Yesterday, Governor Pete Ricketts and Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Greg Ibach announced the scheduled stops and activities they will be facilitating next week to celebrate National Ag Week in Nebraska. The Governor and representatives from key agriculture groups will be visiting Hastings, McCook, Falls City, and Omaha during a fly around scheduled for Monday, March 14. National Ag Week is celebrated from March 13-19.

CONNECTING URBAN AND RURAL: "Our rural and urban communities are tied through the important economic activity that begins on our farms and ranches," said Director Ibach. "The National Ag Week celebration is about livestock and crop production, but also about the technology, marketing, processing, and infrastructure that go with it. Together, these drive our economy."

"This is a great way to help our farmers, ranchers, and the entire agribusiness community highlight National Ag Week in Nebraska," said Governor Ricketts. "Agriculture is fundamental to our state.  It is the heart and soul of who we are. I encourage all Nebraskans to take time next week to show our appreciation."

In addition to Director Ibach, Gov. Ricketts will be joined by Nebraska State Senator Jerry Johnson, who is chair of the Ag Committee, Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson, and Nebraska Cattlemen President Barb Cooksley.

Stops to highlight connection to agriculture
Director Ibach said the stops that are scheduled will highlight the important connection between our farms and ranches and businesses on main streets across the state.

"Our rural and urban communities are tied through the important economic activity that begins on our farms and ranches," said Director Ibach. "The National Ag Week celebration is about livestock and crop production, but also about the technology, marketing, processing, and infrastructure that go with it. Together, these drive our economy."

AG IS FUNDAMENTAL: Gov. Ricketts recently announced scheduled stops for a fly around during National Ag Week. "This is a great way to help our farmers, ranchers, and the entire agribusiness community highlight National Ag Week in Nebraska," said Gov. Ricketts. "Agriculture is fundamental to our state. It is the heart and soul of who we are. I encourage all Nebraskans to take time next week to show our appreciation."

Gov. Ricketts said the group will use the stops to briefly talk about property tax relief, the importance of protecting Nebraska agriculture, livestock and value-added agriculture development, international trade, trade policy such as the Trans Pacific Partnership, and agriculture education. The Governor will also unveil the 2016 edition of the Nebraska Agriculture and You magazine.

Ibach said NDA has a series of activities planned for National Ag Week, including a social media campaign and elementary school classroom visits for agriculture education activities.

The public is invited to the first three events, although RSVPs are requested for the McCook stop by calling the McCook Chamber of Commerce at 308-345-3200.

The stops include the following locations:

• Hastings – Prairie Loft Center, 9 a.m.

• McCook – Red Willow County Fairgrounds Community Building, 11:30 a.m. RSVP required.

• Falls City – Richardson County Courthouse, District Courtroom, 3 p.m., Livestock Friendly County designation

• Omaha – Omaha Agribusiness Club Annual Banquet, 6:30 p.m.; Governor to give keynote address; ticketed event.

Nebraskans with questions about the fly around are welcome to contact the Governor's Office at 402-471-2244 or [email protected].

Source: Nebraska Governor's Office