Ag in the News: Nebraska's Record-Breaking New Feedlot
150,000 Head Facility In Progress
Blackshirt Feeders, a company founded by three Canadian veterinarians, is putting the final touches on a massive project. It is proposed to be a 150,000 head feedlot making it the largest in Nebraska.
The Project
The feedlot is located in Haigler, Nebraska, just across the border of Colorado. Built with concrete pads in the holding pens, the feedlot will have a capacity of 150,000 cattle. However, Blackshirt Feeders plans to start with 50,000 cattle and progress to 100,000 in 2025 then 150,000 in 2026. This many head creates a large amount of waste and exactly why concrete was used. The concrete allows for easy cleaning of the pens along with less odor and flies.
Environmental Impact
Many are concerned about the 1.5 million tons of manure that 150,000 cattle would generate. They are not just worried about the smell, but also their drinking water. However, the feedlot has contracts to sell the manure to methane plants where it will be recycled for gas. Also, a main concern for critics is the water use. Cattle need lots of water and the strain on the aquifer will be large. As a result, the project requires that 13 pivot irrigation machines be shut down but for now only 9 will be.
Economic Impact
Beyond contracts with methane plants the feedlot stands to create 120 new jobs along with the infrastructure for it. The feedlot will spend money on feed in the form of grain, corn, hay and more for their cattle. The workers will need houses and place to eat. All together it payroll and expenses will be $25 million a year.
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And Another Thing 04 Future Feedlot
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