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Ricketts says building domestic demand could strengthen economic outlook

A U.S. Senator says increasing domestic use of U.S. commodities could help improve the current ag economy.

Pete Ricketts tells Brownfield industry leaders in Nebraska are working to diversify market opportunities. 

“One of the things we can do with our soybeans is feed them to our livestock sector first, and then sell those products overseas,” he says. “That’s all value-added agriculture, which means we are economically better off when we add value to our corn and soybeans before we sell them overseas.”

He says biofuels are another way to grow domestic demand. 

“We need to get E-15 all year round, which would really help out our corn farmers,” he says. “Getting the EPA to give us a waiver is great, but we need the legislation in place to make that permanent.”

During his weekly call with reporters, Ricketts says the Trump administration says it remains committed to negotiating new trade deals.