About

 

The purpose of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is twofold: to encourage and promote the interest of agriculture through advocacy and education; and to fufill NDA's regulatory responsibilities as defined by statute.

It takes a team effort to effectively serve the citizens of Nebraska. NDA employees working directly in these three core focus areas are supported by shared services. This includes laboratory personnel, as well as those who provide investigative, administrative, communications, legal, technology and budgetary services.

Through this work, NDA supports you in your everyday life, supports farmers, ranchers and the agriculture industry, and supports the state of Nebraska.

Contact Us
Ag Promotion and Development
  • Promoting and facilitating the sale of Nebraska agricultural goods to the state, nation and world.
  • Helping the next generation of farmers get started, and working with farmers to maintain their operations.
  • Teaching people about the work of farmers and ranchers, and emphasizing the important role of farming and ranching in Nebraska’s economy.
  • Providing marketing and industry support to farmers and ranchers through education and information sharing.
  • Grow, promote, and defend Nebraska agriculture.

Programs: Farmers Market Nutrition Programs; NextGen Beginning Farmer Program; Negotiations Farm Mediation; Nebraska Our Best to You; Proud to Buy Nebraska; Domestic and International Trade; Poultry and Egg; Potato Development; Promotional Directories; Livestock Friendly County Program; Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, RFSI

 

Animal and Plant Health Protection
  • Monitoring the health of livestock and poultry through disease preparedness, control, and eradication.
  • Enforcing import regulations so only healthy animals enter the state, which protects Nebraska’s animal population.
  • Protecting animals, people and the environment by educating and licensing those who manufacture feed for livestock and apply chemicals to crops.
  • Enforcing import regulations so only health nursery stock enters the state, which protects Nebraska's nursery stock.
  • Enforcing regulations covering the application of pesticides including everything from home lawns to crops.
  • Surveying for, and if found, helping eradicate pests and weeds that can devalue or destroy crops, nursery plants and forests.

Programs: Commercial Dog and Cat Inspection Program; Animal Import Orders; Avian Influenza Prevention; BSE Prevention; Noxious Weed Program; Commercial and Private Pesticide Applicators Licensing; Entomology including Apiary and Plant Pest Surveying; Feed and Fertilizer Licensing; Rendering; Plant Nursery Licensing; Commercial Seed Licensing; Auction Market Licensing

 

Food Safety and Consumer Protection
  • Inspecting restaurants, grocery stores and other food establishments, as well as food processors for sanitary conditions and food safety practices.
  • Checking the accuracy of commercial weighing and measuring devices including fuel pumps and scales ranging from grocery stores to livestock and railroad scales.
  • Testing milk for quality at the farm, in transit, and at the manufacturing plant, ensuring finished dairy products are fresh and safe to consume.

Programs: Food, Dairy, and Weights & Measures Licensing and Inspection

 

Director's Office