LINCOLN — Gov. Jim Pillen signed a pair of executive orders Thursday aimed at easing cost burdens for Nebraska’s agricultural producers on the same day a like-minded initiative was announced for the 2028 election cycle. The first executive order suspends diesel taxes for vehicles transporting Nebraska seasonally produced products or livestock for the next 90 days, effective immediately. Pillen said Nebraska ag workers can keep track of their fuel receipts and get refunds on their diesel taxes during this period.

According to a press release, the same executive order also allows highway-registered vehicles to hold, sell or use untaxed, dyed diesel fuel without facing state penalties. The second executive order raises weight limits for vehicles transporting seasonal products and livestock, increasing the maximum up to 25% over the current limits without requiring extra permits or fees. Pillen said this will allow Nebraska farmers to fill their trailers as much as they need without worrying about state restrictions. Pillen said both measures are intended to ease the energy burden on farmers during a period of higher fuel prices and continued impacts of historic wildfires in western Nebraska.

Wahoo farmer Doug Bartek said there is a lot of uncertainty in the state’s agricultural industry right now, primarily due to diesel and fertilizer prices. Though he said the executive orders aren’t a “silver bullet,” they will help.

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