I’ve been honored to receive various awards during my time in the U.S. Senate, but one of the most meaningful is the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Golden Plow Award.
I was presented with this great honor at a family farm in Kearney while home in Nebraska for the August work period, and I was moved by the group in attendance who had such kind words to say.
The Golden Plow is the highest recognition the Farm Bureau gives to sitting members of Congress. This award meant so much to me coming from fellow ag producers. I understand first-hand what farm families across our nation are facing because my family faces these same challenges.
This perspective has guided my work in championing issues that impact rural America, including regulatory reform, trade, taxes, and a modernized Farm Bill. I prioritize agriculture policy in Washington because I know it isn’t just an industry in Nebraska – it’s our way of life. That is why I’ve made it my mission to fight every day to ensure that the voices of our farmers and ranchers are heard. We have to tell the story of how producers from the Heartland feed and fuel our nation.
Throughout my time in the U.S. Senate, I’ve been proud to use my role on the Agriculture Committee to champion policies that support our producers, including: securing year-round E15 to expand markets and lower costs at the pump, delivering millions of dollars in federal funds for the University of Nebraska—Lincoln’s Agricultural Research Service facility, pushing my Precision Agriculture Package to bring cutting-edge tools to our fields, and defending the Renewable Fuel Standard to support jobs, boost energy independence, and create new demand for our crops.
This continues the work I started in the Nebraska Legislature, which is enshrined into state law. One of my bills helped producers by protecting existing water rights, providing clarity and fairness for new water use approvals, and ensuring that they have a voice in local water planning. Another piece of legislation I enacted empowered local water districts to manage groundwater and surface water together, helping producers protect long-term irrigation access, avoid legal conflicts, and plan with greater certainty. And with the help of the Nebraska Farm Bureau and our cattlemen, I passed my Build Nebraska Act to direct existing sales tax to fund our roads. I’m proud to say this law is still getting roads built across Nebraska today.
Fast forward to this year, I pushed for key ag provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill, which ultimately included a stronger Farm Safety Net, expanded trade promotion programs, and improved animal disease preparedness so one outbreak doesn’t disrupt our entire food system.
Aside from these legislative efforts, we also face new challenges with modern agriculture. Too often, federal regulators propose rules that undercut practices that make American agriculture the most productive and sustainable in the world. Let me be clear: I will always push back on misguided policies that threaten our way of life. So long as I have the privilege of serving Nebraska in the U.S. Senate, I’ll continue to fight for our producers and protect them from bureaucrats who have never worked the land or raised livestock.
I look forward to continuing this fight – with our farmers and ranchers, and for them. If any of you have plans to visit Washington, please stop by my office in Room 448 of the Russell Senate Office Building. I will have the Golden Plow proudly displayed in my front office, and my team will be happy to welcome you to our nation’s capital.
Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.