Last week, Gov. Pete Ricketts announced that Burt County had become the newest county in the state to be designated as a Livestock Friendly County (LFC) through a program administered by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.

"Burt County has a rich history in agriculture, and the livestock industry generates millions of dollars in income for the county's farm and ranch families," said Ricketts. "By seeking the Livestock Friendly County designation, the county is sending the message that they want to continue to grow both their county and the state through livestock development."

LIVESTOCK-FRIENDLY: Burt County is the latest county in Nebraska to receive the Livestock Friendly County designation, a program created to recognize counties that support the expansion of the livestock industry.

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 almost $25 billion of Nebraska's total on-farm receipts. The LFC designation gives counties an extra promotional tool to encourage expansion of current livestock operations and attract new businesses that spur local economies.

"Adding new or expanding existing livestock operations can offer opportunities for family members in Burt County to return back to the family operation," said NDA Director Greg Ibach. "Livestock development will also increase local demand for the large stocks of corn, soybeans and grain sorghum produced by Burt County farmers."

With the addition of Burt County, there are now 37 counties designated as Livestock Friendly 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 Livestock Friendly County program is available on the NDA website at nda.nebraska.gov or by calling 800-422-6692.

Source: Nebraska Governor's Office