Why Nebraska!

Nebraska has an ample supply of quality feed available for animal agriculture. The feed resources include more than 1.27 billion bushels of corn harvested from 8.25 million acres; 250,000 acres of sorghum; 4.66 million acres of soybeans; and 2.85 million acres of hay (1.25 million acres of alfalfa and 1.6 million acres of wild hay).

Nebraska’s relatively dry climate and ample irrigation make it an ideal location for producing a consistent supply of aflatoxin-free corn. According to the Nebraska Corn Quality Study, more than 95% of the samples collected over 14 years graded U.S. #1 or #2. Our feed is high quality and inexpensive.

Nebraska’s livestock industry, including dairy, can benefit from ethanol production through the consumption of the ethanol co-product distillers grain. Marketing projections for distillers grain is 1.595 million metric tons, and there is potential for this to double or triple in the next few years. A dairy cow typically can consume five or more pounds of dry distillers grain per day. Distillers grain is a very cost‑effective feed ingredient for lactating dairy cattle, and access to this co-product continues to grow.

Nebraska has an abundant supply of quality water available for use in livestock and crop production. Nearly 70% of the water in the Ogallala Aquifer – the world’s largest source of underground water – can be found beneath Nebraska’s land surface.  That is more than 14 trillion gallons of water — five times the water in Lake Erie. Nebraska also has over one billion gallons of water in surface reservoirs.

Nebraska is the nation’s only 100% public power state. Low utility costs make Nebraska an excellent location for industries, including agriculture enterprises. Industrial rates for electricity and natural gas in Nebraska are among the lowest in the nation (25% lower than the national average). Both energy sources are accessible throughout the state.

As the dairy industry becomes more mechanized and many of the routine day-to-day chores are run by computers, a top-quality labor force is essential. Nebraska workers are among the most productive workers in the nation, and they are known for their strong work ethic and technical proficiency.

Nebraska’s labor force is also known for its high productivity and low absentee and turnover rates. These traits translate directly into industry profitability.

Nebraska has lower than average rates for unemployment insurance (74% less than the national average) and workers’ compensation insurance (71.5% less than the national average). In fact, workers’ compensation insurance is not required until one employs ten or more workers.

With a population of 1.7 million, Nebraska is the only state in the union governed by a nonpartisan unicameral legislature. The state’s business-friendly climate includes a constitutional right-to-work provision, competitive labor costs, and a strong work ethic. Nebraskans are friendly, sincere, and proud of the state’s agricultural tradition. Our communities have low crime rate and strong family values.

Nebraska offers a beautiful, diverse landscape – from the rolling hills and fertile valleys in the east; to the level farm ground of the central region; to the beautiful Sandhills in the north; to the high plains in the western Panhandle and southwestern corners of the state. Wide-open spaces allow for room to build, expand, and enjoy life. Modern cities are scattered throughout the state. The cost of living is significantly lower in Nebraska than other states in the nation. This, coupled with a friendly atmosphere, makes Nebraska a great place to live!

Nebraska ranks high in public education when compared to the rest of the nation. Nebraska’s public schools boast a 93.8% graduation rate, compared to the 81.7% national average. The student/teacher ratio is 13:1, compared to a national average of 17:1.  Nebraska schools also pride themselves on strong partnerships between high schools, parents, community colleges, universities, business, and industry.