OMAHA, NEBRASKA (RFD News) — Nebraska lawmakers are taking steps to strengthen digital privacy protections for farmers by passing a bill that would prohibit the sale of agricultural data unless a farmer gives written consent.
The proposed Ag Data Privacy Act classifies farm data as a proprietary business asset, requiring companies to obtain permission separate from standard terms-of-service agreements. If companies do not comply, they could face a $1,000 fine.
The bill has not yet been signed into law, but Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen voiced support for a similar measure last year.
The issue is also being addressed at the University of Nebraska, where researchers say tools like sensors, GPS, and cloud-based technology are helping move agriculture forward, but also pose potential entry points for cyber threats. That concern led the university to launch an Ag Security Center to help protect more than 40,000 acres of research land.
Officials say many of the technologies used on farms today are also widely available to consumers, making them potential targets.
Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins discusses the potential impact of data center growth on farmland, the Landowner Fairness Act, and key priorities for Missouri farmers heading into planting season.
March 12, 2026 03:04 PM
·
A man accused of orchestrating a nationwide cattle investment fraud scheme has been arrested in California after being on the FBI’s wanted list.
March 12, 2026 11:33 AM
·
ASFMRA’s Craig Thompson shares insights for American farmers who are navigating farmland markets amid agricultural uncertainty.
March 11, 2026 04:04 PM
·
OHFB President Bill Patterson shares an update from Washington on the group’s policy priorities and the issues shaping agriculture ahead of the 2026 planting season.
March 11, 2026 03:34 PM
·
Ben Kurtzman with American Farmland Trust discusses the growing pressure on farmland and ranchland and the steps being taken to help conserve farms and ranches across the country ,as unrest in the Middle East adds more obstacles for producers.
March 11, 2026 03:18 PM
·
Former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and Kansas congressman Dan Glickman joined RFD News to share his outlook on agricultural policy, bipartisan cooperation, and the challenges facing farmers today.
March 11, 2026 11:24 AM
·
