Farm-City week

Dear Editor,

National Farm-City Week is Nov. 21-27, the week leading up to Thanksgiving. It celebrates the interdependence of farm and city people, and it seems like the perfect time to highlight how both rural and urban Nebraskans benefit from our state's livestock industry.

Agriculture is our state's No. 1 industry and livestock production is its biggest part, contributing $6.1 billion to Nebraska's economy each year. Everyone benefits directly or indirectly. Livestock production adds value to the corn and soybean grown by Nebraska farmers. Proceeds from livestock producers' lines of credit enable banks to make additional loans for cars, homes and small businesses. Trucks that carry livestock, grain and meat pay millions of dollars in fuel and road taxes, and help to fund highway construction and repair across our state.

The consistent energy requirements of livestock production help utilities operate more efficiently, resulting in lower rates for all customers. The millions of dollars in taxes paid by livestock producers keep Nebraskans' personal tax bill lower and help rural areas. In many rural school districts, livestock producers are the primary source of local revenue.

Perhaps most significantly, livestock production creates jobs for other Nebraskans, many in our cities, in processing, marketing, distribution and retailing. Many of our state's largest employers are linked directly to the success of the livestock industry.

These facts come from a new campaign called "Nebraska Livestock -- We're All Shareholders," which is being sponsored by a broad coalition of agricultural and other organizations. It reminds us that all Nebraskans benefit from our livestock industry, and that the industry's success results from rural and urban people working together.

Sincerely,

David Ladenbarger

Hitchcock County