Nebraska Celebrates National Ag Day

By: Cassie Anderson - Email

Ag Day Celebrated Across the State - Cassie Anderson Reports at 6

Nebraska has one of the lowest employment rates in the nation. Governor Dave Heineman credits that to agriculture

"It's the number one part of our economy. It's the reason we are in better shape than the rest of the country," Heineman said.

The Governor toured Eastern Nebraska on National Ag Day. He and other state leaders thanked farmers for their hard work and urged younger Nebraskans to take over the family farm.

"I believe the opportunities in agriculture are really endless right now. People that are looking for careers and looking to college for what you might want to study if you are an FFA student, I would definitely look at Ag careers. The opportunities are booming," Dept. Ag State Director, Greg Ibach said.

It's a message near and dear to the Heetderks family. Gary owns a large chicken farm, one he hopes to pass down to his children.

"We have three children, they are all on their own. They are very interested in this business. It's very encouraging and we are very blessed and we think there is a lot of potential there," Gary said.

Heineman offered words of encouragement as Nebraska faces another year of drought, while sharing his vision for the future, starting in China.

"One hundred and twenty-five cities over there have more than a million people and they should all be eating Nebraska beef, Nebraska pork, Nebraska corn, Nebraska soybean and the rest of our products," Heineman said.

Although national Ag Day lasts for just 24 hours, state leaders say everyday is Ag Day because farmers feed the world.

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