Gov. Heineman, NDA Announce Dawes County Certified as Livestock Friendly

(Chadron, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman announced the official designation of Dawes County as the fifth Livestock Friendly County in Nebraska under a state program coordinated by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA). Dawes County joins Morrill, Hitchcock, Webster and Keith counties as Livestock Friendly. The Governor made the announcement during the Young Farmers Barbeque lunch at the Dawes County Fairgrounds in Chadron.

“Dawes County continues to make strong commitments supportive of rural economic development and agriculture,” Gov. Heineman said. “This program recognizes the positive economic impact that a viable livestock industry has on communities across our state. Pursuing a Livestock Friendly designation is evidence that local officials view their local livestock industry as a vital part of their future, and it shows they are prepared to pursue new opportunities.”

NDA Assistant Director Neil Moseman joined the Governor in presenting the formal notice to representatives from Dawes County of its certification as a Livestock Friendly County. The county also will receive road signs bearing the program logo, which they can display with existing county signs along highways. Dawes County Commission Chairman Gary Fisher accepted the designation.

Gov. Heineman said, “Our livestock producers represent approximately 65 percent of our state’s agricultural receipts, so we know the important impact of this industry on the ability of Nebraska’s economy to grow.  Livestock production is rooted in the land of Dawes County, and the county is naturally suited to livestock production, particularly cattle production.”

“We are pleased to welcome Dawes County to this program,” said Moseman.  “.The county’s Livestock Friendly County application reflected the fact that Dawes County is a leader in beef cow production.”

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.

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.

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