Gov. Heineman Provides Ag Update, Promotes Ag Internationally & Discusses State Fair

(Lincoln, Neb.) Today, Gov. Dave Heineman and Greg Ibach, Director of the Department of Agriculture, highlighted several positive activities within the agriculture sector, including a new ag building being featured at Nebraska’s State Fair and recent international export efforts for Nebraska commodities. “Today, our state’s agriculture industry is more vibrant and active than ever,” Gov. Heineman said. “The Nebraska State Fair is booming. Livestock development is expanding and exports continue to increase.” Gov. Heineman added, “With more than a quarter of our economy rooted in agriculture, it’s appropriate that Nebraskans take note of recent activities that continue to strengthen our ag sector.” Weekend crowds at the Nebraska State Fair were able to enjoy learning about agriculture at the new Raising Nebraska exhibit space at the Nebraska Building. The 25,000-foot space features interactive educational experiences to help answer consumer questions about how their food and fuel is raised. Governor Heineman visited the Raising Nebraska exhibit space while attending the fair on Friday. “Historically, the Nebraska State Fair has been a celebration of agriculture, and this new feature really highlights that point,” Gov. Heineman said. “I am proud that Raising Nebraska represents the collective efforts of the University of Nebraska, the Department of Agriculture, our commodity groups and agribusinesses.” Director Ibach said recent livestock development activity is a positive sign that farmers and agribusinesses recognize the ongoing opportunities in the state. “Nebraska agriculture is on the move. Recent swine and dairy barn openings represent added value to our raw commodities and livestock volume to support our processors. We are looking forward to continuing this momentum,” Dir. Ibach said. Governor Heineman also highlighted Nebraska’s ongoing agricultural efforts in international markets. The Department of Agriculture recently has hosted international visitors as part of its ongoing work to brand Nebraska agriculture goods in the foreign marketplace. Customers from both Germany and England spent time in the past month meeting with the Governor and state agriculture leaders, touring farms, ranches and processors to gain an understanding of the state’s beef production sector. “They are taking back promotional materials, such as photos, videos and stories from their visits,” Dir. Ibach said. “They leave for home saying, ‘This is exactly the kind of information our customers want to see and hear.’” One customer from England began visiting Nebraska five years ago, after receiving an initial shipment of Nebraska beef into his high-end steakhouse restaurant, Goodman, in London. He has brought members of his restaurant team back annually and increased his purchase of Nebraska beef steadily since then. Nebraska’s beef exports to Europe have increased significantly over the past five years, from about $41 million in 2009 to $132.6 million last year.