State leaders present Nebraska state threat assessment, emphasizing agricultural security

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Governor Jim Pillen joined Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly and Adjutant General Craig Strong at the Nebraska National Guard Air Base to present the annual Nebraska state threat assessment.

The assessment outlined risks specific to the Cornhusker state that other countries could expose.

According to the Lieutenant Governor, a few countries of concern include China, North Korea, Russia, Iran, Cuba and Venezuela.

“What are the implications for Nebraska if there is an armed conflict in the Pacific?” Kelly said.

The report was prepared by the Committee on Pacific Conflict — an 11-member group chaired by Lt. Gov. Kelly — established under LB1300 in 2024.

According to Kelly, the committee met four times in 2025 to discuss how to best keep Nebraska safe.

“This year we tried to make a focus on agriculture security, agriculture as a strategic infrastructure,” he said. “We know that here in Nebraska, the defense starts with the 44 million acres of land.”

State leaders emphasized Nebraska’s role as a key agricultural producer.

Adjutant General Craig Strong highlighted how disruptions could have serious economic and security consequences.

“Nebraska’s agricultural and physical landscape is not just an economic engine, it’s a critical military platform,” he said.

Other points of emphasis raised by the Lieutenant Governor include experts in agriculture and food security, cybersecurity, power generators, federal law enforcement, international investments, and international procurement.

One of Governor Pillen’s biggest messages for the people is to shop local instead of looking overseas.

“Stop buying stuff made in China. Stop buying it,” he said. “Do business with your neighbors. Do business with Main Street Nebraska. That is the greatest form of security that we can do.”

By law, Governor Pillen must publish the threat assessment before delivering the annual State of the State Address on January 15.