Cornhusker State News

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, has announced the advancement of $16 million in additional funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) facility at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Innovation Campus. The funds were included in the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which is now pending consideration on the Senate Floor.

“The USDA Ag Research Service facility located at UNL will be a hub for world class agricultural innovation. That’s why I was pleased to advocate for this funding to construct the second phase of the ARS Center, which will continue to help attract students, scientists, and industry leaders who are focused on turning valuable research into tangible products for our farmers and ranchers,” Fischer said.

In addition to the ARS facility funding, Fischer secured $1.5 million for the National Drought Mitigation Center at UNL. She also advocated for prioritizing ARS research related to the beef industry at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) in Clay Center, Nebraska. The appropriations act includes requirements for USDA to streamline contracting and procurement services for livestock research facilities, aimed at helping USMARC manage cost overruns associated with facility improvements.