Mark McHargue

Central Nebraska farmer and president of @NEFarmBureau. Husband, father, grandfather. Passionate for #agriculture policy and advocacy.

[Mark McHargue @NefbPres]

Now that the New World Screwworm (NWS) has been found on U.S. soil for the first time in 60 years, it is time for diligence, not fear. @NEFarmBureau is confident in @USDA's tireless work to mitigate the impact of this pest and appreciates all of the work that has been done to try to stop its spread. To producers, we advise everyone to familiarize yourselves with the signs of NWS and follow state and national animal health protocols. To consumers, know that the NWS is not a threat to food safety, and the U.S. continues to have the safest food supply in the world. NEFB remains very optimistic that NWS will be eradicated once again.

[Mark McHargue @NefbPres]

Today is a good day for all Nebraskans! After years of negotiating, compromising, and fighting, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the year-round sale of E15. While we don't take today's victory lightly, we know there is much more work to be done before this long-fought-for fix is sent to President @realDonaldTrump’s desk to be signed into law. We want to thank @RepAdrianSmith, @USRepMikeFlood, and @RepDonBacon for their support of this legislation. At the same time, we have to specifically highlight the tireless work of @RepAdrianSmith, as he has led the charge on this issue for years. Today we celebrate, but tomorrow we get back to work in moving year-round E15 through the Senate!

[Mark McHargue @NefbPres]

Nebraska farmers, ranchers, and all Americans scored a major win today with the U.S. House of Representatives finally passing a full five-year Farm Bill out of the chamber. We often say that food security is national security, and the passage of this long-term food, farm, conservation, research, and trade promoting legislation helps provide long-term certainty for our nation's food, fiber, and fuel producers. We are also encouraged that a vote on year-round E15 legislation has been scheduled as soon as Congress comes back from their recess on May 13. It is well past time for this necessary, long-fought-for bill to move through Congress and be signed into law by President @realDonaldTrump. Passage of a full five-year Farm Bill, as well as securing year-round E15 access, remain top priorities for our organization. While we certainly have more work to do before either of these bills are signed into law, we stand ready to work with lawmakers on both sides of Capitol Hill to get them to President Trump's desk.

[Mark McHargue @NefbPres]

Honored to represent Nebraska agriculture at the White House today. Looking forward to hearing from President @realDonaldTrump on how the administration will support our farmers and ranchers.

[Mark McHargue @NefbPres]

Today's announced emergency waiver to allow for the sale of E15 this summer is certainly welcomed news, and we appreciate EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin for again accepting this commonsense waiver. At the same time, our fight to secure a long-term fix to this issue continues. The economic conditions surrounding Nebraska's crop sector remain unbelievably trying, and growth in both domestic and international demand is desperately needed. Passage of Sen. Fischer and Congressman Smith's Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, which permanently allows for the year-round sale of E15, will boost ethanol demand which in turn will help support the bottom lines of Nebraska's farm families and our state's overall economy. Congress must act and act soon!

[Mark McHargue @NefbPres]

Nebraska farmers and ranchers produce the safest and highest quality food in the world, and that's always something to celebrate. Today, we celebrate the finalization of USDA's new Product of the USA label by President @realDonaldTrump and USDA  @SecRollins. This new label creates a born, raised, harvested, and produced in the USA standard that consumers can trust. At a time when consumers continue to seek more and more information about where their food is coming from, this new label will allow them to support the farm and ranch families who work each and every day to produce the food, fiber, and fuel we all rely upon. Providing consumers with the information they need to know they are supporting US famers and ranchers on National Ag Day certainly makes the day even more noteworthy.

[Mark McHargue @NefbPres]

Nebraska Farm Bureau and the thousands of farmers and ranchers we represent thank President @realDonaldTrump for his temporary waiver of the Jones Act aimed to help alleviate the recent surge in oil and fertilizer prices due to shipping challenges associated with the conflict in Iran. As Nebraska farmers prepare to enter their fields for spring fertilization and planting and livestock producers continue their daily work managing cattle, hogs, and poultry, the prize squeeze is definitely being felt. These price increases only exacerbate the already trying economic conditions Nebraska's crop farmers currently face as well.  It is our hope this latest deregulatory action will help increase supply and in turn decrease prices for at least some of the vital inputs Nebraska farmers and ranchers rely upon. We also hope this action reignites the conversation focused on full and permanent repeal of this outdated law.

[Mark McHargue @NefbPres]

Nebraska Farm Bureau, and the thousands of farm and ranch families we represent, strongly endorse and support passage of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. Food security is an essential component of national security, and without a stable and reliable food supply, our nation is vulnerable to economic instability and geopolitical threats. The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 recognizes these fundamental connections and makes needed investments in agricultural, conservation, and many other vital programs.
Importantly, the bill also addresses on-going interstate commerce issues which only serve to increase regulatory compliance and food prices and open the United States to substantial international trade compliance liabilities. Lastly, the bill also makes needed regulatory changes that will improve credit opportunities for Nebraska’s beginning farmers and ranchers. We thank Chairman Thompson for this leadership, Nebraska 2nd District Congressman Don Bacon for his work and support and urge all members to vote for passage of this important legislation.

[Mark McHargue @NefbPres]

On behalf of the Nebraska Farm Bureau, I want to extend congratulations to Dr. @TiffanyHengMoss for her appointment as Harlan Vice Chancellor for the @UNL_IANR, as well as vice president for agriculture and natural resources for the University of Nebraska system. Tiffany has shown unwavering dedication as a leader in Nebraska agriculture, and I look forward to our continued work together.

[Mark McHargue @NefbPres]

Thankful for the opportunity to sit down with Senator @PeteRicketts and @RepAdrianSmith today to talk about Nebraska’s ethanol sector and explore ways to broaden markets and create new opportunities in this space, which will ultimately support Nebraska’s farmers.

[Mark McHargue @NefbPres]

Nebraska's farmers have been anxiously waiting for today's announcement, and we appreciate EPA’s efforts again giving us access to dicamba for over-the-top use on soybeans. Nebraska Farm Bureau has and continues to be a supporter of crop protection product technology, and we thank EPA Administrator Zeldin for his continued support of these technologies. The use of this product has the potential to save Nebraska farmers thousands of dollars due to reduced weed pressure and potential fewer passes with a sprayer. For years, NEFB has supported substantial flexibility when it comes to the use of this important product, and we continue to believe in its safety and effectiveness. Today’s announcement provides Nebraska farmers with needed certainty as they make plans for the 2026 planting season.

[U.S. EPA @EPA]

🚜 America’s cotton and soybean growers are a vital element of US agriculture. Cotton farmers across the southern United States have been particularly vocal about why they desperately need Over The Top dicamba application as herbicide-resistant weeds like Palmer amaranth have become nearly impossible to control with other available tools, threatening crop yields and farm viability. These "super weeds" can grow 3 inches per day and destroy entire fields.

To be clear, dicamba has already been on the market and available for sale and in wide, continuous use on farms across the United States totally aside from farmers’ pleas for OTT application.

President Trump strongly supports America’s farmers, and today’s temporary approval reinforces that commitment. Included are the toughest environmental and human health protections on OTT application in history: halved annual use rates, doubled drift-reduction requirements, stricter temperature limits, and mandatory conservation practices to protect pollinators, neighboring farms, and endangered species.

Grounded in gold-standard science, radical transparency, and accountability, this action ensures farmers have the tools they need to succeed responsibly while safeguarding the environment and rural communities.

For MANY more important specifics, read the detailed announcement here: https://t.co/UGR7P3TGUO

[Mark McHargue @NefbPres]

We were honored to have former US Secretary Mike Johanns at the NEFB Legislature Conference. As Alliant’s Chairman of Agriculture, Johanns brings more than 30 years of experience at virtually every level of government and a strong background in both agriculture and economic development. I want to thank him for his message to our members today.

[Mark McHargue @NefbPres]

For over a year, Nebraska Farm Bureau has been sounding the alarm to senior members of the Trump Administration, including EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, on the hassle and overwhelming maintenance and repair costs associated with Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) systems. The actions taken by EPA Administrator Zeldin, both today as well as last year, continue to be music to the ears of our nation's farmers, ranchers, and anyone who operates heavy machinery. We appreciate all this administration's efforts to fully examine and address the many problems surrounding DEF systems. While we also support efforts to keep our air clean and protect human health, it is our hope that further research and a bit of common sense will continue to drive any and all regulatory efforts.

[Mark McHargue @NefbPres]

Nebraska Farm Bureau continues to be a strong supporter of the work of the Nebraska Brand Committee, including its important role in mitigating cattle theft in our state. While we have been open to discussions centered around modernization to ensure the current fee system is equitable for program participants, our members have made it clear that they are not supportive of changes that would effectively end the mandatory brand inspection program as it exists today in favor of a voluntary statewide system as proposed in LB 1258, legislation introduced by Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair. Given the volume of questions we’ve received about the legislation, we felt it is important to be clear that Nebraska Farm Bureau is opposed and will actively work to stop any effort to implement a statewide voluntary brand inspection system.

[Mark McHargue @NefbPres]

Thank you President @realDonaldTrump for saying out loud what Nebraska farmers have been demanding for years. NOW is the time to finally secure this legislative fix and approve the year-round sale of E15. We thank Congressman @RepAdrianSmith, @SenatorFischer, and the rest of the Nebraska Congressional Delegation for their tireless efforts in working to get this effort to President Trump’s desk. We can’t wait any longer, NOW is the time!

[Rapid Response 47 @RapidResponse47]

.@POTUS: During the campaign, I promised to support E-15 year-round — and I want the people of Iowa to know that Congress is working on a deal, and when they send it to my desk, I will sign it without delay.

[Mark McHargue @NefbPres]

I’m feel privileged to be Anaheim this week as the @FarmBureau Annual Convention, representing Nebraska’s farm and ranch families. It’s great to be here with Nebraska Farm Bureau members for important policy discussions, strong speakers, and the chance to connect with farmers and ranchers from across the country. Looking forward to representing Nebraska agriculture on the national stage.

[Mark McHargue @NefbPres]

The announced Dietary Guidelines from the Trump administration provides necessary and appreciated changes to USDA's nutrition recommendations. While we continue to examine the full report, we certainly appreciate the efforts to prioritize high-quality animal protein products including red meat, poultry, dairy, eggs, and seafood, a position we've long endorsed. We want to thank President @realDonaldTrump and @USDA Secretary @BrookeLRollins for their efforts in ensuring farmers and ranchers continue to have a seat at the table as the administration continues to work through the many challenges facing Nebraska's farm and ranch families.

[Mark McHargue @NefbPres]

Thank you to Chancellor @RodneyDBennett for his leadership and service to the @UNLincoln. During his time as chancellor, Rodney was an advocate for agriculture and consistently focused on UNL’s land-grant mission — ensuring the university remained closely connected to the people, land, and industries that drive Nebraska’s economy. I appreciated the many conversations we shared about UNL’s vital role in advancing agriculture and strengthening rural communities across our state. On behalf of farm and ranch families, I wish Rodney all the best in his future leadership roles.

[Mark McHargue @NefbPres]

The hearts, thoughts, and prayers of Nebraska Farm Bureau are with Ben Sasse and his family today. Sen. Sasse has always been a true friend and supporter of Nebraska farmers and ranchers. Our agriculture family is praying that God wrap his arms around the Sasse family during this difficult time.

[Ben Sasse @BenSasse]

Friends-

This is a tough note to write, but since a bunch of you have started to suspect something, I’ll cut to the chase: Last week I was diagnosed with metastasized, stage-four pancreatic cancer, and am gonna die.

Advanced pancreatic is nasty stuff; it’s a death sentence. But I already had a death sentence before last week too — we all do.

I’m blessed with amazing siblings and half-a-dozen buddies that are genuinely brothers. As one of them put it, “Sure, you’re on the clock, but we’re all on the clock.” Death is a wicked thief, and the bastard pursues us all.

Still, I’ve got less time than I’d prefer. This is hard for someone wired to work and build, but harder still as a husband and a dad. I can’t begin to describe how great my people are. During the past year, as we’d temporarily stepped back from public life and built new family rhythms, Melissa and I have grown even closer — and that on top of three decades of the best friend a man could ever have. Seven months ago, Corrie was commissioned into the Air Force and she’s off at instrument and multi-engine rounds of flight school. Last week, Alex kicked butt graduating from college a semester early even while teaching gen chem, organic, and physics (she’s a freak). This summer, 14-year-old Breck started learning to drive. (Okay, we’ve been driving off-book for six years — but now we’ve got paper to make it street-legal.) I couldn’t be more grateful to constantly get to bear-hug this motley crew of sinners and saints.

There’s not a good time to tell your peeps you’re now marching to the beat of a faster drummer — but the season of advent isn’t the worst. As a Christian, the weeks running up to Christmas are a time to orient our hearts toward the hope of what’s to come.

Not an abstract hope in fanciful human goodness; not hope in vague hallmark-sappy spirituality; not a bootstrapped hope in our own strength (what foolishness is the evaporating-muscle I once prided myself in). Nope — often we lazily say “hope” when what we mean is “optimism.” To be clear, optimism is great, and it’s absolutely necessary, but it’s insufficient. It’s not the kinda thing that holds up when you tell your daughters you’re not going to walk them down the aisle. Nor telling your mom and pops they’re gonna bury their son.

A well-lived life demands more reality — stiffer stuff. That’s why, during advent, even while still walking in darkness, we shout our hope — often properly with a gravelly voice soldiering through tears.

Such is the calling of the pilgrim. Those who know ourselves to need a Physician should dang well look forward to enduring beauty and eventual fulfillment. That is, we hope in a real Deliverer — a rescuing God, born at a real time, in a real place. But the eternal city — with foundations and without cancer — is not yet.

Remembering Isaiah’s prophecies of what’s to come doesn’t dull the pain of current sufferings. But it does put it in eternity’s perspective:
“When we've been there 10,000 years…We've no less days to sing God's praise.”

I’ll have more to say. I’m not going down without a fight. One sub-part of God’s grace is found in the jawdropping advances science has made the past few years in immunotherapy and more. Death and dying aren’t the same — the process of dying is still something to be lived. We’re zealously embracing a lot of gallows humor in our house, and I’ve pledged to do my part to run through the irreverent tape.

But for now, as our family faces the reality of treatments, but more importantly as we celebrate Christmas, we wish you peace: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned….For to us a son is given” (Isaiah 9).

With great gratitude, and with gravelly-but-hopeful voices,
Ben — and the Sasses

[Mark McHargue @NefbPres]

Nebraska farm and ranch families rely on commonsense policies that reflect the realities of agriculture. We thank @SenatorFischer for re-introducing the HAULS Act, important legislation that provides clarity and flexibility for ag and livestock haulers and helps keep our food and fuel moving safely and efficiently. Farm Bureau appreciates Senator Fischer’s continued leadership for Nebraska agriculture.