President, Nebraska Farm Bureau
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Diversification, both on and off the farm, drives Mark McHargue’s views on the present and future of agriculture. So does keeping his cool.
McHargue is a fourth-generation farmer from central Nebraska and the president of the Nebraska Farm Bureau. He is measured by nature. And he doesn’t think ranting and yelling at elected officials about how devastating the federal funding freeze could be for family farmers will make them act any faster.
RELATED: Mark McHargue is closely following what could happen to Nebraska’s agricultural exports if President Donald Trump has a prolonged tariff battle with Mexico, especially corn.
Nebraska’s top overall exports are corn, soybeans, beef, ethanol, and pork, according to the state’s department of agriculture.
Staying measured and staying patient are key right now.
“…in this situation I think we can look back historically,” McHargue told American Farmland Owner from his home in Central City, Nebraska.
“President Trump was in office (during his first term from 2017-2021), and so we did get a glimpse into how he functions his thought process…whether you like it or not…His manner of getting things done is to go in, be disruptive, get all the balls up in the air, gets conversations going.”
Yes, it can be chaotic, he acknowledges as producers like himself wait for the Trump administration and agency leaders to review spending priorities.
“Then it seems like he kind of has the way of working that out. But sometimes it does take a little while. So, that's what I'm basing part of my measured approach because of knowing that's a little bit how he functions.”
RELATED: Mark McHargue explained the importance of Mexico dropping its opposition to GMO from the United States. Read his thoughts here.
McHargue has worked to minimize risk for his own farm operations by spreading out interests. His farm includes irrigated corn, popcorn, soybeans, plus a nursery and finishing hog operation.
The farm uses a combination of production methods. It is approximately 45% organic and 55% traditional. The decision to go organic was not made simply as a trend or belief in a food movement but as a business decision based on the farm's resources.
McHargue explained that the farm operates a hog operation, producing manure that -- rather than being used as a substitute for commercial fertilizers -- is instead applied to organic crops.
Since organic farming requires alternative nutrient sources due to restrictions on chemical fertilizers, the hog manure provides a sustainable solution, creating a marketable advantage.
Looking back at the economic downturns of 2008 and 2019, McHargue saw an opportunity in the growing demand for organic products. He observed that during recessions, grocery shelves dedicated to organic products continued to grow, even when consumers faced financial strain.
This not only provided a market opportunity but also reinforced his belief in diversifying the farm’s operations to include organic crops.
“It wasn’t about a passion for organic food,” he said. “It was a decision rooted in strategy. We took a hard look at our farm’s resources and saw organic as a valuable market opportunity, especially with the rise of consumer demand for organic products during tough times.”
His diversification extended beyond the farm. He builds houses, too, with his son. Together, they own and operate McHargue Builders. His son didn’t share all his father’s passion for working on the farm. But by building homes, they help to sustain the agricultural community.
“The farm business isn't just about crops,” McHargue explained. “It’s about looking at all the resources we have and asking ourselves, ‘What else can we do?’ We started building homes as a way to diversify and reinvest in our rural community. It’s given us a broader perspective, and it’s helped revitalize the area by bringing in new residents.”
RELATED: Mark McHargue and his wife, Judi, are passionate supporters of the National Angelman Syndrome Foundation, an organization committed to finding a cure. Angelman Syndrome is a genetic disorder that can involve the nervous system and limit the ability to speak.
The McHargues’ daughter, Charis, has been diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome. The foundation launched Angelman Strong, which will hold a series of fundraising walks/runs across the country on May 17th.
