Sasse Hosts Agriculture and Trade Roundtable
April 4, 2018
U.S. Senator Ben Sasse released the following statement after hosting an Agriculture Roundtable with USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Ted McKinney and some of Nebraska’s key agriculture leaders. Prior to the Under Secretary’s confirmation, Senator Sasse received a commitment from Mr. McKinney to come to Nebraska.
“Here’s a fundamental truth: Nobody knows trade better than Nebraska,” said Sasse. “That’s why I keep working to put Nebraskans at the head of the table during these discussions. It’s clear that the anti-trade talk coming out of Washington needs to stop. Those voices would be better served by listening to our state’s producers. Today, farmers, ranchers, and even some FFA students from across the state joined me with this simple message – and it’s a message I hope Washington hears: trade is good.”
Background:
In 2016, Nebraska exported $6.6 billion in commodities to:
- CHINA $1.43 billion
- MEXICO $956 million
- JAPAN $887.1 million
- SOUTH KOREA $499.9 million
- CANADA $433.5 million
Nebraska ranks 5th in total ag products exported by value among the 50 states:
- 1st in total beef exported
- 8th in total pork exported
- 3rd in total corn and feed exported
- 5th in total soybeans exported
From 2004 to 2014, Nebraska’s exports have increased 211% to countries with Free Trade Agreements in effect.
Attendees:
NEFB – Steve Nelson & Mark McHargue
NE Cattlemen – Craig Uden & Buck Wehrbein
NE Pork Producers – Al Junke
NE Sorghum Producers – Don Bloss
NE Soybean Assoc. – Dennis Fujan & Ken Boswell
NE Wheat Growers – Caroline Brauer
NE Corn Growers – Kelly Brunkhorst & Dan Wesely
Bryan High School FFA Students
Jim Pillen - Columbus
Cindi Allen – Ogallala
Rod Gangwish – Shelton
Jeff Wilmes – Fremont
Tom Weitzenkamp – Hooper
Alice Licht – Lincoln
Todd Schroeder – Wisner
Bart Ruth – Rising City