SE Nebraska News

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) addressed the Senate on October 6, 2025, focusing on the economic difficulties facing agricultural producers in Nebraska and across the United States. Fischer stressed that immediate action is needed to support farmers and ranchers as they deal with rising costs and market uncertainty.

In her speech, Fischer noted that input costs for farmers have increased significantly since 2020, with seed prices up by 18%, fuel and oil by 32%, fertilizer by 37%, and interest expenses by 73%. She highlighted that soybean producers are expected to lose about $100 per acre this year, while storage costs for soybeans and corn have also increased. These challenges come during one of the largest harvests in recent memory.

Fischer pointed out that Congress has taken steps to provide relief, including passing $10 billion in farm aid last December and additional support in July’s reconciliation law. However, she said these funds will not reach farmers until next fall, leaving many without immediate assistance.

She called for long-term solutions to stabilize the agricultural sector. One proposal is her Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, which would allow year-round nationwide sales of E15 biofuel. According to Fischer, permanent access to E15 could increase corn demand by 2.5 billion bushels annually, lower gas prices for families, and bring new revenue into rural communities.

Fischer stated: "Ensuring our farmers can weather tough economic times must be a national priority. It’s clear farm aid is needed at this time."

She added: "That’s why one of the fastest ways we can deliver results is by unlocking year-round access to E15 — a clean, American-made biofuel. Permanent nationwide access would increase corn demand by 2.5 billion bushels a year. It would lower gas prices for families. And it would drive new revenue into rural communities."

The senator also addressed trade issues affecting American agriculture. She criticized former President Biden’s trade policies for contributing to a $49 billion trade deficit that she says has hurt U.S. farmers. Fischer urged President Trump to continue efforts to hold China accountable and secure global markets for American-grown crops such as soybeans.

"At the end of the day," Fischer said, "farmers and ranchers want programs that work and markets to sell their products."

She concluded: "By securing strong trade deals and building new markets through year-round E15, we can revitalize the farm economy, bolster U.S. energy security, and ensure America’s producers can keep feeding and fueling this nation for generations to come."