Steve Martin, Executive Director, Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska
Nebraska Soybean Board: How would you describe the current landscape of livestock development in Nebraska?
Steve Martin: It is a golden opportunity. For as much livestock as we currently have in the state, there is still room for significant growth. We have the water to support consistent crop production as well as livestock needs, communities with the resources for processing companies to expand, and soils that would benefit from added organic nutrients. Most importantly, we have the people to make it happen.
NSB: How critical is the state’s livestock industry to creating and sustaining demand for soybeans and soybean meal?
Steve: Livestock is an everyday consumer of soybean meal. This consistent usage creates steady, reliable demand for soybeans and soybean meal. As we have seen, international markets can be volatile but livestock has to eat everyday. That consistent demand serves as the backbone of the industry, allowing soybean farmers to have a dependable market while also looking for other opportunities to expand production and sell to other high-value markets.
NSB: AFAN works closely with commodity groups including the Nebraska Soybean Board – how is that partnership mutually beneficial?
Steve: AFAN is a nonprofit organization, and we don’t charge for any of the work that we do. This allows all farmers and ranchers to utilize our services to help them achieve the livestock growth that benefits their operation. NSB supports us financially, which we are very thankful for, and also by connecting us with soybean growers statewide. That network gives us access to people in communities across Nebraska who can help when support is needed.
NSB benefits from AFAN’s work because livestock growth creates steady demand for soybeans and soybean meal. With increased demand, prices should be supported, if not increased, which helps improve profitability and ultimately drives demand for more soybean acres.
NSB: What challenges still hold back expansion, and how is AFAN helping producers navigate those challenges?
Steve: Most of the challenges are local. County zoning processes and public sentiment can be significant obstacles. A producer may choose not to pursue a project after witnessing a contentious public hearing for another operation. Others may face an uphill battle in the court of public opinion, even when the county approval process should be based on established regulations.
AFAN supports farmers and ranchers by connecting them with professionals who can help prepare materials for hearings, explain county requirements and help bring additional local supporters to the table.
One area where agriculture can improve is supporting other agricultural projects. Everyone is busy, and it can feel like someone else’s fight, but standing up for new livestock facilities should be on the radar for everyone in agriculture. This is another area where AFAN can help by coordinating support and helping people understand what needs to be done.
NSB: Where are the greatest opportunities right now for livestock growth in Nebraska?
Steve: There are strong opportunities in poultry and dairy. On the poultry side, there are opportunities to raise broilers for Smart Chicken and potentially for Lincoln Premium Poultry, as well as to raise hens for egg operations.
In dairy, there are multiple dairy farmers that want to move to Nebraska. Row crop farmers can partner with dairies to supply silage, which reduces harvest costs, provides a nearby feed market, and returns manure to fields. It is a win-win-win for both operations.
Dairy farms also often outsource calf raising and replacement heifer operations. While these require more management than a traditional feedlot, they present opportunities for producers willing to take on that additional responsibility.
There is potential for expansion in the swine industry, along with opportunities in beef. The beef opportunities may include confinement structures that allow more animals in a smaller footprint, such as finishing in a deep pit or utilizing a bed back for calving. With pasture land in short supply, buildings can serve as a bridge to move cattle off pasture and onto crop residue. There is a great deal of flexibility.
NSB: What motivates you personally in the work you do at AFAN, and what keeps you optimistic about the future of Nebraska agriculture?
Steve: I am motivated by seeing farmers and ranchers succeed. Adding enterprises creates long-term viability for operations and opens the door for the next generation to return. That viability supports rural economies and communities.
I am optimistic about Nebraska agriculture because we have world-class feed and water resources, great people that want to grow and companies interested in bringing good-paying jobs to the state. There is endless opportunity for growth in rural Nebraska.
I believe AFAN’s mission is well aligned with helping bring that growth to reality. We are a nonprofit, we don’t charge for our services and are supported by our board and our members.
Those interested in learning more about AFAN membership can visit becomeafan.org.
