USMCA Passes in Senate Graphic

With an overwhelming majority, USMCA passed through a Senate vote on Jan. 16, 2020.

The future of Nebraska’s corn industry is bright following the Senate’s passage of the much-anticipated trade agreement between the United States, Mexico and Canada. The Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) and the Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA) issued statements today regarding the approval of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

“Ever since President Trump announced his intent to withdraw from NAFTA, one of our top priorities has been a modernized agreement that continues to have a positive impact on Nebraska agriculture,” said Dan Nerud, president of the NeCGA and farmer from Dorchester. “We’re extremely appreciative of our farmer members who helped bring USMCA to the finish line. We’d also like to thank Sen. Deb Fischer and Sen. Ben Sasse for their unwavering support on this key piece of legislation.”

“The fact that USMCA received overwhelming bipartisan support from the House of Representatives last month and overwhelming bipartisan support from the Senate today just emphasizes the importance of free trade with Canada and Mexico,” said David Bruntz, chairman of the NCB and farmer from Friend. “Because of USMCA, Nebraska’s corn farmers and ethanol producers will continue to have access to our biggest and most dependable markets.”

According to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Nebraska’s total ag exports to Canada and Mexico equate to $1.46 billion, with corn exports totaling over $402 million, ethanol at $96 million and distillers grains at $27 million. Mexico leads the way as the single country that imports the most U.S. corn and distillers grains. Canada is the No. 2 customer for ethanol and distillers grains.

Nebraska Corn looks forward to the full implementation of this important trade legislation.

Related Articles

  • Nebraska Corn Board Now Accepting 2027 Internship Applications

    Six paid internship opportunities are now open for application through the Nebraska Corn Board (NCB), placing students in Lincoln, St. Louis, Washington, D.C. and Denver starting in May 2027. Each position pairs a student [...]

  • New Leadership Elected for the Nebraska Corn Board for 2026-2027

    The Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) elected three farmers to serve leadership roles at its recent board meeting on August 12. The leadership roles are effective immediately and have a one-year duration. Andy Groskopf, District [...]

  • Two New Directors Begin Terms on the Nebraska Corn Board, One Director Reappointed

    Gov. Jim Pillen recently appointed Michael Bergen to serve as the District 3 director of the Nebraska Corn Board (NCB), which represents Hamilton, Merrick, Polk and York counties. Bergen, from Aurora, is replacing Brandon [...]

  • The Nebraska Corn Board Is Seeking Grant Applications for Ethanol Infrastructure Support

    The Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) is now accepting grant applications for ethanol infrastructure support, which will help Nebraska fuel retailers add or expand higher ethanol blend options, such as E15. The program is designed [...]