LINCOLN, NEB. – Despite a $2 billion decline from 2022, Nebraska’s agricultural exports totaled $7.9 billion in 2023, marking the third-highest export year on record. That’s according to a Nebraska Farm Bureau’s annual&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nefb.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/NEAgriculture-InternationalTrade_2023_Proof2.pdf" target="_blank">Agriculture and International Trade Report</a>&nbsp;released today.

The report, prepared by economist Jay Rempe of Rolling Prairie Economics, provides a comprehensive look at how global markets are driving and challenging the economic future of Nebraska’s farm and ranch families. According to the report, trade remains a foundational pillar of Nebraska’s agriculture-driven economy.

“Our state ranks fifth in the nation for agricultural exports, and we lead the country in beef exports. Yet, the story behind the numbers is about the Nebraska farm families whose livelihoods depend on access to global markets,” said Mark McHargue, president of Nebraska Farm Bureau. “When trade thrives, Nebraska thrives. That’s why it’s critical that we push for new trade agreements and work to eliminate barriers that unfairly limit our access to overseas markets.”

The report, released annually since 2017, examines the most recent data provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), sourced from the year 2023 and includes county-level estimates showing the importance of trade at the grassroots level. Cuming and Platte Counties led the state in total agricultural export value, each exceeding $200 million, while Phelps County topped the list for per-farm export value at an estimated $474,832. Counties like Kearney, Fillmore, and Boone also ranked among the highest per-farm export values, a reflection of the size, productivity, and diversity of their farming operations.

“Trade translates directly to income for farm and ranch families,” said Rempe. “Whether it's corn from Dawson County, soybeans from York County, or beef from the Sandhills, the ability to sell these products overseas can make the difference between a good year and a tough one for many Nebraska producers.”

According to the report, soybeans, corn, and beef remained solidly entrenched as Nebraska’s top agricultural exports, accounting for nearly two-thirds of total exports. Nebraska ranked first in the nation for beef exports at $1.59 billion. The state ranked third in corn exports and seventh in soybeans. Exports of pork and soybean meal were among the few that increased in value, rising 3% and 12%, respectively.

While commodity prices and increased global competition from countries like Brazil contributed to export declines, Nebraska producers remain competitive and resilient. However, trade uncertainty and tariffs continue to pose significant challenges.

LINCOLN, NEB. – Despite a $2 billion decline from 2022, Nebraska’s agricultural exports totaled $7.9 billion in 2023, marking the third-highest export year on record. That’s according to a Nebraska Farm Bureau’s annual&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nefb.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/NEAgriculture-InternationalTrade_2023_Proof2.pdf" target="_blank">Agriculture and International Trade Report</a>&nbsp;released today.The report, prepared by economist Jay Rempe of Rolling Prairie Economics, provides a comprehensive look at how global markets are driving and challenging the economic future of Nebraska’s farm and ranch families. According to the report, trade remains a foundational pillar of Nebraska’s agriculture-driven economy.“Our state ranks fifth in the nation for agricultural exports, and we lead the country in beef exports. Yet, the story behind the numbers is about the Nebraska farm families whose livelihoods depend on access to global markets,” said Mark McHargue, president of Nebraska Farm Bureau. “When trade thrives, Nebraska thrives. That’s why it’s critical that we push for new trade agreements and work to eliminate barriers that unfairly limit our access to overseas markets.”The report, released annually since 2017, examines the most recent data provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), sourced from the year 2023 and includes county-level estimates showing the importance of trade at the grassroots level. Cuming and Platte Counties led the state in total agricultural export value, each exceeding $200 million, while Phelps County topped the list for per-farm export value at an estimated $474,832. Counties like Kearney, Fillmore, and Boone also ranked among the highest per-farm export values, a reflection of the size, productivity, and diversity of their farming operations.“Trade translates directly to income for farm and ranch families,” said Rempe. “Whether it's corn from Dawson County, soybeans from York County, or beef from the Sandhills, the ability to sell these products overseas can make the difference between a good year and a tough one for many Nebraska producers.”According to the report, soybeans, corn, and beef remained solidly entrenched as Nebraska’s top agricultural exports, accounting for nearly two-thirds of total exports. Nebraska ranked first in the nation for beef exports at $1.59 billion. The state ranked third in corn exports and seventh in soybeans. Exports of pork and soybean meal were among the few that increased in value, rising 3% and 12%, respectively.While commodity prices and increased global competition from countries like Brazil contributed to export declines, Nebraska producers remain competitive and resilient. However, trade uncertainty and tariffs continue to pose significant challenges.

Nebraska Farm Bureau Report Reveals $7.9 Billion Impact of Agricultural Trade on State’s Economy

KEARNEY, Neb. – The&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Passport is back and better than ever for its 5th year! Starting May 1, this fan-favorite program from the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Council returns with new features, more stops, and even more delicious reasons to hit the road. The 2025 Beef Passport, available now at&nbsp;<a href="https://nebeef.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8be6a9c5e0fca79ef5361f44b&amp;id=da9528e0b4&amp;e=4b2fbf0171" target="_blank">www.GoodLifeGreatSteaks.org</a>, includes nearly 60 locations across the state – from small-town cafés and sizzling steakhouses to independent meat processors, and butcher shops.

“We’re excited to celebrate the fifth year of the Beef Passport,” said Adam Wegner, director of marketing for the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Council. “Every year, the program grows – both in popularity and in the diversity of participating locations. Since the initial launch of the program in 2021, there have been over 10,000 beef meals enjoyed by passport users from over 600 communities across the state.”

Participants can access the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Passport for free on their mobile device or print a paper version directly from the website. New in 2025, collecting check-ins is now as easy as scanning a QR code when visiting a participating location creating a simpler, streamlined user experience.

With each check-in, passport users earn points that can be redeemed for prizes through the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Council. Every visit also enters participants into the grand prize drawing for one of two fresh beef bundles provided by the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Council and the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Association of Meat Processors (NAMP).

“Launching our fifth year of the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Passport is really special,” said Wegner. “It has become more than just a fun summer activity – it’s something people look forward to each year. Folks tell us they love discovering new places they wouldn’t have otherwise visited, and it’s a great reminder of just how strong and vibrant&nbsp;Nebraska’s beef industry really is.”

The 2025&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Passport runs from May 1 through September 30.

Western Nebraska Restaurants participating include:

KEARNEY, Neb. – The&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Passport is back and better than ever for its 5th year! Starting May 1, this fan-favorite program from the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Council returns with new features, more stops, and even more delicious reasons to hit the road. The 2025 Beef Passport, available now at&nbsp;<a href="https://nebeef.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8be6a9c5e0fca79ef5361f44b&amp;id=da9528e0b4&amp;e=4b2fbf0171" target="_blank">www.GoodLifeGreatSteaks.org</a>, includes nearly 60 locations across the state – from small-town cafés and sizzling steakhouses to independent meat processors, and butcher shops.“We’re excited to celebrate the fifth year of the Beef Passport,” said Adam Wegner, director of marketing for the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Council. “Every year, the program grows – both in popularity and in the diversity of participating locations. Since the initial launch of the program in 2021, there have been over 10,000 beef meals enjoyed by passport users from over 600 communities across the state.”Participants can access the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Passport for free on their mobile device or print a paper version directly from the website. New in 2025, collecting check-ins is now as easy as scanning a QR code when visiting a participating location creating a simpler, streamlined user experience.With each check-in, passport users earn points that can be redeemed for prizes through the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Council. Every visit also enters participants into the grand prize drawing for one of two fresh beef bundles provided by the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Council and the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Association of Meat Processors (NAMP).“Launching our fifth year of the&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Passport is really special,” said Wegner. “It has become more than just a fun summer activity – it’s something people look forward to each year. Folks tell us they love discovering new places they wouldn’t have otherwise visited, and it’s a great reminder of just how strong and vibrant&nbsp;Nebraska’s beef industry really is.”The 2025&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Beef Passport runs from May 1 through September 30.Western Nebraska Restaurants participating include:Highway 2 Depot – MullenTaste of Texas – McCookThree 21 Tavern – LexingtonFront Street Steakhouse – OgallalaJulie’s Hay Town Grill – Hay SpringsPapa Moon – ScottsbluffCapones – North PlatteMeat Shops:Main Street Meats – OgallalaMarky’s Meat Market – Gering

Nebraska Beef Passport Celebrates 5-Year Milestone With New Stops and Added Features

North Platte, Neb. — Backyard poultry producers and enthusiasts will have the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of flock health, nutrition, housing, and economics during a two-day seminar hosted by Nebraska Extension.

The seminar will be held May 2 in Kearney at the Buffalo County Extension Office, 1400 E. 34th Street, and May 3 in North Platte at the West Central Research, Extension, and Education Center, 402 West State Farm Road. Both events run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the North Platte seminar will also be available online via webinar.

PODCAST with Extension Educator Randy Saner (Sponsored by North Platte Kubota)

The seminar will feature presentations from poultry and agricultural experts:

The goal of the seminar is to equip attendees with knowledge and tools to improve disease management and sustainable practices for backyard poultry operations.

The $25 registration fee includes a meal for in-person attendees and access for webinar participants.

North Platte, Neb. — Backyard poultry producers and enthusiasts will have the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of flock health, nutrition, housing, and economics during a two-day seminar hosted by Nebraska Extension.The seminar will be held May 2 in Kearney at the Buffalo County Extension Office, 1400 E. 34th Street, and May 3 in North Platte at the West Central Research, Extension, and Education Center, 402 West State Farm Road. Both events run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the North Platte seminar will also be available online via webinar.PODCAST with Extension Educator Randy Saner (Sponsored by North Platte Kubota)<div><iframe title="Backyard Poultry Seminar Set for May 3 in North Platte" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=aipyf-1883191-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=1&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655346441244.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The seminar will feature presentations from poultry and agricultural experts:<ul>
 <li>Common Poultry Diseases/Keeping Poultry Healthy – Dr. Don Reynolds, Professor and Extension Poultry Specialist
</li><li>Nutrition Management/Grading &amp; Selling Eggs – Shelia Purdum, Extension Poultry Specialist
</li><li>Housing/Feeding Your Backyard Flock – Brett Kreifels, Urban Program Coordinator and 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator
</li><li>Budgeting &amp; Pricing: The Economics of Egg Production – Shannon Sand, Agricultural Economics Extension Educator
</li><li>Maintaining Backyard Flock/Mitigating Disease – Barb Batie, poultry producer from Lexington, Neb.
</li>
 </ul>The goal of the seminar is to equip attendees with knowledge and tools to improve disease management and sustainable practices for backyard poultry operations.Registration is required by April 28.<ul>
 <li>To attend the Kearney seminar, call 308-236-1235.
</li><li>To attend the North Platte seminar or webinar, call the Lincoln Logan McPherson Extension Office at 308-532-2683.
</li>
 </ul>The $25 registration fee includes a meal for in-person attendees and access for webinar participants.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744899803857.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

Backyard Poultry Seminar Set for May 3 in North Platte (PODCAST)

As spring temperatures rise across Nebraska, now’s the time to plan your first alfalfa cutting. Getting that first cut right is more important than many realize—it sets the pace for the entire season.

Waiting too long to harvest can lead to lower forage quality and delayed regrowth. That pushes your second cutting later into the summer, when heat and drought stress can limit yield. It can also throw off your third or even fourth cuttings, shortening the season and reducing total tons per acre.

On the flip side, cutting too early—before late bud stage—can hurt stand vigor and root reserves, especially in younger fields.

A good rule of thumb? Aim for 750 growing degree days from green-up and target the late bud to early bloom stage. Depending on the quality you are shooting for, this typically falls between late-May and early-June. Check field conditions closely, including weevil activity and stand health, and plan around weather windows to avoid rain damage.

Poor timing in May can cost you in July and August. Start planning now. Sharpen blades, check and service equipment, and communicate with custom harvesters early. A timely first cut sets the tone for the rest of your hay season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745851907586.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;Ben BeckmanAs spring temperatures rise across Nebraska, now’s the time to plan your first alfalfa cutting. Getting that first cut right is more important than many realize—it sets the pace for the entire season.Waiting too long to harvest can lead to lower forage quality and delayed regrowth. That pushes your second cutting later into the summer, when heat and drought stress can limit yield. It can also throw off your third or even fourth cuttings, shortening the season and reducing total tons per acre.On the flip side, cutting too early—before late bud stage—can hurt stand vigor and root reserves, especially in younger fields.A good rule of thumb? Aim for 750 growing degree days from green-up and target the late bud to early bloom stage. Depending on the quality you are shooting for, this typically falls between late-May and early-June. Check field conditions closely, including weevil activity and stand health, and plan around weather windows to avoid rain damage.Poor timing in May can cost you in July and August. Start planning now. Sharpen blades, check and service equipment, and communicate with custom harvesters early. A timely first cut sets the tone for the rest of your hay season.

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