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One-on-one: Governor Ricketts focuses on growing Nebraska agriculture

The Nebraska governor says ag producers have played a large role in strengthening the state’s economy

In an interview with Brownfield, Governor Pete Ricketts says Nebraska lessened the impact of COVID-19 to the state’s economy largely because of agriculture. “We’ve got the right culture, the right people, the right climate, the right natural resources. I mean this is the best place in the world to be and this is going to be important as the world’s population grows,” he says.

While on his ag industry tour last week, Ricketts says he saw several examples where ag businesses, like the Diller Locker Company adapted to challenges. “Even with the pandemic and the challenges, they’re still growing and that’s true with all of agriculture folks across the state whether you’re a producer or one of the folks like Jesse, who’s a processor, people are finding ways to get the job done and growing agriculture in our state.”

Department of Ag Director Steve Wellman told Brownfield investment in technology, business and people are at the core of the state’s ag industry. “There is really a close tie between agriculture, our economy and the rural parts of Nebraska and how it ties with the broader population,” he says.

Both Ricketts and Wellman say the 2021 economic outlook is bright.