Gov. Heineman, NDA Announce Keith County
Certification as Livestock Friendly

(Kearney, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman announced the official designation of Keith County as the fourth Livestock Friendly County in Nebraska under a state program coordinated by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA). Keith County joins Morrill, Hitchcock and Webster counties as Livestock Friendly. The Governor made the announcement during a luncheon session of the 19th Annual Governor's Ag Conference in Kearney.

"Keith County continues to make strong commitments supportive of rural 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 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 Director Greg Ibach joined the Governor in presenting the formal notice to representatives from Keith 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. Keith County Commissioner Bill O'Connor accepted the designation.

"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," Gov. Heineman said. "Adding a new producer or related company is an economic development success that is every bit as important as bringing a new company to one of our communities."

Ibach said, "We are pleased to welcome Keith County to this program. The livestock industry is a positive economic force, and counties that attain this designation are demonstrating the importance of their agricultural industries and natural resources. It represents a public acknowledgement of the desire to work in partnership for the mutual benefit of the livestock industry and the economic future of Nebraska."

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.