June 16, 2005

 

Gov. Heineman Designates Morrill County as “Livestock Friendly County”

(Bridgeport, Neb.) Gov. Dave Heineman officially designated Morrill County as a “Livestock Friendly County” under a state program coordinated by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA). Morrill County is the first county in Nebraska to receive the designation.

"By requesting official designation as a Livestock Friendly County, Morrill County officials have made a strong public statement about rural economic development," Gov. Heineman said. "It shows they recognize the livestock industry as a jobs creator, as a market for locally produced grain and as an expansion of the tax base to the benefit of their community, region and state."

The Governor presented Morrill County Commission Chairman Bill Laux with a Livestock Friendly County certificate and unveiled a road sign bearing the program logo. Roads signs will be placed along major highways with existing county identification signs.

Greg Ibach, the Director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, said, "The county's comprehensive plan specifically states that zoning should be established and maintained to protect the agricultural industry. We also noticed that the plan recognizes the need to protect areas of scenic and historical reference. The dual recognition is significant. It outlines a clear path for agriculture, which producers appreciate, while allowing for, and protecting, the balance of other land uses suited for the area."

New Assistant Director of Agriculture Jamie Karl joined the Governor and Ibach for the announcement, along with State Senator Phil Erdman, county government officials and local livestock producers in celebrating the designation.

The Unicameral approved legislation authorizing the Livestock Friendly County program in 2003, and the NDA began the application process in September 2004. Officials from several counties have expressed interest in applying.

To earn a livestock friendly designation, a county must hold a public hearing and secure a declaration that acknowledges 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 their livestock-related zoning requirements.

Bill Laux, Chairman of the Morrill County Commission, said, "Morrill County has always been livestock friendly because people here know the importance of the industry. We recognize that our land and soil resources make us an obvious fit for both agriculture and livestock-based activities. These same resources make us a tourist destination with a very positive quality of life. Our zoning regulations responsibly balance these different land uses. We are pleased to be able to utilize the state's designation as a promotional tool to say, 'We are open for business.'"

 

 

 

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