Uniting Nebraska Rural and Urban Communities Around Regeneration
Background
In 2015, the Village of Nickerson, Nebraska was told that a large company would be moving into the area, but residents were not told much more. Soon, locals found out that the company was Costco, and that Costco was proposing to develop the largest poultry processing facility in U.S. history.
The proposed project would also be the first time a retail giant owned the processing sector with former Pilgrim’s Pride reps now operating under a new and more local name of Lincoln Premium Poultry (LPP). The lack of notice and available information troubled the locals, and ultimately the Village of Nickerson voted against the proposed project.
Soon after the neighboring city, Fremont, became the official site of the massive facility. Over 500 production barns would need to be built, forever changing our rural communities and further putting at risk our long tradition of independent family farming.
Rural Nebraskans Unite Over Growing Concerns
A coalition, led by Nebraska Communities United, was established to educate Nebraskans about the risks associated with extreme vertical integration in the food production industry. These groups immediately started educating farmers about issues with poultry grower contracts, and those early grower educational activities increased awareness around poultry industry concerns.
As Lincoln Premium Poultry recruited growers in the surrounding counties, more citizens became concerned about the impacts the chicken barns (formally classified as concentrated animal feeding operations - CAFOs) would have on their health and resources.
The formation and engagement of these groups have grown the local opposition against extreme vertical integration into the thousands. This has started a new conversation about opportunities in agriculture that respect and protect our communities and produce greater access to highly nutritious foods, all while being a part of a cultural solution that regenerates our land and water.
It’s Bigger Than Costco
Nebraska is under an industrial assault. Our abundance of water and nutritious soils have made Nebraska a target for industrial agriculture development and expansion. As has happened in Iowa, some of the largest hog feeders in the world are now currently eyeing placement of mega-hog confinement systems in our area. In fact, just recently, Cactus Feeders from Amarillo, TX, who also has operations in Georgia, South Carolina, and Kansas, announced they would be looking to locate 40 more hog confinements in Eastern Nebraska/Western Iowa.
Mission Statement
NCU is a 501-c3 dedicated to protecting water, land and air resources, economic well-being, and a high rural quality of life free from multinational corporate acquisition and factory farming intrusion. NCU supports regenerative methods of agriculture that allow more independent farms and ranches to be profitable, as well as ecologically responsible.
Communities United
We want to express our gratitude to our members and partner organizations who share our vision of a regenerative future, and who all together truly make up Nebraska Communities United.
CARA: Community Advocates for Responsible Agriculture
Established August 2019
CARA is comprised of farmers, citizens and friends who came together in 2019 for the purpose of promoting responsible agriculture in and near northern Saunders County, Nebraska. In late summer and fall of 2019, CARA fought against a proposed massive Y24 CAFO 12-barn industrial poultry operation. A record number of supporters testified against the proposal at the Saunders County Zoning Board and Board of Supervisors’ hearings. While important conditions were achieved (water run off holding ponds, vegetative barriers and others), unfortunately the 3.5 million broilers per year industrial operation was voted in favor by the Commissioners by a 5-2 vote. The 12-factory barn complex is due to go into production in late 2020.
Elmwood First
Established July 2019
Starting in response to a 65,000-bird Lincoln Premium Poultry operation proposed in their community, Elmwood First led a public education campaign throughout the county to raise awareness of the threats of concentrated animal feeding operations and the lack of regulatory oversight. The CAFO conditional use permit was passed and the facility constructed, but Elmwood First members continue to serve as watchdogs for their community noting and speaking out about environmental and safety concerns for their community.
Lancaster Hills Alliance
Established August 2018
Lancaster Hills Alliance are small family farmers and acreage owners interested in promoting regenerative and sustainable agricultural practices in Lancaster County,and Nebraska. We support reasonable laws and regulations that protect our air, water, soil and the health of our population. We support the humane treatment of animals raised for food. Vertically integrated confined animal feeding operations are unethical and cause harm to the environment, animals and humans.
Raymond Communities United
Established July 2019
RC Communities United continues to fight the location of 8 massive chicken barns in Northern Lancaster County just 1.2 miles from Raymond Central Schools. The Lancaster County Board denied the application by Sunset Poultry to protect the welfare and general health of neighbors, students, staff and visitors to Raymond Central Schools. Sunset Poultry has appealed the Board's decision and we are continuing our fight to protect our children's health, safety and the limited water supply for our school and community.
Washington County Citizens Against CAFOS
Established Spring 2018
Washington County Citizens Against CAFO’s disagrees with locating new confined animal feeding operations in high density population areas, conflicting with the existing land use. We strongly support responsible agriculture that preserves and protects our water, land and air. We value farmland, the environment and our rural community.
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