Monday May 05 Ag News

 Secretary Rollins Announces New State Directors for the Farm Service Agency and Rural Development

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins today announced the latest slate of presidential appointments for key Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Rural Development (RD) State Director roles.

“When America’s farming communities prosper, the entire nation thrives. This new group of USDA appointees will ensure President Trump’s America First agenda is a reality in rural areas across the country. I am grateful for the leadership of these new state directors and look forward to their work reorienting the agency to put Farmers First again,” said Secretary Rollins.

Nebraska

Hilary Maricle Appointed as State Executive Director, Nebraska Farm Service Agency
Hilary Maricle serves as State Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency in Nebraska. Most recently, Hilary served as Deputy Director for the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. She and her family own and operate Maricle Family Farms.

Neil Moseman Appointed as State Director, Nebraska Rural Development
Neil serves as State Director for Rural Development in Nebraska. Most recently, Neil served as Agriculture and Energy Policy Director for U.S. Senator Deb Fischer. Neil is a fifth-generation Nebraskan and a U.S. Navy veteran.

FSA State Directors help implement President Trump’s America First agenda and execute the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) policies in planning, organizing, and administering FSA programs through state offices across the country. RD State Directors help affirm the mission of the Trump Administration by focusing on finding ways to empower rural America and unleash economic prosperity.



Senator Deb Fischer on Nebraska USDA appointments

“Since 2013, Neil has served as my Agriculture and Energy Policy Director and has been a valuable resource to my team and to Nebraskans. I have full faith Neil will bring his wealth of knowledge to the position of Rural Development State Director for Nebraska and continue advocating for the best interests of Nebraska’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.”

“Congratulations to Hilary Maricle, who has been named as the Farm Service Agency’s State Executive Director for Nebraska. Hilary has been a strong champion of Nebraska’s ag communities, most recently serving as the Deputy Director of Nebraska’s Department of Agriculture. I look forward to working with Hilary in this new role to ensure our farming and ranching communities prosper for generations to come.”



Statement by Mark McHargue, President, Regarding Appointments of Nebraska Directors for the Farm Service Agency and Rural Development

“Nebraska Farm Bureau and the tens of thousands of member families we represent congratulate Neil Moseman and Hilary Miracle on their appointment to key USDA positions with Nebraska. Both Neil and Hilary have long careers of service to Nebraska farm and ranch families, and we look forward to working with them in their new roles. While numerous challenges remain, we know the farmers and ranchers of this great state have these two champions of agriculture working on their behalf within the federal government. Thank you to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins for these stellar appointments, and we look forward to continuing our work with them to better the future of agriculture within Nebraska.”



NeFU Will Participate in NFU “Week of Action” Fly-In May 5-9, 2025

Nebraska Farmers Union (NeFU) State President John Hansen and Gage/Jefferson County Secretary Don Schuller of Wymore will join other Farmers Union State organizations participating in National Farmers Union’s “Week of Action” targeted spring Fly-In to focus on the need to pass an updated and improved Farm Bill.

NeFU President Hansen says “We want to remind our Congressional delegation that for the past three or more years farmers and ranchers have been financially struggling with record high ag input costs and sagging commodity prices that have caused many operators to use borrowed money that turned their equity into debt in order to meet cash flow shortfalls. Our farmers and ranchers want and need an improved Farm Bill to help them survive the financial crisis they are facing.”

Hansen pointed out that instead of an improved Farm Bill, ag producers are seeing efforts that undermine both foreign and domestic agricultural markets. The growing trade and export volatility from massive tariffs can cause long standing foreign markets to disappear over night. The massive funding cuts for foreign food assistance programs alone are $2.3 billion markets for surplus agricultural products.

Specialty food producers have seen the defunding of USDA programs that support local foods ability to serve schools and food banks.  In addition, there has been unprecedented uncertainty in many USDA farm program funding and USDA staffing.

“Financially struggling farmers and ranchers are facing huge amounts of additional uncertainty as they plant spring crops. We are asking Congress to prioritize the passage of a permanent bi-partisan five-year Farm Bill that has an effective income safety net, supports voluntary conservation programs, reliable risk management programs, competition in agricultural markets, and meets the food security needs of Americans of all ages. Our farmers and ranchers hope Congress recognizes the urgency of the economic situation facing too many of the families who produce our food and fiber. The ‘For Farmers Sake’ theme for this Fly-In is appropriate,” said Hansen.

NeFU Gage/Jefferson County Secretary Don Schuller said, “While many planters are rolling, some of our neighbors have still not secured their 2025 farm operating loans. Many of those struggling financially are younger and beginning farmers who do not have as much equity to fall back on. We need our young and beginning farmers to not only survive, but to thrive so they can keep the wheels of food production turning in our rural communities in years to come. When we lose good young ag producers, we are hurting our future.”

 

Deadline Extended! Apply for the Nebraska Rural Radio Foundation Scholarship!

The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is thrilled to announce the Nebraska Rural Radio Foundation Scholarship, honoring Max and Eric Brown, has extended its deadline for applications. This is your chance to get financial support as you take on new challenges in agriculture and make a difference in your community! Don’t let this opportunity pass you by—apply by May 15!

The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation seeks applicants for awards of up to $2,500 per recipient. The scholarship aims to support educational opportunities for agricultural producers and rural Nebraskans who are facing transition, to enable them to continue to live, work, and make a positive impact in their rural communities.

Qualified applicants shall: • Be 25 years old or older • Be legal residents of the United States • Show demonstrated commitment to the future of the industry of agriculture and rural communities in Nebraska • Be enrolled in post-secondary education institution in Nebraska including, but not limited to, college/university; community college; vocational, technical, or trade school PREFERENCE shall be given to applicants: • Pursuing first undergraduate degree or technical training • Pursuing education directly related to Nebraska agriculture • Pursuing education related to rural healthcare

Details can be found at www.nefbfoundation.org under Scholarships.  



Gov. Pillen Temporarily Waives Regulations for Truckers Hauling Critically Needed Fuel
 
Noting that Nebraska and other states are currently experiencing fuel shortages due to high demand, Governor Jim Pillen has issued an executive order waiving federal hours of service requirements. The order temporarily allows drivers to work extended hours to haul gasoline or gasoline blends, diesel, fuel oil, ethanol, propane, and biodiesel into or within Nebraska.
 
Drivers operating under this order should keep a copy with them. The Governor’s order (25-11) is effective immediately and will remain so through May 15, 2025, at 11:59 pm.



Renewable Fuels Month Highlights Importance of Biofuels for Nebraska

As the summer driving season kicks off in May, Nebraskans are encouraged to fuel up on clean and cost-saving biofuels. Renewable biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, play a vital role in decreasing America's dependence on foreign oil, boosting the nation's economy and supporting thousands of jobs in rural communities. May is Renewable Fuels Month in Nebraska celebrated by the Nebraska Corn Board (NCB), Nebraska Ethanol Board, Renewable Fuels Nebraska and Nebraska Soybean Board.

In Nebraska, ethanol is the third-largest agriculture commodity. According to recent data, Nebraska drivers saved approximately $375 million in 2024 by using ethanol blends of E10 and above. Ethanol blends reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 43% compared to regular gasoline, making them a more environmentally friendly choice.

Most vehicles (2001 and newer) can safely use blends of ethanol up to E15, enjoying significant additional savings per gallon. Flex fuel vehicle owners can use blends up to E85 and experience even greater savings.

As the second-largest producer of ethanol in the country, Nebraska is poised for further growth in the industry. Landmark legislation passed in 2024 provides a tax credit for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) produced in Nebraska, which can reduce emissions by more than 50% compared to conventional jet fuel.

Renewable Fuels Month highlights the importance of renewable biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, especially for Nebraskans. The month of May marks the beginning of the summer driving season, making it an ideal time to fuel up on clean and cost-saving biofuels. Ethanol, renewable diesel and biodiesel help to decrease America’s dependence on foreign oil, boost our nation’s economy, and support thousands of jobs in rural communities.

“Nebraskans are beginning to drive and take advantage of biofuel benefits more this month as the weather warms up for sports, vacations and holiday events,” said Brandon Hunnicutt, chairman of NCB. “By choosing a renewable fuel such as ethanol, drivers can support local agriculture, reduce their carbon footprint and save money on fuel costs."

Important Renewable Fuels Month Dates
    May 6: Gov. Jim Pillen will declare May as Renewable Fuels Month

Fueled by Nebraska, a partnership of Nebraska biofuels organizations, and the Nebraska Soybean Board, invite you to join them to celebrate renewable fuels in your classrooms, at work and in your community this May.



ADC assures consumers while seeking clarity on FDA's suspension of proficiency testing related to milk

American Dairy Coalition, an organization of dairy farmers working for dairy farmers, wants to assure consumers that raw milk and finished dairy product testing will continue as always despite FDA's recent notice of suspension on "proficiency testing."

State departments of agriculture and state laboratories and professionals across the country have always been on the frontlines of routine milk and dairy product safety testing -- of raw milk from milk processing plants, receiving stations, farms and the sampling of finished retail products.

The health and safety of the public remains the priority.

ADC understands the budget constraints of the federal agencies, and hopes to learn more about how the administration will handle proficiency testing for the future so that the state departments and laboratories that do this testing do not lose their certifications down the road. This is important to dairy farmers, consumers, and the industry to avoid unintended market-disruptions.