Gov. Pillen talks 'Ag' in Hastings part of National Ag Week

HASTINGS, Neb. – On Monday afternoon, Governor Jim Pillen stopped in Hastings for a roundtable discussion with local agriculture leaders to talk about all things 'Ag' to keep up with the evolving bioeconomy.

This week is National 'Ag' Week, and Governor Pillen is making stops around the state to help grow Nebraska’s bioeconomy and opportunities in value-added agriculture -- which are priorities for Pillen.

Pillen's main concern is that Nebraska is spending too much state funds, and isn't asking for enough federal money to expand agriculture. He said that's one of his main focuses in Agriculture right now.

"We are working very hard to attract federal dollars, to be able to bring to the state of Nebraska to help build the bioeconomy," said Pillen. "Which means we are able to stop exporting corn and soybeans, we process it all here, which puts more money in the pockets of every farmer."

Governor Pillen has also recently been outspoken about the Nebraska Board of Regents not finding a University President replacement for Ted Carter, who announced his departure almost seven months ago.

Pillen is a former regent himself and understands there is a process involved, but says more could be done to fix the problem.

"I think what could be done is more work, more conversations, more relationship building, to be able to bring everybody together to find a candidate," said Pillen. "If you can't find a candidate, find more candidates, so you find the candidate that's the right fit for Nebraska."

Pillen also stopped in Seward on Monday evening. He'll be in Lincoln on Tuesday morning, and will conclude his brief two-day trip in Beatrice later Tuesday afternoon.