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(Imperial, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman met with farmers and ranchers near Imperial to draw attention to the many effects the lack of sufficient rainfall has had on the agriculture industry in recent years.
“I came here today to hear from the producers who have been impacted by our state’s lack of moisture,” Gov. Heineman said. “I also came to make sure that damp conditions in the eastern part of our state don’t distract from the lingering effects six years of drought have had on our producers. The drought continues to cause farmers and ranchers to make costly adjustments in their operations.”
Greg Ibach, director of Nebraska Department of Agriculture, joined the Governor at John Maddux’s ranch about five miles north of town for discussions that included the issue of additional testing of cattle by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for BSE.
The Governor told producers that he had spoken with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns about the testing process. Gov. Heineman said that he remains confident in the safety of Nebraska’s beef industry and the U.S. beef supply overall.
“Our farmers and ranchers are known for producing high-quality products and I urge Nebraskans to continue to voice their confidence in Nebraska beef at the grocery store,” Gov. Heineman said. “We want the world to see that our products are safe. Our trade partners need to understand that just as we would not put our families at risk, we would not risk our relationship with some of our most valued international customers.”
During his tour of western Nebraska grasslands that have suffered from extended lack of consistent moisture, the Governor talked with producers about how their operations have been affected by the ongoing drought. One area of concern is the changing mix of grass species on grazing lands.
Ibach said, “Even though we have more adequate rainfall, the effects of the drought are still impacting producers. It is evident that producers have had to alter their stocking rates to try to bring back a more desirable grass mix that existed prior to the drought conditions.”
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