Gov. Heineman Proclaims Nebraska Ag Week

(Lincoln, Neb.) - Gov. Dave Heineman has declared March 13-19, Nebraska Agriculture Week. Nebraska Agriculture Week coincides with National Agriculture Week. “It’s important to acknowledge the dedication of our farmers and ranchers, and offer our appreciation for their efforts,” Gov. Heineman said. “This week provides us the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contributions agriculture makes in our everyday lives and to recognize the significance that the agriculture industry plays in our state’s economy.” To celebrate, Gov. Heineman will be joined by representatives of Nebraska Farm Bureau and Greg Ibach, Director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture for an agriculture tour. The tour stops are open to the public and will start at 9 a.m. MT in Gering at the Gering Civic Center, with an Ag Week breakfast. At 11 a.m. MT there will be a lunch in Ogallala at the Platte River Inn, and an afternoon reception at 2:30 p.m. CT in Hastings at the Hastings Prairie Loft Center. “Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers are taking care of their animals and the earth each and every day, and their 24 hour a day, 7 day a week, dedication and commitment is greatly appreciated,” said Dir. Ibach. “I encourage all Nebraskans to learn more about the farmers and ranchers that produce their food, fuel and fiber.” Farm Bureau President Keith Olsen said, “It is important to recognize agriculture week, because it gives us an opportunity to thank the hard working farmers and ranchers who provide us with the safe food we eat and the products we use. I'm happy to be a part of the celebration to say, ‘Thank you!’” Nebraska’s largest industry is agriculture. Each year, cash receipts from farm marketing contribute over $15 billion dollars to Nebraska’s economy. Nebraska is first in the nation for red meat, Great Northern Bean and popcorn production. Nebraska consistently ranks in the nation’s top five producers of corn, soybeans, hay, and dry edible beans, and Top 10 for production of hogs, grain sorghum, winter wheat and table egg layers. Additionally, Nebraska consistently ranks in the top five states in the nation in agricultural exports. According to Nebraska Farm Bureau, one of every three jobs in Nebraska exists because of Nebraska agriculture – in farming and ranching, food and fuel processing, marketing, distribution, research, and regulation. The Ag Fly-Around is Friday, March 18, 2011.