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McCook Gazette

Hayes County designated 'Livestock Friendly'

Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Gov. Pete Ricketts speaks at Tuesday's event in Hayes Center designating the county as "Livestock Friendly." (Governor Ricketts' office)

HAYES CENTER -- Tuesday, Governor Pete Ricketts announced that Hayes County has become the newest county in the state to become designated as a Livestock Friendly County through a program administered by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.

"Hayes County's location and abundance of natural resources makes it a perfect fit as part of the Livestock Friendly County program," said Gov. Ricketts.

"The citizens of Hayes County are committed to agriculture and have proven they want to Grow Nebraska."

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.

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

"It was apparent from Hayes County's application that they recognize the critical tie between a successful agriculture sector and a thriving local economy," said NDA Assistant Director Bobbie Kriz-Wickham. "I applaud county leadership for seeking this designation as a way to encourage responsible livestock growth."

With the addition of Hayes County, there are now 35 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 www.nda.nebraska.gov or by calling 800-422-6692.

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  • So they're going to allow hog operations to be built.

    -- Posted by Hugh Jassle on Sun, Sep 27, 2015, at 5:48 PM

  • Hayes County has always been a very friendly economic environment, a great bank, neighbors, and county officials that are willing to work with any farmer/livestock producer.

    We need to address taxation. State income tax, sales taxes, inventory, and much lower property taxes can be achieved by placing "cattle on wheels", buying health certificates and making a home for them in Texas.

    "Borderbleed" is something we must consider, we must remember that we are operating in a global economy to remain competitive.

    Lets do what we can to keep Hayes County Cattle in Hayes County. Lower the taxes on the cattle producers.

    -- Posted by Darren Delton on Mon, Sep 28, 2015, at 2:09 PM
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