Facing up to the 'livestock friendly' issue

Do the people of Southwest Nebraska support the expansion of the livestock industry? And, if they do, should their zoning boards and county commission members take the additional step of declaring one or more of the southwest counties as "Livestock Friendly?"

That issue became a topic of discussion this week after a staff member from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture came to Trenton. The official, Richard Sanne, was there to present information to members of the Hitchcock County Planning and Zoning Commission and about 25 residents.

While not all have had time to thoroughly study the livestock friendly legislation, a lively discussion is already taking place. The crux of the debate is whether the designation would be in the best interests of all concerned: whether they be members of the public, businesses or livestock producers. In an article in Thursday's Omaha World-Herald, Chris Clayton reports that the Hitchcock Planning and Zoning Commission voted Wednesday to recommend that the county commissioners consider applying.

Among those in favor of the action is Roland Miller of Culbertson, the chairman of the planning commission. He said Hitchcock County needs to prove that livestock facilities are welcome, particularly after lawsuits drove a dairy farm from Hitchcock County to Scott City, Kan. four years ago. However, Pam Potthoff, a member of the planning board, expressed reservations about the livestock friendly designation. She said Hitchcock County's setback requirement are greater than the livestock friendly law specifies.

She also said the regulations would limit housing developments adjoining livestock operations to 40 acres, compared to three-acre developments allowed in Hitchcock's zoning laws. The "Livestock Friendly" issue has not yet officially come before the Hitchcock County Commissioners, but board members are already looking at the issue. Commission Chairman Dale Keeney of Trenton sees merit in the plan, stating that it should be helpful in encouraging livestock developments. Several dairy operations are currently looking at the county.

They have been attracted by the Trenton Agri-Products' ethanol plant, which produces an abundance of dried distiller's grain. The grain is desirable as feed for the dairy cattle. Commissioner Rich Hampton of Culbertson says he favors livestock development, but believes Hitchcock County's current zoning laws serve that purpose and questions whether the livestock friendly designation is needed.

The third commissioner, Scott McDonald of Stratton, is on vacation and could not be reached for comment. This area's representative in the Nebraska Legislature, State Sen. Tom Baker of Trenton, is a strong advocate of the livestock friendly law. He said it is under consideration by five or six Nebraska counties, including Dawson County, where Lexington, Cozad and Gothenburg are located. So what needs to be done? Hitchcock County Commissioners can be leaders in the discussion.

Hopefully, they can find a way to encourage livestock production, while still respecting the rights of existing property owners. The emphasis should be on how to agree; not how to disagree. By facing up to the issue, Hitchcock County can serve as an example for other Southwest Nebraska counties considering livestock projects.