By Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska Staff
What an exciting time for Nebraska agriculture! As the state's number one economic driver, any growth in the industry is cause for celebration. At the Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (AFAN), our mission is to support the expansion of the state’s agricultural economy, with a specific focus on livestock development.
Nebraska's dairy industry has experienced significant growth in processing, addressing a long-standing need in the state. A notable example is the expansion of Milk Specialties in Norfolk, Nebraska. Now operating as ACTUS Nutrition, the company completed an $85 million expansion, increasing the demand for approximately 3 million more pounds of milk—equivalent to the production of 40,000 cows. This expansion creates new opportunities for milk producers to enter the market and find a reliable outlet for their products.
Additionally, we have welcomed numerous out-of-state dairy producers interested in relocating their operations to Nebraska. Our state’s abundant water supply and feed resources make it an attractive option. Moreover, Nebraska’s collaborative agricultural community fosters partnerships between local farmers and new dairies, particularly in utilizing manure as a valuable resource, benefiting both parties.
The poultry industry is also poised for significant expansion in the coming years. The Lincoln Premium Poultry (LPP) project, completed several years ago, has had a major impact on Nebraska’s economy. According to a recent study by the Bureau of Business Research in the Department of Economics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, LPP generates $1.007 billion in annual business activity, including $205.9 million in labor income and an estimated 2,945 jobs. Our organization has been actively working with LPP to explore the potential for a second phase of this project, which would require another processing plant, feed mill and an additional 500 producer barns. Such an expansion would provide tremendous benefits to Nebraska’s economy and local family farms.
Beyond LPP, Tecumseh Chicken, known as Smart Chicken, is also planning to grow its operations. The company aims to establish 200 more barns in southeast Nebraska within the next two years, further strengthening Nebraska’s poultry sector.
Beef continues to be the state’s numberone livestock economy. The state’s largestroller-compacted concrete feedlot has recently started feeding cattle in Dundy County. We anticipate that we will continue to see feedlot owners move to roller-compacted concrete lots now and into the future. Confined cattle barns also continue to be a topic of interest throughout the state, and for good reason. The benefits of time to check pens and increased nutrient value is a win-win for the producer.
Legacy Beef Co-Op is still looking for cattle producers to invest in their co-op by buying shackle spaces. They are also offering an innovative contract feeding
opportunity to producers willing to finish cattle out under roof through their heritage beef brand.
The pork industry has been experiencing slower growth compared to other livestock sectors. While a few new barns have been established, others are navigating local zoning regulations. Current interest rates and lower market prices have contributed to this slower pace, though conditions may change in the future to stimulate further expansion.
Crop farmers should take note—an increase in livestock numbers means greater availability of organic nutrients to enrich farmland across the state. This enhances soil quality and boosts yields and improves overall profitability for farmers.
With so many promising developments on the horizon, Nebraska agriculture is well-positioned for continued success. Let’s embrace these opportunities and work together to strengthen our agricultural economy for the benefit of all.
For more information on any of these opportunities, please contact our office at 402-421-4472 or visit our website at becomeafan.org.
