Gov. Ricketts: Let's Stand Up for Nebraska's Family Farmers

Statement

Today, Governor Pete Ricketts and Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Steve Wellman issued statements following news that radical anti-agriculture groups had called for a moratorium on livestock production in Nebraska.

"Let's be clear: The out-of-state environmental lobbying groups rallying opposition against our family farmers in Nebraska are anti-agriculture," said Governor Ricketts. "Left unchecked, they would destroy our way of life. This attempt to stop livestock development in Nebraska is a part of the "meat is murder' movement led by radical groups who want to end livestock production around the globe. I urge Nebraskans in our local communities to rise up and protect family farms and stand with our livestock producers across our state."

"Agriculture is the backbone of Nebraska's economy, and it is extremely disheartening to learn that there are groups of citizens in our own state that are working to essentially eliminate the livestock industry," said NDA Director Wellman. "As the director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, I strongly support all aspects of Nebraska agriculture and the farmers and ranchers that work tirelessly contributing to Nebraska's economic well-being through livestock production. CAFO's are well thought out and planned operations across Nebraska with plans that work to address environmental impacts, nutrient management and animal health to efficiently deliver a high quality, safe food supply."

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