Pub. 8 2013-2013 Issue 5

January | February 2014 25 Extraordinary Service for Extraordinary Members. Dairies are special operations—not just anyone can operate one. Growth can come from expansion of existing dairies and from dairies that relocate from other parts of the country. The Nebraska State Dairy Association, Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (A-FAN), and Nebraska Department of Agriculture have teamed up to help encourageNebraska dairy farmers to expand and to reach out to out-of-state dairies to let them know they are welcome and needed in Nebraska. Dairies have a tremendous impact on a local economy. Economists from the Nebraska Public Power District estimate that a 2,000-head dairy will generate $10 million in economic activity in a local economy every year. This does not even include the pro- cessing sector. Opportunities in Cattle The impact of long-term drought in the southern plains has drasti- cally changed the economics of feed- ing cattle in the south, and a northern shift in feedlot production has started. Nebraska’s feedlots have the capac- ity, feed, and water to capitalize on this opportunity, and our processing infrastructure also positions us for success. Nebraska is anticipated to surpass Texas and become the No. 1 cattle-feeding state in the nation in the near future. Additional growth opportunities could include feeding heifers for dair- ies and feeding dairy steers; oppor- tunities for backgrounding also may exist, particularly as feedstuff prices moderate. Moving Forward While we noted three sectors above, we also have anecdotal infor- mation that points toward opportu- nity for growth in the poultry and egg sector. The main point is, regardless of the species, Nebraska is in an ex- cellent position to continue to grow our No. 1 industry. However, it will take a concerted effort to get the job done, and that includes help from the banking community. As lenders and financial advisers, Nebraska bankers hold a great deal of influence. You know whether your clients might be in a position to diversify or grow their operation. We would be happy to discuss with you the opportunities we are hearing about through our work at NDA. Adding livestock won’t work for every farmer, but identifying those Greg Ibach is director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and the owner/ operator of a crop and livestock operation in central Nebraska. Reach Ibach at (402) 471- 2341 or greg.ibach@nebraska.gov . we’re Always CLOSE BY NetWorks is the Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) service provider that Nebraskans have used and learned to trust like family for over 30 years. Since our offices are right here in Nebraska, you can count on us to provide quick and personalized service for all of your EFT needs. Give us a call and let’s talk about how we can simplify EFT for you. You will talk with a fellow Nebraskan and not some automated system. www.netseft.com Toll Free 800-735-6833 Local 402-434-8202 for whom it will work is important for the state of Nebraska. Livestock adds value to crops, creates jobs, and gen- erates economic activity that benefits everyone, from the small rural com- munities to the largest cities. Nebraska can seize this opportu- nity for livestock growth and reap the rewards that come with it. 