Nebraska plays a pivotal role in our nation and world as a state with a strong agricultural foundation. Not only do we provide Americans with outstanding beef, corn, dry beans and other agricultural products, we are on the cutting edge of ethanol production and the production of other renewable energies.

Having called Columbus home for more than 25 years, I have an up-close perspective regarding the issues facing our rural communities.

I’m proud of the role Behlen Mfg. Co., has had in partnering with Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers. Like many producers in Nebraska, our company faced tough times through the years. Together, we have found solutions to bring innovation and common sense approaches to overcome these challenges.

The decision by the USDA, under the direction of then Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns, to close 10 Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices in Nebraska has placed a greater burden on our farmers and ranchers. The timing of these closures, coinciding with the opening of the application process for disaster assistance, has compounded the effect of this misguided decision. The decision put unnecessary obstacles between farmers and ranchers and the assistance they needed after suffering from years of drought.

Government only works when it is accessible. The minimal cost savings in these closures does not outweigh the increased burden on Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers.

Unfortunately, the 2007 Farm Bill has been blocked by the Administration. It includes a provision to halt the FSA office closings, but the delay has allowed the closings to move forward.

The Farm Bill failed to put a reasonable cap on farm subsidies. Without these long overdue caps, mega-farms and ranches representing the wealthiest two-percent of Americans continue to receive huge government hand-outs. This puts family farms at a disadvantage and that is simply unacceptable.

Our nation needs to wean itself from its dependence on foreign oil. Nebraska is leading the charge as the second largest producer of ethanol. The Energy Bill which was passed and became law in 2007 allows for continued growth of ethanol while also promoting other bio fuels such as those derived from cellulosic material. I believe this is a step in the right direction.

Nebraska depends on our agricultural economy. In fact, the agriculture sector has performed well enough to mitigate some effects of the national economic downturn. Our farmers and ranchers deserve strong, independent leadership to facilitate continued growth and overcome pressing challenges. Washington bureaucrats fail to understand Nebraska’s rural life – the simplicity, our pride and our deep sense of community. I seek to bring that perspective to Congress.