Chamber News
State Chamber Voices Support for Livestock Industry
The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry has reiterated its support for the state’s animal agriculture. At its June 10, 2011, meeting in West Point, Nebraska, the State Chamber board unanimously approved a resolution that “opposes any and all activities, conducted by any organization, to counter the interests of Nebraska’s livestock industry and the overall agriculture sector.”
The action comes following reports that extremist animal rights groups are exploring ways to amend the state constitution to hinder livestock production, which generates roughly half of Nebraska’s annual $15 billion in agriculture cash receipts. The resolution states that the Nebraska Chamber “will continue to encourage all Nebraska residents to support the state’s agricultural producers and oppose organizations and interest groups whose activities would inflict financial and other harm on Nebraska agriculture.”
The full resolution can be found below.
The State Chamber Board of Directors is comprised of more than 60 business leaders from across Nebraska. The State Chamber has longstanding policy in support of the continued development of the state’s livestock industry and efforts to educate the public regarding the positive economic impact of animal agriculture.
RESOLUTION
Approved by the State Chamber Board of Directors on June 10, 2011
Whereas, cash receipts from direct agriculture production contributes more than $15 billion to Nebraska’s economy annually;
WHEREAS, the Nebraska livestock industry accounts for nearly half of the state’s total agricultural cash receipts;
WHEREAS, cattle and hogs are Nebraska’s No. 1 and No. 4 leading commodities in order of cash receipts, followed closely by dairy products and chicken eggs;
WHEREAS, Nebraska ranks first nationally in several areas of livestock production, including first in red meat production and second in cattle on feed;
WHEREAS, Nebraska is third in the U.S. for total cattle and calves, fourth in cash receipts from all livestock and products, sixth in all hogs and pigs on farm, and 10th in table egg layers;
WHEREAS, the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry has longstanding policy supporting the continued development of the state’s livestock industry, as well as efforts to educate the public regarding the positive economic impact of animal agriculture;
WHEREAS, the Nebraska Chamber encourages all counties to achieve “livestock friendly” status; and
WHEREAS, the Nebraska Chamber is comprised of businesses, other associations, and local chambers of commerce in communities that depend on the economic health of farmers, livestock producers and agri-business.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry Board of Directors opposes any and all activities, conducted by any organization, to counter the interests of Nebraska’s livestock industry and the overall agriculture sector.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Nebraska Chamber will continue to encourage all Nebraska residents to support the state’s agricultural producers and oppose organizations and interest groups whose activities would inflict financial and other harm on Nebraska agriculture.
Passed and approved by the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry Board of Directors this 10th day of June, 2011.