Open Ag Tech for Nebraska: Empower Independent Corn Producers

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The Issue

Having lived in Nebraska for the past five years, I've seen firsthand that corn is not just a crop here; it's the backbone of our economy and a lifeline for countless family farms. These farmers, who pour their sweat and devotion into every harvest, often face the daunting task of deciding whether to "harvest or hold" their produce amid volatile market conditions. Unlike corporate giants armed with expensive proprietary software, these family farms rely mostly on intuition, lacking access to predictive analytics that could safeguard their livelihoods.

Conversations with local grain producers revealed this stark disparity. Family farmers are at the mercy of unpredictable grain markets without the data-driven insights that machine learning can provide. However, there is a solution within reach. By expanding access to free, open-source machine learning tools like my Nebraska Corn Price Forecaster capstone project, we can empower local farmers with the tools they need to make informed, data-backed decisions. My model has been validated through rigorous evaluation at state and local science symposia (including MSEF and NJAS), and the open-source platform simulates price volatility and offers transparent, actionable insights, leveling the playing field for these essential members of our community.

The time for change is now. We propose that the Nebraska Department of Agriculture partner with local universities and tech organizations to facilitate access to such open-source tools for family farmers across Nebraska. By investing in these resources, we can protect the agricultural heritage of Nebraska, ensure economic stability for our farming families, and contribute to the broader economic health of our state.

Support the backbone of Nebraska's economy—our independent corn producers. Urge the Nebraska Department of Agriculture to take action and help our family farms thrive. Please sign this petition to help us bring about this vital change. Your signature can make a difference for every farmer who works tirelessly to put food on our tables and fuel in our tanks.

🌽 Test the Forecaster App: https://corn-price-predictor-economic-state.streamlit.app/
📺 Watch Video Tutorials on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CornPriceForecastNE
💼 Connect on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmy-chen-0a5531344/
🌐 Follow Campaign Updates on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Nebraska-Corn-Price-Forecast/61593066518259/

avatar of the starter
Jimmy ChenPetition StarterHigh school researcher and UNL Cultivate ACCESS Scholar passionate about open-source agtech. Creator of the Nebraska Corn Price Forecaster, working to bring data-driven market insights to independent family farms across Nebraska.

The Decision Makers

Jim Pillen
Nebraska Governor

Petition Updates