Nebraska Panhandle News

U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts of Nebraska celebrated National Beef Month during his weekly press call, emphasizing the importance of ranchers and producers to both the state and national economies. In discussions with Nebraska media, he underscored the significance of beef production to the state's economic health.

"Nebraska’s ranchers feed the world," said Ricketts. "This month, we honor hard-working cattlemen and women that promote this great industry. Overall, agriculture accounts for $31.6 billion of cash receipts for Nebraska’s economy. Our livestock bring in $18 billion in cash receipts, that’s 7.2% of the U.S.’s total. Nebraska beef production is key to our state’s success."

Ricketts detailed that last year Nebraska led the nation with over $2 billion in beef exports and also topped commercial cattle slaughter numbers with 6.8 million head processed. He noted Cherry, Custer, and Holt Counties as leading beef-producing regions nationally.

He highlighted how much agricultural land is used specifically for livestock production due to its unsuitability for other types of farming: "Much of the land used for livestock production couldn’t be used for anything else." According to Ricketts, marginal lands are sustained by cattle production.

Ricketts expressed concerns about a $32 billion agricultural trade deficit under President Biden but pointed out positive developments from recent trade negotiations under former President Trump: "The May 8th trade deal announcement with the U.K. creates $5 billion for new exports of U.S. products."

He also addressed issues regarding market prices faced by cow-calf operators during past trade missions when he was Governor and advocated for premium, diversified trade markets as a solution.

The senator emphasized beef's nutritional value: "In addition to being tasty, beef is one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can eat." He described efforts to push back against environmental policies perceived as detrimental to agriculture and stressed support for expanded funding in farm bill trade-promotion programs.

Concluding his remarks on a cultural note, Ricketts stated: "But Nebraska beef is not just healthy... It is our culture and way of life."