Videos provide insight into modern livestock operations

LINCOLN, NE (January 28, 2008)—A series of new internet-based videos released by the Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (A-FAN) give viewers a chance to see modern livestock operations up close and personal in a way that most people never experience. The videos cover a range of topics, including how farmers care for animals, how they protect the environment and steps they take to support their local communities.

“We believe it’s extremely important in this day and age that Nebraskans and others around the country have a true picture of how their food is produced and a chance to get to know the people that are producing it for them. These videos give people a chance to hear directly from Nebraska farmers who work everyday to provide the food and fiber that keeps Nebraska and America going,” said Roger Berry, A-FAN Field Director. “It’s a chance for Nebraskans to get to know real Nebraska farm families.”

The five videos highlight livestock farmers involved in the Prairieland Dairy near Firth, Nebraska, and Ranchland Pork, LLC, near Osceola, Nebraska. The videos are available for viewing by visiting the new A-FAN website at www.A-FAN.org. The videos are also available on the popular video site YouTube, where A-FAN has created a Nebraska Agriculture channel. For a link to the channel, go to www.A-FAN.org.

A-FAN is also producing additional videos that highlight the care farmers and ranchers provide for their animals in today’s modern livestock operations. Set A-FAN’s new website as your home page so you can see these new videos as they are added.

According to Berry, the purpose of the videos is to help reconnect the public at large with agriculture, a connection that has been lost over generations as fewer and fewer people live and work on a farm or have direct ties to farming.

“People want to feel good about where their food comes from. The reality is that farmers feel the same way. They care very much about the land and their animals and work very hard to ensure a viable food supply. Farmers have a tremendous amount in common with their urban counterparts when it comes to community values. The videos give audiences the chance to see this first hand, while learning about modern food production,” said Berry.

As for the A-FAN website, Berry said some design modifications and other work was necessary as the organization looked to incorporate video and audio. In addition to the current line-up of videos, a number of audio reports are available on the site as well.

“The A-FAN website is a great first-stop for those looking to expand or build a livestock operation. It explains what A-FAN does and why,” Berry said. “The site also contains information on economic development and other information pertinent to community members and leaders.”

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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