Poll: Rural Nebraskans concerned about biosecurity, hopeful for bioeconomy
Lincoln, Nebraska, Dec. 4, 2025 — Rural Nebraskans are familiar with the need to protect the health of their land, food and communities. According to the 2025 Nebraska Rural Poll, most are familiar with the idea of biosecurity, and many are concerned about threats from contaminated water and invasive species, cyberattacks and natural disasters. The new report highlights Nebraskans’ opinions on these risks, whom they trust for information and how they see the state’s bioeconomy shaping the future.
Biosecurity
Biosecurity refers to actions taken to protect animal health, farm productivity, export markets and rural livelihoods. Forty-nine percent of rural Nebraskans surveyed say they are somewhat familiar with the topic of biosecurity and 10% are very familiar. Twenty-one percent say they are not at all familiar with the topic.
When asked about specific biosecurity threats, most respondents are concerned or very concerned with the following:
> Contamination of food or water supplies (67%)
> Cybersecurity attacks by foreign entities (65%)
> Natural disasters, including severe droughts and fires (63%)
> Intentional release of biological agents or materials (59%)
> Cybersecurity attacks by U.S. entities (56%)
> Introduction of invasive species (53%)
Less than half of respondents are concerned or very concerned about the spread of infectious human and animal diseases or plant insects and pathogens.
“It’s no surprise that biosecurity concerns are highest around issues people see and experience firsthand, such as drought, wildfires and the safety of their food and water,” said Becky Vogt, Rural Poll survey manager. “These perceptions reflect how closely biosecurity is tied to everyday rural life — from the stability of local agriculture to the health of our communities.”
Though rural Nebraskans are concerned about the possibility of biosecurity threats, only 15% of respondents have heard of incidents or concerns in their community. Seventy-six percent have not heard of any incidents or concerns, and 9% are unsure.
In a similar vein, many respondents are not sure if threats are getting worse:
> 37% are unsure if threats are increasing or decreasing
> 32% say threats are staying the same
> 27% say threats are increasing
Many rural Nebraskans surveyed are confident in the ability of local and regional authorities to respond to biosecurity threats, but slightly fewer have confidence in national authorities. Forty-one percent of respondents are somewhat or extremely confident in local and regional authorities, and 35% are confident in national authorities.
In addition, most respondents agree that both individuals and government regulations are needed to contribute to biosecurity. Most agree or strongly agree that individuals have a responsibility to contribute to biosecurity (71%) and that government regulations are necessary to ensure biosecurity (67%).
However, opinions are mixed on whether information about biosecurity is readily available to the public. Twenty-three percent agree that such information is available, while 31% disagree. About 45% are uncertain.
When looking specifically at the biosecurity information sources they use, most rural Nebraskans trust health care professionals, scientists, university Extension, state and local news media, and government agencies for biosecurity information.
More than half of rural Nebraskans surveyed trust the following some or a lot:
> University Extension (86%)
> Health care professionals (80%)
> Scientists (79%)
> State government agencies (69%)
> Local government agencies (67%)
> State news media (54%)
> Local news media (53%)
> Federal government agencies (51%)
“Even though most rural Nebraskans haven’t seen biosecurity incidents in their own communities, they still recognize the importance of being prepared,” said Heather Akin, associate professor in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication. “But what stands out is how much people trust their local sources — extension educators, health care professionals and local agencies. That trust is a real strength for rural communities and can make all the difference when it comes to sharing clear information and keeping people and resources safe.”
Bioeconomy
The Rural Poll also asked about the bioeconomy — using renewable biological resources to sustainably produce food, energy and bio-based materials. Most respondents think it would be good for Nebraska to develop its bioeconomy. Seventy-six percent believe it would be somewhat or definitely good to develop the state’s bioeconomy, while only 5 percent think it would be bad.
When thinking about the specific impacts of growing the bioeconomy, at least half of rural Nebraskans surveyed believe there would be a positive impact from growing the bioeconomy on the following:
> Jobs and the economy (72%)
> The environment (64%)
> Technology and innovation (61%)
> Local communities (61%)
> Global competitiveness (50%)
“Rural Nebraskans see the bioeconomy as a chance to build on the strengths that already exist in their communities,” said Brad Lubben, associate professor of agricultural economics. “They recognize that using renewable resources to produce food, energy and materials can create local jobs, support family businesses and keep Nebraska competitive while still protecting our environment.”
The “Biosecurity and Bioeconomy” report and its implications for rural Nebraska will be highlighted during a Rural Poll webinar at noon Dec. 11. Vogt will lead the discussion with special guest Meghan Jackson, director for food, agriculture and environment security at the National Strategic Research Institute. The webinar will include a Q&A session with the audience. Register here.
The 2025 Nebraska Rural Poll marks the 30th year of tracking rural Nebraskans’ perceptions about policy and quality of life, making it the largest and longest-running poll of its kind. This summer, questionnaires were mailed to more than 6,700 Nebraska households, with 943 households from 86 of the state’s 93 counties responding. The poll carries a margin of error of plus-or-minus 3%. Conducted by Rural Prosperity Nebraska with funding from Nebraska Extension, the Rural Poll provides three decades of data on the voices of rural Nebraskans. Current and past reports are available at https://ruralpoll.unl.edu.