nebraska to ensure markets for Nebraska cattle producers.  

Distillers Grains Shortage Resources 
As ethanol plants began to slow down and idle, Nebraska Farm Bureau recognized the immediate impact to cattle producers who rely on access to distillers grains. To help members work through the issue, Nebraska Farm Bureau partnered with the University of Nebraska to share information on options for producers facing distillers grains shortages.  

Cattle Markets Task Force 
Lastly, NEFB has enacted a Cattle Markets Task Force to examine underlying issues in the cattle industry and help develop a roadmap for the long-term viability of the cattle industry. The task force is comprised of a cross section of members from cow-calf producers to feedlots. This group is meeting regularly and will continue to work throughout the months ahead. Member input is welcomed. Take the Cattle Market Task Force survey HERE.  

Please know Nebraska Farm Bureau will continue to work on your behalf through these difficult times. Please feel free to contact me with questions at (402) 421-4401 or via email at sdnelson@nefb.org. 

Sincerely, 
Steve Nelson
President
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