Independent Mark Cohen Gathers Experts to Reshape Federal Policy
HALL COUNTY – October 12, 2026 – Independent U.S. House candidate Mark Cohen will host an Ag Solutions Summit in Wood River on October 15th. Panelists will include Nebraska Farmers Union president John Hansen, rancher and broadcaster Trent Loos, and other experts.
The purpose of the event is for Cohen to listen to industry leaders and ag community members so participants can formulate bold solutions Cohen can propose if elected. Cohen explained, “I practiced law in Nebraska during the farm crisis in the 1980s. We’re in another farm crisis, but for different reasons. The name-calling and gridlock in Washington are not helping Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers. I have some ideas but want to hear from the folks who get their hands dirty every day and who are willing to think outside the box.”
“Farmers and ranchers are facing many issues that include tariffs, water shortages, and high fuel prices, to name a few,” Cohen said. “Business as usual is not acceptable. I’m hopeful this event can help Nebraska lead America by taking a step back and formulating solutions the two parties are afraid to consider.”
“I’m excited about this event,” said John Hansen, NeFU President. “Our nation’s farm and trade policies are closely intertwined, outdated, and do not reflect the reality and challenges today’s world poses. The lack of competition in ag supply markets as well as livestock and grain markets is squeezing generations-old farming and ranching operations out of business. The government’s efforts to enforce decades-old antitrust legislation are anemic at best. The status quo is not working for family farm and ranch families. We need fewer economic challenges and more economic opportunities so our kids can pick up the reins and see a future that works for them.”
The event will be held at Babel’s Barn, 510 W. Old Military Road, Wood River, Nebraska from 10 a.m. until noon.
Cohen’s team plans to record the event for those unable to attend.
Cohen is a former Air Force Judge Advocate who earned an advanced degree in agricultural law. He lives in Lemoyne. He is the only independent in the race for the U.S. House in Nebraska’s Third District.