Agribusiness Virtual Roundtable–John Campbell

*The Business Leaders "Virtual Roundtable" discussion was gathered for the Spring 2013 CornsTalk publication. The responses of these business associates were consolidated for the publication, but you can find the full responses through this blog series.

John Campbell, Senior Vice President, AGP (Omaha)

How does Nebraska's strength in agriculture—and corn, livestock and ethanol specifically—influence your business/organization? How does the fact that you are located in Nebraska provide a competitive advantage or growth opportunities for you?
AGP has invested heavily in Nebraska due to our position in the growing Western grain region, rail access to export markets and irrigated crops.

What should Nebraska do to leverage its strength in agriculture to enhance economic vitality across the state—and position the state for long-term success in meeting global demand for food, feed and fuel?
Nebraska lost our pork production industry while neighboring states grew. The economic losses to the state were substantial. If Nebraska is to take full advantage of our crop production capacity we must also value add through a vibrant and growing livestock sector that includes pork and dairy operations.

What do you think Nebraska consumers—especially those in urban areas—need to better understand about Nebraska agriculture and your organization's relationship to agriculture?
The consumer is constantly being hit with misinformation about the food that they eat. Almost any food can be unhealthy if not consumed in moderation. The food agenda it being formed by people and organizations that are well meaning but miss the most important point. Our most pressing food health problem is not one kind of food or another. The biggest problem is overconsumption of total calories coupled with lack of exercise.

How important is it that Nebraska corn farmers continue to invest in the future of their industry through their checkoff?
The corn check-off provides a collective voice for corn farmers to communicate with consumers and others about what they do and how they do it. A shockingly high number of consumers think that all the corn growing in the fields of Nebraska is for corn on the cob. They do not know that corn goes to feed animals that in turn provide meat.

What concerns you most about the future of agriculture in Nebraska? And what will it take to address those concerns?
Nebraska’s ace-in-the-hole is our underground water resources. Nobody likes regulation but both water quantity and water quality will suffer – perhaps irreversibly if water is not responsibly managed by both the local water authorities and by the State.

Any other comments or perspectives regarding Nebraska agriculture that you wish to share.
Biofuels have propelled a rural renaissance in Nebraska and allowed the State to thrive even through a deep and lasting National recession. It is critical that Nebraskans understand their connection not only to agriculture but agriculture’s connection to biofuels.