A-FAN Helps Farmers and Ranchers Bring Benefits of Responsible Livestock Production to Rural Communities

LINCOLN, NE—Nebraska farmers and ranchers who are considering adding or expanding livestock production on their operations have a new ally—the Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska—or A-FAN. Created by a coalition of leading agricultural membership groups in the state, A-FAN works one-on-one with individual farmers and ranchers to promote the development of responsible livestock production that helps maintain the quality of life in rural communities.

There is no charge for A-FAN services.

“Strengthening Nebraska’s livestock production comes down to working with one farmer at a time,” said Roger Berry, A-FAN field director. “Each operation and each community has unique characteristics and issues that must be addressed so that livestock production can help maintain the quality of life in the area while also stimulating economic activity and growth.”

Berry works directly with farmers to connect them with the people and technologies that can make their project successful. “We’ll also advise on how best to communicate with neighbors, decision makers and the community regarding their facility and the value it can bring to the area,” he said.

A-FAN can also provide guidance on regulatory compliance, permitting and local approvals.

“We help farmers think through some key considerations, actions and issues involved with their decision regarding livestock production—not only about their facility, but also about their community, their business and their plans for the future of their farm,” Berry added.

According to Berry, the goal of A-FAN is to support Nebraska’s livestock industry by encouraging individual farmers to:

Ensure environmental stewardship by employing the best management practices, sound science and appropriate technology to protect water and soil quality, reduce odor and comply with all regulatory standards.

Develop a sound business plan that increases their chances for success and creates the opportunity for continued operation for the next generation of farm families.

Protect the quality of life in rural areas by helping farmers select the best site for the proposed operation and take into account the interests of the community and neighbors as they develop their enterprise.

Encourage involvement with the community by sharing their intentions with neighbors and inviting dialogue with community leaders and residents.

“As a $6.4 billion-per-year industry, livestock production is the economic engine that drives Nebraska, especially in rural areas,” Berry said. “A-FAN helps farmers and community leaders work together to bring the economic benefits of livestock production to the area in ways that are compatible with the overall objectives of the community.”

“We can no longer think of agriculture as being separate from economic development. In Nebraska, they are one and the same,” Berry added. “Communities that recognize this—and encourage the development of responsible livestock production—are improving their prospects for the future.”

Founding members of A-FAN include the Nebraska Cattlemen, Nebraska Corn Growers Association, Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation, Nebraska Pork Producers Association, Nebraska Poultry Industries, and Nebraska Soybean Association.

Other financial contributors to date include the Nebraska Corn Board, Nebraska Soybean Board, Farm Credit Services of America, Hall County Farm Bureau, Lancaster County Farm Bureau, York County Farm Bureau, Nebraska Bankers Association, Nebraska Ag Relations Council, Nebraska Agri-business Association, and Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board.

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 1.888.580.2326 (1.888.580.AFAN).