Nebraska Gov. Heineman, NDA Announce Adams County Certified as Livestock Friendly

August 29, 2007 -- (Ayr, NE) Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman and Agriculture Director Greg Ibach announced the official designation of Adams County as a Livestock Friendly County in Nebraska. The declaration is determined under a state program coordinated by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA).

Adams County joins Webster County, Morrill, Hitchcock, Keith Dawes and Wayne Counties in being certified as Livestock Friendly. The announcement was made at the Paul and Patty Berger Feedlot, located south of Hastings.

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“Adams County officials have shown their strong commitment to rural economic development and agriculture,” Gov. Heineman said. “The Livestock Friendly program recognizes the positive economic impact that a viable livestock industry has on communities across our state. A strong livestock industry has a significant role as a marketplace for local grain production and affects local economies through equipment and supply purchases and contracted professional services.

“Pursuing a Livestock Friendly designation shows local officials’ dedication to the livestock industry and a recognition that it needs to be a vital part of their future. This designation represents local officials’ desire to pursue new opportunities in agribusiness.”

NDA Director Greg Ibach joined the Governor in presenting the certification to Larry Woodman, Chairman of the Adams County Board of Supervisors and other representatives. Members of the Blue Hill FFA Chapter also attended the event. The county will receive road signs bearing the program logo to display along highways.

Ibach said, “These FFA members represent, in great part, what today’s event is about. A strong livestock sector can provide a host of employment opportunities for our youth.”

To apply for a livestock friendly designation, a county must hold a public hearing, secure a declaration acknowledging the importance of livestock to the well-being of the county, submit a narrative that describes how the county meets the intent of the Livestock Friendly County program, and provide copies of the documents and regulations associated with site-selection criteria for livestock operations in a given county, if applicable.

Additional information about the Livestock Friendly County program is available by contacting the NDA at 800-422-6692 or by visiting the NDA Web Site at http://www.agr.ne.gov, and clicking the Livestock Friendly County box.

Source: Nebraska Governor