Lincoln, NE – Today, Mike Johanns, candidate for U.S. Senate, received the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation PAC designation as a "Friend of Agriculture," the sole endorsement of the state's largest voluntary agriculture organization. Mike Johanns joined Nebraska Farm Bureau President Keith Olsen and Nebraska Farm Bureau First Vice President and PAC Chair Steve Nelson at press conferences at family farms near Lincoln and Hastings to announce the endorsement.

Upon the announcement, Mike Johanns said, "It is an honor to have the backing of the Nebraska Farm Bureau and their thousands of members across our state. Agriculture has always played an important role throughout my life and this state's farmers and ranchers have a longstanding relationship with me and know agriculture will be a top priority for me in the U.S. Senate. Nebraskans can trust that starting on day one, I will work across party lines on behalf of our state's farmers and ranchers and continue fighting for policies that will ensure we remain world leaders in agriculture."

Mike Johanns has fought for Nebraska farmers and ranchers to lead the way in alternative energy production by supporting the growth of the state's corn-based and cellulosic ethanol production as Governor and Secretary of Agriculture. He has also played an instrumental role in opening new markets for Nebraska's agricultural products through fair trade agreements with other nations.

Nebraska Farm Bureau First Vice President Steve Nelson added, "Mike Johanns understands that good agricultural policy is more than just providing a critical safety net for agricultural producers, which he did in his Farm Bill proposal. He understands that for agriculture in Nebraska to succeed, we also need a comprehensive energy policy, we need good trade policy and we need to keep the tax burden low. For these reasons, along with his unyielding dedication and work on behalf of Nebraska's farmers and ranchers, we have endorsed Mike Johanns."

Mike Johanns has a proven record of leadership on agricultural issues. As Secretary of Agriculture, he traveled the country to hold Farm Bill Forums, and for the first time, farmers and ranchers were able to have a say in the policies incorporated into the Farm Bill. He fought for important reforms to farm payments, while at the same time, ensuring farmers and ranchers were provided with the critical safety net they need. As both Secretary of Agriculture and Governor of Nebraska, he successfully advocated for the re-opening of markets to Nebraska beef, a critical export for our state. And Mike Johanns remains committed to repealing the unfair death tax, which often places an undue burden on our farmers and ranchers.

Mike Johanns also received the endorsement of the Nebraska Farm Bureau in his campaigns for Governor of Nebraska.

The Democratic candidate for Senate, Scott Kleeb received an endorsement from the Nebraska Farmers Union on July 22.