ND livestock producers connect

The North Dakota Livestock Alliance annual summit was back in person Feb. 3 after a virtual event in 2021. Producers from across the region gathered at the Nome Schoolhouse in Nome for the event. NDLA is a farmer-funded organization that works to support, educate and promote the livestock industry in North Dakota.

“We have a great diverse group here today, to network and support all our producers who are interested in diversifying or even starting new livestock facilities,” said NDLA Executive Director Amber Boeshans. “There are producers from all species involved — dairy, pork, beef and poultry.”

The summit featured educational sessions on permits for new livestock operations, cooking demonstrations, livestock marketing outlooks, and an expert panel on working with local and state requirements for livestock.

“We’ve had a lot of dialogue about growing the livestock numbers in the state, being completely transparent with communities and townships so there is complete understanding of what modern animal agriculture looks like and how it benefits North Dakota,” Boeshans said.

David Skaggs of Central Confinement Systems spoke about growing animal agriculture in the region. “One of the positive things we’re seeing within the North Dakota Livestock Alliance is showing the positive aspects of involving communities so they can see the economic impact,” he said.

“When we look at the acres of corn and soybeans, how much gets put on a truck or rail, and sent to another state to be fed to livestock and processed in that state?” he asked. “If it stays here, we can raise it, process it, feed that crop back to our own livestock and capture those dollars.”

For producers looking to diversify or expand their livestock operations, NDLA provides services for free. “We’ve got our full network here and ready to support you and your projects,” Boeshans said.

To find more information about NDLA and the support it gives farmers and ranchers, visit ndlivestock.org.