'LONG YEAR AHEAD’ FOR FARMERS, PRODUCERS

'LONG YEAR AHEAD’ FOR FARMERS, PRODUCERS

NORFOLK - Farmers have been hit hard for years. Now the COVID-19 pandemic has turned an already uncertain time into a crisis. The Platte Institute hosted a webinar, and an economist with the Nebraska Farm Bureau, Jay Rempe, gave his analysis of the coming year. Rempe stated that losses could total more than $2 billion, which is about 10% of all the income generated by agriculture in Nebraska. Nonetheless, Rempe stated that it wasn’t a definitive forecast. What is certain, however, is that it will be a very long year.

Ethanol producers are also suffering, as at least 11 plants have closed in Nebraska, which could lead to losses of about $3 billion. Additionally, the supply chain in many adjacent industries could be affected.

Rempe was joined by Tom Sell, former deputy chief of staff for the House Committee on Agriculture, where he was instrumental in crafting the 2002 Farm Bill.Sell said if it weren't for the strong agricultural programs already in place, the COVID-19 crisis would be much worse.

View the full webinar and slides by clicking HERE