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Nebraska leaders in UK, Ireland to strengthen ag exports including ethanol and beef

A Nebraska ag delegation is in the UK and Ireland this week to strengthen trade relations.

On a call with reporters Wednesday, Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts discussed climate goals, animal welfare and beef consumption with the state’s trading partner. “We can be here talking about our story and reassure ag producers in the UK that this will be something where we can work collaboratively together. It doesn’t have to be something that will threaten their industry, but something that would potentially open up opportunities for them.”

The UK recently increased its ethanol-blending requirement to 10 percent, and Nebraska Farm Bureau President McHargue says the country imports ethanol to meet sustainability goals. “Certainly, here in the EU, there’s been a long term push on environmental regulations, cutting back on their fertilizer and energy use.  It’s important to tell and we are telling the story that we’ve been doing that a long time in Nebraska.”

And, he says, the UK is a major export market for beef. “I was at a Goodman’s restaurant where they serve Nebraska beef. I was just so proud to step into that cooler that was aging our beef and to see Nebraska beef on that shelf.”

Ricketts and McHargue were joined by members of the insurance industry on the trip.