NEWS RELEASE
Rural Development can assist livestock producers
The livestock and poultry industry is critical to rural communities and to the state as a whole.
LINCOLN, NE — The economic benefits of livestock and poultry producers to rural Nebraska and the state as a whole are well known to those at the USDA Rural Development Nebraska office.
“Livestock and poultry producers provide critical jobs and economic activity to rural communities,” said Scot Blehm, Nebraska state director for USDA Rural Development. “Expanding the livestock sector benefits the economic vitality of Nebraska.”
However, Blehm said, USDA Rural Development is also aware that the livestock industry faces challenges from communities and neighbors over the issue of managing waste that comes with livestock production. “Well-managed facilities that follow the rules can and do fit in well with communities across the state,” he said. “Some producers choose to make the best use of their waste stream by turning it into a renewable energy resource. Rural Development can help.”
Blehm explained that USDA Rural Development has several programs that can assist livestock producers interested in adding value via on-farm conversion of their livestock waste into renewable energy. “One area of focus is anaerobic digesters, which can collect and convert methane from waste into electricity, and produces a quality fertilizer, soil amendments, and compost,” he said.
Via a grant, USDA Rural Development helped a hog producer in Dodge, Neb., construct a digester that allowed the operation to expand, controlling odor and producing electricity in the process.
“Digesters have been shown to work in a variety of situations,” Blehm said. “They are good environmentally by improving air and water quality, and also provide the societal benefits that can help to change a community’s attitude about livestock production.”
Blehm said even though digesters are not for everyone, they are an option many producers can consider. “The most important thing, though, is to simply be responsible, a good neighbor and a good manager,” Blehm said. “Those are the ideals of the Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska, and we couldn’t agree more. They are important for the success of all producers.”
USDA Rural Development provides direct and guaranteed loans and grants totaling over $100 million annually to rural areas of Nebraska for housing, community facilities, utilities, business, value-added activities, energy, and telecommunications.
A-FAN is a non-profit agriculture promotion, education and producer assistance organization. It was formed in 2006 by Nebraska producer organizations to support the expansion of responsible livestock production across the state. Farmers, ranchers and communities interested in learning more about the services provided by A-FAN are encouraged to visit www.A-FAN.org or call toll free 1.888.580.AFAN (1.888.580.2326).
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MEDIA: For more information, contact Vicki Ritterling of USDA Rural Development at 402.437.5563 or A-FAN’s Roger Berry at 402.710.1110 or 888.580.2326.
NOTE: To view a commentary by Scot Blehm about livestock production and how USDA Rural Development can help producers, click here.