42 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN February 2024 GROW. EXPAND. CONNECT. RYLEE WAGNER | DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS | ALLIANCE FOR THE FUTURE OF AGRICULTURE IN NEBRASKA Grow. Expand. Connect. These three guiding principles remain steadfast at the forefront of our day-to-day endeavors at the Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (AFAN). Over the past year, our journey has been marked by highs and lows, reflecting the dynamic nature of the agriculture industry. Yet, through it all, one constant remains – Nebraska agriculture stands as the backbone of the state’s economies and, more important, our rural communities statewide. Over the past year, we have witnessed growth spanning the entire state, displaying diversity in terms of species and scale. In the beef industry, we supported the Sustainable Beef Plant in North Platte, which recently broke ground. Additionally, our involvement extended to a roller-compacted concrete feedlot project in Dundy County, further contributing to the advancement of the beef sector. Beyond this, our assistance in various zoning hearings has proven instrumental, resulting in the establishment of both poultry and hog barns. In the dairy industry we assisted with a new robotic dairy facility near Norfolk. Through our efforts to expand the livestock industry, the impact on Nebraska’s agricultural landscape in 2023 has been substantial. We have successfully supported 38 unique projects, attracting $68 million in capital investments. Furthermore, our commitment to enhancing the livestock industry has had a ripple effect on crop consumption. Corn consumption has surged by an impressive 1.7 million bushels, reflecting the increased demand generated by the expanded livestock operations. Similarly, soybean consumption has seen an uptick, with an additional 442,000 bushels being utilized, underscoring the interconnected and mutually beneficial relationship between animal agriculture and crop production. This highlights the pivotal role animal agriculture plays in driving economic prosperity and resource utilization in Nebraska. One approach to fostering growth in Nebraska’s agriculture industry is by creating opportunities. What can we offer to existing producers and those contemplating a move to the state? The key lies in our ongoing efforts to recruit processing opportunities and encourage diversification. Over several years of collaborative work with the Grow Nebraska Dairy team, we’ve witnessed notable advancements and growing interest in dairy processing for the state. A standout success in the dairy industry is the case of Milk Specialties in Norfolk. Their impressive $55 million expansion, facilitated through a newly developed co-op that AFAN played a crucial role in spearheading, exemplifies the positive impact of the work that we are doing. As regulations and resources become more restrictive on the West Coast, we want to convey to dairy producers that Nebraska is not only open for their business but is actively working to provide a conducive environment for their milk. Soybean consumption has experienced a surge, utilizing an additional 442,000 bushels, thanks to the projects undertaken by AFAN in 2023. PERSPECTIVES
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