2008 RESOLUTIONS OF THE
NEBRASKA CORN GROWERS ASSOCIATION
PREAMBLE
The Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA) is committed to promoting the general profitability of U.S. corn producers by developing and maintaining a domestic corn production program and a price and income support program. The profitable production of corn is a fundamental objective of the NeCGA. Profitability of corn requires demand creation programs consistent with a flourishing U.S. economy, a healthy agribusiness, and full employment.
I. INDUSTRIAL UTILIZATION AND
DOMESTIC MARKETING
A. NeCGA encourages the development and increased capacity of alcohol fuel production derived from agricultural products in order to decrease U.S. dependence on imported oil.
B. NeCGA will work to prevent foreign subsidized alcohol imports. (2006)
C. NeCGA discourages companies from displaying anti-ethanol advertising.
D. NeCGA supports the development of a value-added incentive program utilizing the commodity corn. Funding to enhance value-added production should not be limited to revenues from State General Funds and corn check-off.
E. NeCGA supports ethanol production in the State of Nebraska from the commodity corn.
1. NeCGA supports reallocation of off-road fuel tax collected on denaturant used by ethanol plants to the Ethanol Production Incentive Cash Fund.
2. Ethanol Production Incentive Cash Fund (EPIC) funding to be continued by up to a seven eighths (2007) cent checkoff and state General Fund revenue. Although NeCGA is opposed to an increase in checkoff, any increase must be matched on a one to one basis with funding from other sources. (2005)
F. NeCGA will work to achieve the goal that at least 50% of all gasoline consumed in the United States and all gasoline sold in the State of Nebraska shall contain a renewable fuel having a 3.5% oxygenate contained by weight in the lowest octane offered at all retail gasoline outlets.
- NeCGA supports legislation to ensure that every retail gasoline outlet in the State of Nebraska must provide to the consumer the ability to purchase E-10 unleaded gasoline.
G. NeCGA supports a continuation of federal incentives for motor fuels containing 10% or more ethanol.
H. NeCGA supports efforts to replace petroleum-based products with corn-based products.
I. NeCGA believes that this country should have a comprehensive energy policy including a renewable fuels component that lessens our dependence on foreign oil.
1. NeCGA supports a corn sourced 15 billion gallon ethanol Renewable Fuel Standard. (2007)
J. NeCGA supports the voluntary labeling of ethanol blend fuels at all retail gasoline outlets across the State of Nebraska.
K. NeCGA supports the continued development and use of the E-85 vehicles and supports the establishment of refueling stations for the E-85 type vehicle.
L. NeCGA supports the continued development and utilization of E-Diesel.
M. NeCGA encourages the Nebraska printing industry to use ink made from Nebraska grown commodities.
N. NeCGA supports the U.S. sugar program as long as it doesn’t have a negative impact upon corn growers relating to the competitive pricing of corn sweeteners.
O. NeCGA supports a value incentive marketing program.
1. NeCGA supports the development of equipment and sampling/ testing procedures which quickly and accurately determine the intrinsic value of corn and encourages the market to reward that value.
a. NeCGA supports the development of an industry wide quality standard for the purchase of grain. (12/2005)
2. NeCGA supports the development and use of a “Best Efforts” contract for the production and merchandizing of conventional and identity preserve corn.
3. NeCGA encourages cost share on on-farm storage facilities to enhance “value added” corn production programs in Nebraska.
P. NeCGA opposes any merger or acquisition that creates monopolistic control of commodities or livestock through normal production and market channels.
Q. NeCGA supports investigation by proper agencies as to whether the current business structures in agriculture have resulted in monopolistic concentration that is harmful to grain and livestock production and marketing.
R. NeCGA supports protecting the producers’ interest in delivered commodities.
1. A change in the uniform commercial code allowing producers to more easily obtain a “letter of credit” from a commodity purchaser’s bank.
2. Simplify the procedures required for a producer to file a “purchase money” secured interest in the public record.
II. NATIONAL CORN PRODUCTION PROGRAM
A. NeCGA supports the implementation of domestic and foreign demand- enhancement programs.
B. NeCGA supports planting flexibility with contract payments allowing voluntary crop rotation and payments for conservation programs.
1. NeCGA supports applying the basic structure of the 2002 Farm Bill to the 2007 Farm Bill. (12/2005)
C. Government Farm Programs: NeCGA supports a Government Farm Program that addresses rural policy in order to improve rural development and bolster the rural economy.
D. Commodity Title: NeCGA supports farm policy that provides an adequate economic safety net for producers. (2005)
1. NeCGA supports NCGA’s proposed 2007 Revenue Counter-Cyclical Program on a county basis (2007) as the focus of Title I. (2006)
2. NeCGA supports continuing a marketing loan in order to achieve a competitive level of corn prices in the international market without discriminating against domestic users of corn under this mechanism.
3. Loan Rates…
(a) NeCGA urges USDA not to lower the basic loan rate for corn.
(b) NeCGA supports removing any caps on loan rates.
(c) NeCGA supports raising the minimum loan rate.
(d) NeCGA supports legislation that allows individual producers to increase their loan rate by voluntarily reducing production acres.
(e) NeCGA supports a market-based index for establishing loan rates.
(f) NeCGA supports an annual adjusted loan rate based on energy inflation. (2005)4. A producer should have the option to set his LDP whenever grain is harvested or anytime after September 1.
5. NeCGA supports a counter-cyclical concept.
6. CCC Grain Inventory… NeCGA supports a farmer owned, strategic reserve program for the corn processing and livestock industry.
(a) The USDA should store its corn reserves on the farm and pay the farmer storage rates equal to commercial rates.
(b) NeCGA urges the USDA to establish a revolving fund for commodity loans.
7. NeCGA supports adjusting commodity target prices used in payment
calculations annually in direct relation to the U.S. dollar index.8. In future farm bills, NeCGA supports using all crop rotational acres for a base for farm program payments.
9. In future farm bills, NeCGA supports a livestock ownership enhancement provision for feed grain producers. (2005)
10. NeCGA supports using the most recent yield data in establishing yield history.
(a) NeCGA supports using Federal Crop Insurance records for FSA production history.
11. NeCGA supports government payments to be made only to commodity producers or to landlords who actually share in the risk of production of the commodity.
12. NeCGA supports a payment cap on direct payments to active farm operations. Payment limits must reflect an equitable base regarding cash rent and share crop agreements.(a) NeCGA supports a cap on LDP and marketing loan gain.
13. Export Enhancement… NeCGA would like to eliminate restrictive criteria in export policies for all commodities, to all countries.
E. Conservation Title: NeCGA supports good soil and water management conservation practices.
1. Conservation Reserve Program… NeCGA supports continuation of the CRP with priority being given to highly erodable land and land that might affect water quality.
2. NeCGA supports a CRP bidding program for buffer strips along streams. Payment rates for irrigated land should reflect rental rates in each area. Incidental grazing should be allowed when gleaning adjoining fields without reduction in payments.
3. NeCGA supports the qualification of triazine free zones and conservation filter strips for CRP eligibility, and permitting off-season grazing of these zones when adjacent fields are grazed without reduction in annual rental payment.
4. NeCGA urges the NRCS to be more vigilant regarding conservation
plan compliance. (2005)5. NeCGA urges USDA to retain the procedure of having FSA administer all conservation cost-share programs and the Conservation Security Program with local farmer elected committee oversight. (12/2005)
6. Conservation…
(a) NeCGA supports the NRCS policy of modifying conservation plans.
(b) NeCGA supports penalties assessed to commodity program participants, under the conservation provisions of the 2002 Farm Bill, only on the amount of the payments received on the tract found to be out of compliance.
(c) NeCGA recommends that NRCS consider accepting existing grassed acres that meet NRCS filter specifications or allowing conversion of existing grassed acres to qualifying filter specifications, into USDA’s CRP and State of Nebraska Buffer Strip Programs without requiring cropping history.
(d) NeCGA supports recognizing producers who already utilize conservation practices in the event that a portion of future program payments are based on switching to such conservation practices.
7. Sodbuster/Swampbuster… NeCGA opposes application of sodbuster or swampbuster provisions on any land broken before the enactment of the 1985 Farm Act.
8. Alfalfa should be considered as a rotation crop and therefore not subject to sodbuster legislation.
9. Wetlands…
(a) NeCGA urges that wetlands be identified on a field inspection basis and not just on aerial maps or soil maps. Wetlands should be identified and management procedures recommended by one agency, preferably a local NRCS.
(b) We urge the definition of wetlands to be not less than ten acres in size.(c) We support the current administration's new and more definitive stand on wetlands. We also favor a wetlands bank on a 1:1 acreage basis instead of the 4:1 concept.
10. NeCGA supports efforts to maintain and expand EQIP funding to meet the needs of agriculture conservation requirements in the future. (2005)
F. Crop Insurance: NeCGA supports crop insurance as a primary component of risk management. (2005)
1. NeCGA supports the CRC Insurance program and urges the USDA Risk Management Agency to continue the program and fully fund at present levels.
2. NeCGA supports a change in the base price discovery period for CRC spring-planted crops from February to January.
3. Federal Crop Insurance…
(a) NeCGA supports the replacement of Federal Crop Insurance and disaster payments with a privatization of crop insurance. Until such a policy could be in effect, NeCGA encourages Congress and the administration to make Multi-Peril insurance financially sound and a workable program for agriculture in lieu of disaster relief.
(b) NeCGA supports making our safety net more affordable for the farmers.
(c) Urge NeCGA to work with the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation to resolve the silage provision of the corn Multi-Peril Crop Insurance contract. Consideration should be given regarding the actual value of the crop to the farmer rather than being based on an arbitrary formula.
(d) When the cost of harvesting a crop exceeds the value of a crop in the field, the yield will be zero for crop insurance payment purposes, using the state's average custom rates as published by the university extension service.
(e) NeCGA supports crop insurance reform that will enable producers to insure yield potential despite recent production history.(f) NeCGA supports contract provisions for full refund of farmer paid premiums in the event Congress provides ad hoc crop loss assistance for the insured crop year.
(g) NeCGA supports using a “simple average” of existing units per county when determining yield on added land.(h) NeCGA supports crop insurance reform that would allow irrigated acres to be insured at different levels than non-irrigated acres.
(i) NeCGA supports the use of GPS and yield monitor systems for proving harvested yield, for both loss and production reporting for an insurable unit. Total farm production will still need hard evidence.
(j) NeCGA supports RMA guidelines which treat groundwater and surface water irrigators equally when evaluating prevented planting claims because of water shortages.
(k) NeCGA supports revising the corn and soybean replant maximum payment allowed to more accurately reflect the actual cost of replanting. (12/2005)(l) NeCGA supports changes in the Federal Crop Insurance premium subsidy structure to ensure equivalent dollar levels of subsidy for yield, revenue and income protection policies, regardless of selected unit coverage: basic, optional, enterprise, whole farm or group risk. (12/2005)
(m) FSA County Committee. NeCGA urges USDA to keep the FSA County Committee a 3-member farmer-only office elected by fellow producers with a three 3-year consecutive term limit.
III. INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND EXPORT EXPANSION
A. NeCGA strongly supports removal of restrictive grain trade policies and opposes all grain embargoes.
B. NeCGA recommends assisting the special trade representative in developing U.S. trade policy and strategy and developing trading rules and solving disputes through GATT negotiations.
C. NeCGA encourages and supports the development and promotion of corn derived sweeteners. NeCGA opposes importation of foreign government subsidized sugar products.
D. NeCGA supports the research and development of gluten feeds. NeCGA supports efforts to maintain the duty free status of gluten feeds on exports to the European Economic Community (EEC).
E. NeCGA recommends that all food imports be subject to the same phyto-sanitary standards as domestic products.
F. NeCGA supports the substantially equivalent standards for nutrition, safety and functionality for marketing enhanced grain varieties.
G. NeCGA supports extending credit guarantees to the developing nations.
H. NeCGA recommends that any dollars saved in the agriculture budget be used for the purpose of developing foreign markets. We also encourage bartering as a means of trade with other nations.
I. NeCGA encourages the development of international markets for value added corn products being produced in Nebraska.
J. NeCGA urges the U.S. Congress to remove raw agriculture commodities from trade sanctions.
K. NeCGA supports Country of Origin Labeling.
A. Research… NeCGA urges safe and responsible use of fertilizers and pesticides in corn production and supports USDA research to reduce input costs in corn production.
B. NeCGA recommends that the Food and Drug Administration have factual information, allow public hearings, and make thorough investigations before making statements regarding dietary recommendations and agricultural production methods; and further requests the USDA educate the public about how using chemicals in a responsible manner insures an abundant and safe food supply. (2005)
C. NeCGA recommends that any public funding for research in economically and environmentally sound uses of fertilizers and ag chemicals in the agricultural sector be under a governing board represented proportionally by farmers producing the commodity on which the products are being used.
D. NeCGA supports continued funding for corn genomic research.
E. NeCGA supports the use of biotechnology that is proven scientifically safe.
1. NeCGA supports the commercial release of new hybrids created with the use of biotechnology or conventional breeding that have received full approvals from all relevant U.S. regulatory agencies, and have approvals from Japan and other major international corn markets.
F. NeCGA supports plant derived biologics (PDB) production and processing of biotech “pharma and industrial” corn with the following recommendations:
1. Research that leads to education of the general public on the benefits to them as a consumer of PDB derived corn products.
2. Strict adherence to the biotech regulatory and permit services of APHIS.
3. PDB corn grown and handled only by certified growers.
4. Enhancement of rural economic development.
5. Producer uses economic diligence when considering a possible grower contract.
6. Government actions that are necessary to approve biotech crops for food use should not hamper the development of biotech crops for non-food purposes such as medicine and industrial uses.
G. NeCGA strongly supports the current FDA policy on labeling requirements for foods processed with biotech commodities. Contents of a product that are not substantially different should not be differentiated with the intent of a market ploy negatively raising an unproven safety issue. Labeling should not discriminate against approved new technologies.
H. NeCGA supports the study and research of necessary revisions of the federal grades and standards for corn, focusing in particular on (1) tightening and enforcing grain quality standards to ensure that better quality grain is exported from U.S. sources; (2) promoting the concept of not allowing any foreign material to be added to and/or blended in export grain except chemicals for transportation; and (3) changing grain grading standards to give sellers credit for dry corn on a dry matter basis.
I. NeCGA supports uniform standards based on independent scientific data for the sampling and test procedures used to determine mycotoxin contamination levels. (2005)J. NeCGA supports the development of a scientifically-based uniform marketing system for carbon sequestration credits. If a favorable market is realized, then NCGA will work to develop this market.
1. NeCGA supports development of sequestration research.
2. NeCGA supports development of compensation rates.
3. NeCGA supports development of monitoring format by NRD, UNL, and NRCS.
4. NeCGA supports modifying the Century Model used by NRCS to include production traits of crops, such as the net benefit of reducing greenhouse gases utilizing the crop to produce renewable fuels.
K. Education… NeCGA supports a continued effort to provide to consumers, educational information about ethanol and its benefits to the nation.
L. NeCGA encourages the NRD's and the University of Nebraska to continue their efforts to educate corn producers about soil and water conservation.
M. NeCGA supports the continued educational programs of safe environmental and consumer benefit of agriculture for the good of the general public.
N. NeCGA encourages the Nebraska Corn Development, Utilization and Marketing Board to develop and continue an educational curriculum program about the corn industry for elementary students.
O. NeCGA supports programs that broaden opportunities in agriculture and agribusiness for youth including coordinating with FFA, 4-H and similar programs.
P. NeCGA urges establishment of a certified grower program in order to provide traceability to the food consumer.
V. TRANSPORTATION
A. NeCGA supports reclassification of anhydrous ammonia as a corrosive substance.
B. Although opposed to any form of cargo preference, NeCGA supports the current law which restricts existing cargo preference to P.L. 480 exports only, and passes the increased cost of subsidy to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
C. NeCGA supports a greater emphasis on improved rural road development to enhance economic development.
D. NeCGA supports a competitive rail transportation strategy including the development of a mutual model with rates and programs to maintain an orderly movement of corn.
1. NeCGA supports establishing state and federal matching loans or grants to upgrade short line rails needed to carry heavier weight.
2. NeCGA supports competitive and nondiscriminatory rate structure for short lines.
E. NeCGA supports working with the Nebraska Grain and Feed Association to explore the development of IP transportation programs to insure:
1. Quality corn delivered to participating elevators
2. Timing shipments on a prearranged schedule
3. “Best available” corn into the market.
F. NeCGA supports the continued current regulation of anhydrous ammonia pipelines.
G. NeCGA supports improvement to the highway, railroad and barge systems recognizing the opportunity to supply the domestic and export markets. (2005)
H. NeCGA supports management of the Missouri River that places the highest priority on economic uses of the river, i.e., power generation, flood control for agricultural land, navigation and irrigation. NeCGA recognizes the recreation and environmental value of the river and will work with others to maintain and enhance recreational and environmental benefits.
I. NeCGA opposes changes in the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers Missouri River Master Manual that have a negative impact on agriculture because of reduced navigation or potential for spring rises.
J. NeCGA supports the repeal of the Jones Act.
A. Federal Taxes…
1. NeCGA opposes raising the federal tax on gasoline and other forms of energy as a method of federal budget reconciliation.
2. NeCGA supports federal budget reconciliations providing they include across the board cuts of equal percentage.
3. NeCGA supports income averaging for tax purposes for farmers and ranchers receiving the majority of their income from farming and ranching.
4. NeCGA supports an investment credit on farm machinery purchases.
5. NeCGA supports increasing the current level of exemption of the federal estate tax.6. NeCGA rejects attempts to increase the gift tax and opposes any capital gains taxes imposed upon new basis granted at time of death.
7. NeCGA supports congressional action to amend the Social Security law so that the Internal Revenue Service can only reference the farmland “lease agreement” when determining whether the landowner materially participates in the farming operation and thereby owes Social Security tax on rental income.
8. NeCGA supports treating non-road use of ethanol and other biofuels as tax exempt fuel. (12/2005)
B. State Taxes…
1. NeCGA opposes taxes on fertilizer, plant nutrients, and agricultural chemicals.
2. NeCGA opposes any new and/or additional tax or tax increase on any value-added product derived from the commodity corn.3. NeCGA opposes taxation on irrigation water usage and taxation on the installation of irrigation wells.
4. NeCGA opposes excise tax on diesel fuel for nonroad use.
5. NeCGA supports a tax break at the pump or retail level for all blends of ethanol and commodity based bio-diesel fuels. (12/2005)
6. NeCGA supports publication of the yearly tax credits given to Nebraska companies due to LB 775.
7. NeCGA supports repeal of the “Bonus Depreciation Add-back” and the “Enhanced Section 179 Expense Add-back” for Nebraska State Income tax purposes.
(a) Although we are opposed to such add-backs, NeCGA supports using the increased tax money in the local area where collected, ie. additional school aid, Extension Service, NRD, EPIC Fund. (2005)
8. NeCGA supports a Nebraska Investment Tax Credit for livestock operations. (2005)
9. NeCGA supports the exemption of sales tax on new and used agricultural equipment and all repairs for agricultural equipment.
10. NeCGA opposes State tax revenue being used to relocate the Nebraska State Fair. (2007)
C. Property Taxes…
1. NeCGA opposes all forms of personal property taxes.
2. NeCGA supports extending to Personal Property Depreciation Schedules the same section 179 expenses as applied to federal returns.
3. NeCGA supports the redistribution of the cost of education from major dependence on property tax so that it will carry no more of a tax burden than sales and income tax.
4. NeCGA supports ag land valuations for property tax purposes to be determined by earning capacity or rent earning capacity rather than market value of land.
5. NeCGA supports local taxes lost to valuation changes due to water use restriction be replaced with State General Funds. (12/2005)
6. NeCGA urges the Nebraska Legislature to broaden the tax base as a means of stopping increases in real property tax. As an increase in revenue is needed for political subdivisions, we recommend these methods of raising the needed revenue in this priority: (1) a tax on food (2) (a) increased state income tax (b) allow for a local income tax, (3) increased sales tax (4) services tax, and (5) taxation on intangibles.
7. NeCGA supports the concept of removal of producer-owned land for real property taxation that is classified wetlands and abandoned because of wetland determination.
8. NeCGA supports legislation allowing faster depreciation on seasonal agricultural equipment on the personal property tax statement.
9. NeCGA supports the requirement that all school districts include all tax incentives in their valuation.
10. NeCGA supports limitations on property tax.
(a) Allowing school districts to become more cost efficient.
(b) Supporting an income factor being introduced into the state formula.
(c) Supporting a school financing law that treats all Nebraska communities fairly, and opposing any state income tax reductions until this is done.(d) Supporting implementing an income factor into the state aid formula for schools, but using actual income of the district, not the poverty factor now being used.
(e) Supporting a minimum of 20% income tax rebate to school districts.
11. NeCGA supports state aid to be divided among formula students.
D. City Sales Taxes…
1. If a municipality passes a sales tax, NeCGA supports such taxes being used for specific projects, not for reducing property taxes.
A. NeCGA opposes any regulations that would mandate the substitution of commercial nitrogen fertilizers with rotational legume crops.
B. NeCGA opposes any environmental regulation that fails to consider any micro and macro economic impact of these regulations.
C. NeCGA opposes any state and/or federal efforts to legislate or regulate dust and/or odor from agricultural operations. (2006)
D. NeCGA encourages the EPA to reconsider the total ban of certain granular pesticides, and NeCGA supports the limited, regulated use of certain granular pesticides for spot treatment of specific insect infestations.
E. NeCGA supports reasonable and cost efficient chemigation and fertigation and encourages proper usage and storage of all chemicals.
F. NeCGA supports the Nebraska system of NRD's as a national model for dealing with farm related environmental issues.
G. NeCGA recommends that the association monitor EPA Worker
Protection Standards and oppose implementation of unreasonable regulations as related to corn production.1. NeCGA supports a positive image for chemigation signs.
H. NeCGA encourages NRD's to consider the education of producers in Best Management Practices as the first phase in developing management plans for SPA's and allow 3-5 years for implementation and evaluation of educational efforts.
I. NeCGA opposes the one man, one vote system of representation for the NRD's.
J. NeCGA urges all corn producers to avoid applying anhydrous ammonia before the later of November 1 or until there is a 3 day 50 degree F. or less average soil temperature. This would be based upon area research station data.
K. NeCGA supports local NRD management dealing with water quality and quantity issues on a local management area basis.
L. NeCGA supports the location restriction of Honey Beehives unless unanimous permission of all corn producers within a 2-mile radius of the hive is achieved.
M. NeCGA supports using a portion of the state pesticide labeling fee for the buffer strip program.
N. NeCGA discourages state and federal government from granting Indian tribes authority to regulate environmental laws over growers who are not members of their tribes or over land on which they do not hold title.
A. NeCGA opposes general well fees and groundwater use fees for in-state agricultural use.
B. NeCGA recognizes the importance of irrigation to Nebraska agriculture and supports efforts to maintain and enhance that objective while considering the public interest.
C. NeCGA shall cooperate with interested parties to develop an integrated water management plan acceptable to agricultural and irrigation interests.
D. NeCGA opposes any unreasonable in-stream appropriations increase of water flow for all tributaries, streams, and rivers in the state of Nebraska. (2005)
E. NeCGA understands municipalities are entitled to have in stream appropriations, but only if the priority date to establish an appropriation right is the application date, and not the construction date of the municipal well, thereby requiring compensation to all water users with a senior priority date.
F. NeCGA supports regulation in times of shortage, and appropriate and reasonable federal and state requirements for all water used in the State of Nebraska be regulated by the reasonable use-correlative rights doctrine.
G. NeCGA supports the concept that Natural Resource Districts have legal authority to regulate activities relative to declines in groundwater levels and non-point source contamination of groundwater, and are the entities to regulate activities which contribute to conflicts between groundwater users and surface water appropriators or to noncompliance with interstate compacts, decrees, or federal law.1. NeCGA supports local NRD control of water restriction or release by geographic area. (Not state or federal) (2005)
H. NeCGA recognizes
1. Conflicts between surface water and ground water may occur and should be dealt with on an area case-by-case basis.
2. Specific studies should be established to determine area hydrologic relationships between surface water and ground water.I. NeCGA supports states water rights. Recognizing the value of all sources of water in the State of Nebraska and the economic benefit to the State of Nebraska, NeCGA encourages the protection of all water sources for the benefit of the State of Nebraska.
J. NeCGA encourages the construction of impoundment structures through the use of state and federal funds to help conserve water.
K. NeCGA supports the Governor’s Water Policy Task Force recommendation while remaining open to consideration of modification or amendments to the recommendation. (2005)
1. NeCGA supports the development of a funding package to fund implementation of LB 962 consistent with section VIII - A (12/2005) and Nebraska’s compliance with interstate compacts or agreements.(12/2005)
(a) NeCGA opposes the use of commodity check-off funding to pay Nebraska’s general fund obligations. (2007)
2. NeCGA supports NRD being responsible for ground and surface water use in their basin with DNR monitoring issues relating to state and federal law. (2006)
L. NeCGA recommends that in any integrated water management legislation that no restrictions on underground irrigation wells be imposed before an integrated water management area has been designated.
M. NeCGA supports title transfer of Bureau of Reclamation irrigation transportation projects.N. NeCGA supports legislation to statutorily limit the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission authority to hold in-stream flow rights.
O. NeCGA opposes the sale of ground and surface water and opposes the transfer of ground water out of state.
P. NeCGA supports the lease and transfer of surface water with the following criteria:1. Short term leasing
2. A willing lessor and a willing lessee
3. Oversight by the Department of Natural Resources to protect third party interest
4. Reversion of the water right back to its original terms and conditions if the lease is terminated
5. Changing the three-year requirement of the Department of Natural Resources that provides for the cancellation of a right for non-use
6. Preventing land reclassification for tax purposes if water right is leased.Q. NeCGA supports the voluntary use of meters as a good management tool, by continuing the Cost-share Program.
R. NeCGA supports the use of the Environmental Trust Fund for NRD’s to fund water quality programs in the State of Nebraska.
A. NeCGA supports the continuation and expansion of the livestock industry.
1. NeCGA supports the study of the cause of the loss of livestock in Nebraska and recommendations to increase animal agriculture.
B. NeCGA supports a livestock environmental policy that requires all confined livestock operations to meet the same environmental standards of the present regulations of the Department of Environmental Quality.
C. NeCGA opposes any moratorium on the expansion of the livestock industry in the State of Nebraska.
D. NeCGA supports legislation giving NRD's power and financing to develop an adequate inspection policy for livestock confinement units.
E. NeCGA supports individual state regulation, not federal legislation, for environmental livestock concerns.
F. NeCGA supports the enforcement of the Packers and Stockyard Act.
G. NeCGA supports a national ban on packers owning and feeding livestock.
H. NeCGA should show strong support for the livestock industry by defending livestock producers from unwarranted attacks.
1. NeCGA supports legislation that once a livestock or poultry producer has been granted a permit from the Department of Environmental Quality to produce livestock or associated livestock products, the producer cannot be sued unless the person suing puts in escrow an amount equal to 20% of the cost of the new or expanding livestock operation. These funds will then be used to pay the producer’s lawyer fees for any lawsuit and/or any additional construction costs associated with this delay if the plaintiff should not prevail.
I. NeCGA supports exempting beef, pork, and dairy from corporate farming laws.
J. NeCGA encourages Nebraska counties to seek “Livestock Friendly” designation. (2006)K. NeCGA supports the Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska
(A-FAN) and its goal of transforming livestock production into economic vitality for rural Nebraska. (2006)
A. NeCGA urges all corn producers to cooperate with the Agricultural Statistics Service to provide accurate statistics.
B. NeCGA encourages greater cooperation between all commodity organizations. We encourage the formation of joint advisory committees so that agriculture may speak with a unified voice.
C. NeCGA urges state government to assist rural communities in acquiring new technology.
D. NeCGA encourages the State of Nebraska and the University of Nebraska Board of Regents to recognize the important role of the University of Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) and the impact of IANR programs by providing needed financial support to extension, research, and teaching programs.
E. NeCGA promotes the continued development of the UNL Industrial Ag Products Center for value-added agricultural products. We encourage federal funding for the center.F. NeCGA supports the Nebraska corn check off system. (12/2005)
1. NeCGA supports an increase in the Nebraska Corn Development Utilization check-off.
G. NeCGA supports active corn producer representation on the Agricultural Advisory Committee of the Chicago Board of Trade.
1. NeCGA supports a review of current policy on trading limits – volume and price. (12/2005)
H. NeCGA supports 100% deduction of health insurance premiums on tax schedules C and F for all self-employed.
I. NeCGA supports giving the President of the United States line item veto powers on all bills, budget and otherwise.
J. NeCGA recommends a cap of $300,000 for "Punitive Damages" in civil liability cases.
K. NeCGA supports Nebraska's Public Power Policy.
L. NeCGA opposes deregulation of electric power utilities in Nebraska.
M. NeCGA supports affordable electricity from renewable resources and non-petroleum sources. (12/2005)
N. NeCGA supports equal sanitary standards for inspection of meat, poultry and fish.
O. NeCGA supports legislation which would provide producers, or a representative association, a cause of action for the pecuniary losses that result directly and immediately from the disparagement, which include impairment of value and expense necessary to counteract disparaging statements.
P. NeCGA should take the lead in working with other farm organizations to investigate the establishment of a legal defense fund to assist individual farmers or livestock producers with legal costs and a defense against suits when these producers have complied with local zoning and DEQ requirements.Q. NeCGA supports zoning in the State of Nebraska, (1) given that each county may set its own pace in setting up their own guidelines on zoning and (2) NeCGA maintains that farmland is a valuable natural resource and shall be treated accordingly when zoning issues are considered.
R. NeCGA supports maintaining the Nebraska tractor-testing laboratory.
1. NeCGA supports removing the requirement that every model of tractor sold by a Nebraska dealer be tested by the Nebraska state testing laboratory.
S. NeCGA recommends that the highway rights-of-way should not be used for wildlife habitat and should be kept clean and mowed by the Department of Roads.
T. NeCGA supports programs at all levels of government to provide incentive for beginning farmers, ranchers and small businesses in rural America.
U. NeCGA supports the use of limited liability companies so that farmers can join together in agricultural activities for the purpose of adding value to the crops that they sell.
V. NeCGA should be an association that represents the producers rather than the acres in production.
W. NeCGA recognizes that beginning farmers need the additional tool of limited liability companies between unrelated farmers as a tool to transfer a farming business from one generation to another and supports their use.
X. NeCGA supports abolishment of term limits for state senators.
Y. NeCGA encourages the Public Service Commission to increase bonding requirements of licensed grain facilities.
Z. NeCGA supports rural economic development through recreation and agri-tourism activities. Proper, affordable liability insurance should be made available in order to protect the landowner. (2005)
AA. NeCGA supports that public notices be available from a state-wide source, sorted by county, on a timely basis and free. (12/2005)
BB. NeCGA supports a company having the same technology fee for a crop trait for all the company trade area. (12/2005)
CC. NeCGA supports limiting the use of the power of Eminent Domain to the acquisition of essential, non-recreational projects. Due process and impact studies should be conducted prior to state and local spending on the conversion of farmland to other uses. Use of Eminent Domain for community redevelopment should be limited only to areas determined to be blighted, where the blighted determination seeks to redress an existing property’s use or condition that constitutes a public menace, public health concerns or otherwise cause public harm. (12/2005)
DD. NeCGA supports campaign finance reforms to limit spending in major state elections. (2006)
EE. NeCGA supports Ag lending institutions in their efforts to provide corn producers, rural businesses and rural Nebraska residents with sound, dependable funding for a variety of financial needs. (2006)
FF. NeCGA supports the Nebraska State Fair Board’s recommendation to maintain the Nebraska State Fair at its current site. (2007)
GG. NeCGA urges a State and/or Federal inquiry into the recent surge of fertilizer prices. (2007)
A. NeCGA commends all agribusinesses for their cooperative and joint promotions, which will benefit all of agriculture.
B. NeCGA commends agribusiness's whose advertisements promote agriculture in a positive way.
C. NeCGA commends our Corporate Partners for their support.
D. NeCGA commends and recognizes gas stations that price ethanol blended fuels the same or lower than regular unleaded fuel.
E. NeCGA commends the Nebraska Corn Utilization and Marketing Board for their work to expand corn markets for Nebraska producers.
