On Sept. 13, Lt. Gov. Mike Foley announced York County has become the newest county in Nebraska to be designated as a Livestock Friendly County (LFC) through a program administered by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.

"York County has all the tools necessary to grow the existing $112 million in market value of livestock they currently enjoy," Foley said. "Their decision to become livestock-friendly will help grow livestock development for years to come."

OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH: "York County has all the tools necessary to grow the existing $112 million in market value of livestock they currently enjoy," said Lt. Gov. Mike Foley.

Created in 2003 by the Nebraska Legislature, the LFC program is designed to recognize counties in the state that support the expansion of the livestock industry. In 2014, livestock receipts in the state comprised over half of the $24 billion of Nebraska's total on-farm receipts.

According to NDA, the LFC designation gives counties an extra promotional tool to encourage expansion of current livestock operations and attract new businesses that spur local economies.

"This is good timing on the part of York County following the recent release of a study conducted by the University of Nebraska," said NDA Director Greg Ibach. "Results of the study provide a good indication that the livestock-friendly designation provides an impetus for livestock development, which of course helps boost economies in our rural areas."

Read about the study results in the article, “Study shows possible benefit of ‘livestock friendly’ designation.”

With the addition of York County, there are now 38 counties designated as LFC through the state program.

Counties wishing to apply for the LFC designation must hold a public hearing, and the county board must pass a resolution to apply for the designation. Then a completed application must be submitted to NDA. Local producers or groups can encourage county officials to apply.

Additional information about the LFC program is available on the NDA website or by calling 800-422-6692.

Source: Nebraska Governor's Office