Ricketts brings ag groups together to share with USDA's Ibach

LINCOLN, Neb. — Extreme weather continues to take a toll on Nebraska’s farm families. A billion dollar estimate may fall short of the true impact on our state’s top industry, as Gov. Pete Ricketts brings ag groups together. He said, “This is the most widespread weather natural disaster we've had in our state's history. 85 percent of our counties have been impacted and we know there's going to be a long road to recover. I also know Nebraskans are resilient and we're going to get through this together.” The governor called farm groups together, to share their stories directly with the highest levels of the USDA, in an audience with Under Secretary Greg Ibach, former state ag director. Ibach said, “Being a rancher myself, I know what it's like to lose livestock, I know what it's like to try to get to livestock and tromp through mud and not be able to use equipment.” Ibach recognizes every part of the state has been affected by extreme weather that limited where cattle could graze. “People needed to supplemental feed all winter, and then the rain and flooding and mud now and it's been hard on cattlemen,” he said. USDA officials say the combination of those factors has likely resulted in significant losses to ranchers and health of new calves may continue to decline in wet conditions. The USDA hope to come up with a formula to provide some help...MORE