Dodge County Nebraska is the first county in the state to adopt the new Livestock Assessment Matrix developed by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture to help counties with livestock site permitting. Dodge County Board of Supervisors Chairman Bob Missel says the matrix will help county officials better evaluate these projects.

He says livestock development is already happening rapidly in Dodge County and having the matrix tool available should help make sure all viewpoints are heard.

Missel says having the matrix at their disposal also helps with public input on livestock siting issues.

The Livestock Assessment Matrix is the result of legislation directing the Nebraska Department of Agriculture to appoint a committee to develop evaluation guidelines based on sound science, professional expertise and experience in livestock siting operations.