Agribusiness Virtual Roundtable–Jerry Warner

*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.

Jerry Warner, Farmers National

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?

Nebraska's strength in agriculture is of utmost importance to Farmers National Company. A vibrant ag economy contributes to strong land values, good rental rates and profits for land owners, which strengthens the overall economy of the state. The impact on the economies of Lincoln and Omaha is far greater than most people realize.

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?

We must continue to increase both irrigated and dryland corn production in Nebraska. We must be more efficient water users everywhere, but especially in the more limited aquifers. If rural and urban interests work together, we can bring new systems into use which will conserve water and make enough available for everyone.

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?

Many people are surprised to learn that more than half of the land in NE is owned by non operating land owners, who are partners in production and very important "investors" in agriculture. Most have a rural heritage and now reside in towns and cities within the state. Our company works with this group of land owners.

How important is it that Nebraska corn farmers continue to invest in the future of their industry through their checkoff?

Corn farmers absolutely must continue to invest in developing current as well as new markets for corn. As food and fuel prices increase, the checkoff is more important than ever in all aspects of market development.

What concerns you most about the future of agriculture in Nebraska? And what will it take to address those concerns?

The diversity of Nebraska agriculture is one of its tremendous strengths. It is also one of its challenges.

Agribusiness Virtual Roundtable–Chris Kalkowski

*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.

Chris Kalkowski, Vice President, First National Bank of 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?

First National Bank of Omaha’s (FNBO) footprint mirrors very closely that of our nation’s food production. The fact that Nebraska is at the heart of both agricultural production and our bank network puts FNBO in a great place to support opportunities in agriculture far into the future.

A long-time ag lender once challenged me, “Show me a vibrant community and I will show you a strong community bank.” FNBO is a strong regional bank. Its strength is created by its location, its people, and its family ownership. Nebraska is the model of agricultural strength and productivity. As one of the nation’s largest livestock and ethanol lenders, FNBO plays an important role in Nebraska agriculture today and will continue to do so long into the future. We are proud to be born and raised in Nebraska.

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 is in a unique and enviable position. If one were to map the primary production areas, each in its own unique color, for corn, livestock production, meat processing, irrigation, and ethanol production, he/she would find that they all overlap right over Nebraska. On top of that, the map would also show that we are right in the center of the United States. This may seem trivial, but it illustrates the leadership role that Nebraska plays in meeting the global demand for food, feed, and fuel. Nebraska is in the prime location to continue that leadership into the future. It is important for Nebraska to steward its resources, especially the strength of their common sense people, to lead by example, and to ensure that we feed a growing world.

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?

Nebraska consumers need to understand that Nebraska farmers and ranchers work very hard to provide safe and nutritious food for people in the state and around the world. They do this every day, even when there is a blizzard, drought, or flood. They have a foundation of strong values and a great work ethic. They conserve the resources with which they are entrusted. Nebraska’s agricultural producers care.

It doesn’t matter where you work or live in the state; Nebraska’s agricultural producers have a positive effect on our state’s economy – and, as a result, the good life that we all enjoy.

How important is it that Nebraska corn farmers continue to invest in the future of their industry through their checkoff?

The diversity of Nebraska’s farmers increases the importance of the corn checkoff. A single farmer does not have the economy of scale to develop programs of research, education, market development and promotion to enhance profitability of corn production. By coming together, these farmers create a powerful stage from which to act. The checkoff helps develop the script from which the future will be viewed.

What concerns you most about the future of agriculture in Nebraska? And what will it take to address those concerns?

We as a society are becoming further and further removed from the farm. Each generation seems to understand less about where its food comes from. Children believe their milk comes directly from the store, or that chocolate milk comes from a chocolate cow. Adults don’t seem to understand that our state’s economy is driven by agriculture.

According to a study completed by the Nebraska Policy Institute, one of every three Nebraska jobs is derived from agriculture. Included in the one-third count is production agriculture, with backward linkages to farm suppliers and forward linkages to agricultural processors. Excluded from the selection are restaurants and grocery stores. The study shows that the overall contribution of agribusiness to the state’s economy is increasing. In 1990, twenty-five percent of the state’s total employment was directly or indirectly the result of agribusiness activity. In 2002, the same percentage grew to thirty-one percent. It seems to me if one industry provides one-third of our state’s jobs and is the largest economic activity that we need to make a concerted effort to provide the members of our society with a basic understanding of agriculture and its role in our lives.

With this belief, I am very concerned that only fifty percent of our state’s high schools offer agricultural education. It concerns me even more to note that only thirteen percent of Nebraska’s high school students are enrolled in an agricultural education class.

I am not promoting that we require every student to enroll in an agricultural education curriculum that teaches all about “cows and plows.” I do believe it is important that every student receive a foundation of knowledge about agriculture and its economic impact. Agriculture has a universal importance to every student. Everyone eats. Everyone wears clothing that comes from the toil of farmers’ hands.

Teaching agriculture is unique in that it can fit almost any subject matter. Math concepts can be taught and reinforced in many agricultural teachings. Accounting classes can use a multitude of agricultural case studies to learn basic principles. Science curriculums provide even greater opportunities to delve into agriculture. Agriculture is the most pure form of a perfect competition for those students learning economics. Agriculture can be used to teach leadership, entrepreneurship, business, English, and even music. With its universal importance to every one of us and its applicability to every curricular specialty, we need to strive to touch every child.

These students are our future voters who will elect the officials who will determine future policy. Many of these students will be the future leaders who will make those decisions. If we are concerned about policy created today, imagine what it will be like as we continue to develop young people with little understanding of agriculture. It is our obligation to ensure that the next generation be educated about the importance of agriculture in our state and nation. We need to stand up and play a role in establishing a foundation for our children’s future.

Any other comments or perspectives regarding Nebraska agriculture that you wish to share.

As I watched the election results reported on television in November, one map intrigued me. This map showed red and blue by each county of each state across our nation. The majority of the nation’s counties were highlighted bright red while the counties that are home to large cities were a shiny blue. Those blue counties covered much of the East Coast, West Coast, around the Great Lakes, etc. While contemplating the meaning of what was happening, I realized that we are not so much a nation of red versus blue as we are a nation of rural versus urban. I then realized that Nebraska is impacted by the same issue I was seeing in a map of our national election. Our forefathers saw this as an issue and thus we have a two-house system in which to enact our laws. Because of the differences between city and country, it is extremely important for the people in agriculture to tell their story. The urban dwellers of our country need to eat, they want to know more about their food and they want to know that their food is safe and wholesome. Nebraska agriculture will play a huge role in feeding the world and educating our customers.

Agribusiness Virtual Roundtable–Paul Hammes

*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.

Paul Hammes, Vice President, General Manager Agricultural Products, Union Pacific

Union Pacific’s relationship with Nebraska agriculture industry

Union Pacific has developed a strong relationship with Nebraska agriculture industry during our 150 year history. As rail was laid across Nebraska in the 1860’s, communities were built and access to markets for the productive crop land was created. Nebraska has become a key part of Union Pacific’s agricultural franchise by generating more than 70,000 car loads of grain in 2012 from 39 shuttle train elevators. Nebraska’s grain production has also created a strong grain processing industry which includes 11 ethanol plants and three soybean crushing plants served by Union Pacific. Union Pacific has helped create and add value to Nebraska agriculture by providing market access with safe and efficient service across our 32,000 mile network. We not only access major feeding markets in the west, but also export markets in the U.S. Gulf, PNW and Mexico.

How should Nebraska leverage its strength in agriculture?

Nebraska has significant in-state markets for grain and grain products, however the long term demand growth will be aligned with exports. Nebraska needs to continue to invest in infrastructure and crop production practices in order to capture and access these markets. Union Pacific is committed to provide rail transportation support, with our January of 2012 announcement of plans to spend $1 billion in new investment in Nebraska over the next several years.

What do Nebraska urban consumers need to understand about Union Pacific’s relationship with agriculture?

Consumers all across the U.S. benefit from a large, safe, diverse and relatively inexpensive food supply because we have great agricultural resources and the ability to supply large population centers. Transportation is a key part of the food supply chain and rail is the safest and most fuel efficient mode of transportation. It all starts on the farm, but Union Pacific is a part of delivering it to the table.

Agribusiness Virtual Roundtable–Dr. Ronnie Green

*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.

Dr. Ronnie Green, Vice President, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska

Harlan Vice Chancellor, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

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?

Few other states ‘have it all’ when it comes to agriculture. The eastern part of our state at an elevation of 1,000 feet is great for growing corn, soybeans, sorghum, and alfalfa. The Great Plains provide ideal growing conditions for wheat and Western Nebraska’s elevation of 5,000 feet is perfect for dry edible beans, potatoes, and sugar beets. Nebraska is truly a natural living laboratory with more than 45 million acres of farmland, the world’s largest aquifer, and over six million cattle.

In the University of Nebraska’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources we are all about people, and the food, water and natural resources, and renewable energy that sustain them. Being located in Nebraska, the global epicenter of food production, allows us the unique opportunity to play a leading role in feeding the world’s people sustainably.

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?

Providing enough food to feed 9+ billion people in 2050 is a daunting task. One of the key elements in serving a growing population is combining the momentum of all individuals who are passionate about seeing our agriculture industry and natural resource areas innovate and improve daily. We need to be aggressive in our development of new and improved technologies and management practices to continue to increase in our efficiency, sustainability, and profitability of agricultural production and combine those efforts with enhancements in the food supply chain to improve human health and quality of life. Lastly, we need to be innovative in how our balance of conversion of natural resources into food and fuel can be complementary to long-term environmental stewardship – with soil and water quantity and quality at the head of that list.

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?

There has never been a greater need for what we do to better feed, clothe, and sustain a healthy and growing world of people and our land and natural resource systems.  The technologies we have available today, and the enhanced management and conservation practices commonly employed, make a significant difference. We must continue to elevate our investments in agricultural research, education, and extension to continue to make these innovations come to life.

There is no place at the moment where it is more exciting to be a part of the Land Grant university mission than Nebraska.  Our research expenditures are up over 20%, private giving is at an all-time high, our 4-H program continues to lead the nation with one in three youth participating in 4-H, Nebraska FFA is thriving and currently boasts a national officer, and the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources reached an all-time high in enrollment with over 3,000 students, the 8th consecutive year of growth. Plus, we recently announced 36 new faculty positions within IANR. We are truly on our way to being the top agricultural and natural resources program in the world.

How important is it that Nebraska corn farmers continue to invest in the future of their industry through their check-off?

Check-off dollars are vitally important for the continued investment in research and development of grain production and utilization. Improvements in research benefit both the producer and the consumer of grain products. Increased funding for research will always be a good return on investment. This is such a wise investment for corn growers, that it would be great to see continued growth in the check-off program funding levels to address the needs ahead.

What concerns you most about the future of agriculture in Nebraska? And what will it take to address those concerns?

Attracting and retaining the best and brightest individuals in agriculture is of greatest concern. The competition for talent is fierce and we must find ways to make it possible, and attractive, for future generations to be involved in all aspects of agriculture.

Water use efficiency is another area where we must continue to advance. The University of Nebraska, through the Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Institute, is bringing focus and momentum to leading global efforts in learning how to maximize the use of every drop of water in growing more food for an increasing world population with less available water.

Securing a healthy policy environment for profitable and sustainable animal agriculture is also of utmost importance. Today’s livestock farms and ranches in Nebraska possess the capacity to convert a wide range of grasslands and feed sources in the delivery of nutrient-rich food for human consumption. We must find new ways to increase the effectiveness of that delivery. Never before has the importance of animal agriculture been greater, or the challenge been greater in need to innovate the industry under a very different economic scenario.

Any other comments or perspectives regarding Nebraska agriculture that you wish to share?

In a nutshell – “ag is the new sexy and the University of Nebraska knows it”.

Agribusiness Virtual Roundtable–Dan Duncan

*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.

Dan Duncan, Executive Director, Innovation Campus

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?
Nebraska Innovation Campus (NIC) is attempting to leverage the tremendous agricultural assets of our state and the diverse assets of the University of Nebraska to create additional value added opportunities in Nebraska. I feel that there is no other state better positioned to take advantage of the convergence of global demand (food, fuel and water), Nebraska expertise, university expertise and private sector expertise. NIC is launching in the right place at the right time, no doubt in my mind.

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?
Focus and invest where the greatest chance of success lies. Spreading funds into multiple pots dilutes results and leads to multiple areas of mediocrity. We have to define our identity, what can we do better than anyone else, and then put plans in place to become the world leader in that area(s).

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?
Agriculture is not the iconic scene most people have in their minds. It is big business run by people with excellent business and environmental stewardship skills. Agriculture is farmers, millers, processors, researchers, logistics, transportation, engineering, research, etc. These people deliver a cheap, safe food supply that protects our natural resources and allows the majority of the population to pursue other interests.

How important is it that Nebraska corn farmers continue to invest in the future of their industry through their check off?
If corn farmers do not invest in things important to them, they leave the investment to others - which leaves the future of the industry out of corn farmer’s control.





What concerns you most about the future of agriculture in Nebraska? And what will it take to address those concerns?
Agriculture is always going to need to evolve to meet ever changing needs and expectations. Moving from a reactive to a proactive position on social, production, drought and other issues will be key to a successful future. Doing so takes consensus, resources and leadership.

Any other comments or perspectives regarding Nebraska agriculture that you wish to share.
Having been involved in my family’s farm and ranch for a number of years, it is really gratifying for me to see production agriculture doing well financially. I think the future can be really bright for Nebraska agriculture and the state economy as a whole if Nebraskans can pull together, overcome differences and exploit the advantages we have in this state.

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.

Agribusiness Virtual Roundtable–Bob 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.

Bob Campbell, Senior Vice President, Farm Credit Services of America (Lincoln)

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?

Farm Credit Services of America is a cooperative with the sole purpose of supporting our customer-owners in all facets of agriculture. According to a recent University of Nebraska-Lincoln economic impact study, Nebraska agriculture accounts for nearly 290,000 jobs and represents 24 percent of our workforce. With that in mind, the strength of agriculture in Nebraska and across the country is economically vital to our customer-owners and our country. Our cooperative has 14,000 customer-owners in Nebraska, and we returned $36.6 million in cash-back dividends to them in 2012 through our Patronage Program. The distribution supports our customer-owners operations and benefits the communities they call home.

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?

We need to ensure that Nebraska provides a place where producers and businesses can thrive. We need to make sure our tax and regulatory environment allows Nebraska producers and agri-businesses to be competitive in a global market. We also need to make sure we have a common-sense approach to how we manage our natural resources so that Nebraska is a great place to live and work for generations to come.

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?

First, consumers need to know that agricultural producers in Nebraska are committed to providing the highest quality and safest food in the country. Producers need to manage their businesses in a manner that allows them to provide a living for their families and employees and in order to accomplish that, they have to provide high quality and safe products. Since agriculture is our only focus at Farm Credit Services of America, it is important to us that consumers and agricultural producers understand each other’s needs so that everyone wins. FCSAmerica has 714 employees in 13 Nebraska retail offices and the Omaha headquarters, serving 14,000 customer-owners.

How important is it that Nebraska corn farmers continue to invest in the future of their industry through their checkoff?

We believe producers have the responsibility to promote and educate others about their products and how they are produced. The checkoff program has enabled producers to tell their story and educate the public about agriculture.

What concerns you most about the future of agriculture in Nebraska? And what will it take to address those concerns?

Nebraska is a leader in agricultural production, agri-business and ag-education. Our economic base in Nebraska is agriculture. If we want to continue to have a state that is a great place to live and work, we need to make sure that our agriculture industry is vibrant and competitive.

Fewer people are coming from a farm or ranch background which may present workforce challenges in the future. The agricultural industry is a great place to work and it is important to start talking to people who don’t have agriculture backgrounds about the career possibilities. The industry needs people with training in math, science, computer technology, biology, social sciences and many other skills.

Any other comments or perspectives regarding Nebraska agriculture that you wish to share.

As a mission-driven cooperative, we are proud to serve the men and women who work in today’s agriculture industry. Nebraska agriculture is the backbone of this state and will continue to be a source of economic development for the benefit of all of the state and rural America. We will continue our efforts to be agriculture’s most valued financial partner.

Agribusiness Virtual Roundtable–David Bracht

*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.

David Bracht, Partner, Stinson Morrison Hecker, LLP

Also: Chairman of the Agriculture Council of Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce

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?

As a lawyer focusing on agriculture (and an ag-lender before that) Nebraska is a near ideal place for me to develop my career. Nebraska has a very diversified agriculture industry, including livestock, grain and, more recently, renewable energy. This means that as markets change and, as we experienced in 2012, weather events occur, the broader agriculture industry in the state is more balanced and stable.

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?

The strength of Nebraska’s agriculture industry helps the economic vitality of the state in many ways, including:

The fact that Nebraska has such a diverse agriculture base, and several sectors that lead the nation, allows for synergies between those sectors. For example, Nebraska’s number two position is ethanol is in part the result of Nebraska’s strong cattle industry and irrigated corn production, which gives the state a competitive advantage over the industry in other states. Nebraska’s cattle feeders highly value the wet distillers grains produced by the ethanol industry, which is both a better feed product and cheaper to produce than dried distillers grains. On the grain side, Nebraska’s irrigated corn producers can assure the ethanol plants a consistent supply of high quality corn, even during years of drought like 2012. We should continue to look for new ways to take advantage of other potential synergies between our agriculture sectors.

Nebraska’s diverse agriculture base also supports a broad range of industries throughout the state, and by doing so contributes to the economic vitality of the state. This is especially true as more of our agriculture commodities are processed in Nebraska. While ethanol and biodiesel are recent examples of new industries supporting our rural communities, Nebraska’s meat processing industry has supported employment and businesses in several communities for decades and is a direct result of the state’s successful cattle and hog industry (which is in turn supported by Nebraska’s grain and ethanol industry.) We should continue to look for other opportunities to take advantage of our natural resources or geographic locations, for instance by expanding our dairy industry (both production and processing.)

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 number of Nebraskans who have had personal, firsthand farming experience continues to decline (both in what we traditionally think of urban areas like Omaha and Lincoln, and in smaller communities elsewhere in the state.) Without that experience, it is more important than ever for agriculture organizations to develop outreach opportunities to help consumers learn more about all that Nebraska farmers do to produce safe and healthy products. My firm can help that process through communicating with our staff and, more broadly, introducing our agriculture clients to our other clients.

While many Omaha business people and residents may not realize it, Nebraska’s agriculture industry is the basis for a significant portion of the economic activity in the greater Omaha area. Omaha has several national and international companies directly involved in food and agriculture, along with many more that support those businesses and the other agriculture-based companies and producers in the state. My personal and firm practice focus on agriculture offers an opportunity to increase the awareness of the relation between Omaha’s economy and agriculture.

How important is it that Nebraska corn farmers continue to invest in the future of their industry through their checkoff?

Developing new uses for the agriculture products grown or raised in Nebraska is a driving force behind the state’s strong rural economies. Ethanol is the most recent example of how a new industry can develop from new uses of farm products to support growth in our rural communities. Technological advances in the future can provide ways for farm products to be natural alternatives for many of the things consumers need, further supporting new agri-businesses but support and research dollars are needed for those products to be identified and developed.

What concerns you most about the future of agriculture in Nebraska? And what will it take to address those concerns?

While not a “concern,” the declining number of young people with direct agriculture experience poses both a challenge and an opportunity for agriculture. My farm experience and my education at the University of Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources have proven very valuable to me in my career. I’ve been able to use my perspective and knowledge to help the non-agriculture professionals I am dealing with understand and appreciate the position of my agriculture-related clients. Agriculture organizations and educational institutions that can foster a similar understanding in people with different backgrounds will both provide opportunities for the individual, and serve the greater good of the agriculture community.

Any other comments or perspectives regarding Nebraska agriculture that you wish to share.

I want to compliment the Nebraska Corn Board for its work to support Nebraska agriculture. I have benefited both personally and professionally from products and markets developed because of the foresight of the Corn Board and staff.

Business Virtual Roundtable – Todd Becker

*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.

Todd Becker, President & Chief Executive Officer, Green Plains Renewable Energy, 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?

Nebraska’s leadership role in both corn and cattle production is a good fit for ethanol and for Green Plains. Distillers grains is a significant co-product of ethanol production and this high quality livestock feed has strong demand in Nebraska with the large feed lots located here. The close proximity of our plants in central Nebraska to these cattle feedlots provides Green Plains with an excellent market. Also the location of our Nebraska plants in the western corn belt enables us to be competitive in ethanol markets in the southwest and western parts of the U.S. as well.

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?

Use more ethanol, demand E15 at your gas station. Nebraska produces over 2 billion gallons of ethanol each year, but only uses slightly better than half of the ethanol it could in the motor fuel Nebraskans buy. If you consider that Nebraska exports 97% of the ethanol produced in this state, it’s a shame that we are not doing more to consume this high octane fuel grown in Nebraska. Many studies have stated that ethanol keeps prices down at the pump and just think how much Nebraskans could save by using more ethanol.

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?

Nebraska is a significant producer of various commodities with value added by companies like Green Plains. All Nebraskans should truly understand the economic impact of agriculture in this state. Our state is a leader in food, feed and fuel production and continues to be an innovator in agriculture. Nebraska’s economy has been stronger recently than other states because of the contribution of agriculture here.

How important is it that Nebraska corn farmers continue to invest in the future of their industry through their checkoff?

Investing in the industry is important for educating the public on what corn production means for Nebraska; the economy, the jobs, the farmer, where corn goes, etc. With corn yields in Nebraska up over 40% in the last 10 years, what does this mean? It’s allowed the opportunity for farmers to expand their market in which they sell their corn into. Without ethanol would we be producing as much corn as we do today? The answer is no, and it’s important for the public to understand that corn production has a place in food, feed and fuel and its impact on jobs and the economy.

What concerns you most about the future of agriculture in Nebraska? And what will it take to address those concerns?

If we didn’t know it before, this past year’s drought was a true testament to the importance of all Nebraska Ag producers working together. Farmers planted more corn than ever in Nebraska to meet the rising demand for food, feed and fuel. The drought was unfortunate and an uncontrollable circumstance that found many wanting to place the blame of the high cost of corn on ethanol. Through the entire renewable fuel standard waiver requests submitted to the EPA, the waiver was denied because it was clear that the change in the price of corn was related to the drought, not ethanol production. This was a wakeup call that all Ag related businesses need to work together and understand that we all have a place in Nebraska agriculture and through diverse markets we are supporting the farmers and each other in good times and bad.

Any other comments or perspectives regarding Nebraska agriculture that you wish to share.

As the world population continues to increase and protein diets continue to grow in popularity, demand for food and fuel will be bigger than ever. As a result, agriculture in Nebraska and in the U.S. will experience growth for years to come. Nebraska has the ability and should take a lead role in the global supply chain for feed, food and fuel. Green Plains is focused on harvesting all the energy available in a kernel of corn, and we plan on doing our part to help Nebraska and U.S. agriculture continue to be one of our economy’s bright spots now and in the future.