York County Commissioners pass resolution in support of York County agricultural land

YORK COUNTY – The commissioners, this past week, passed a resolution in which they declare their support of York County agricultural land.

​Commissioner Daniel Grotz, who wrote the resolution, explained hos “this is something that has been in the back of my mind for a while. In the past, we’ve resolutions saying the county is Livestock Friendly, supporting livestock production. We have passed a resolution saying we support Second Amendment rights. And there have been others. This is something I wanted to bring forward, so we can talk about it as a board. This formalizes my support for the agricultural community and crop/livestock production.”
He then read the resolution which says:
WHEREAS, since becoming a County in 1870, the Agricultural industry has been the backbone of the York County economy, with over 93% of land acres being used in agriculture production; and,
WHEREAS, over half of the workforce in York County is employed in Agriculture related jobs; and,
WHEREAS, York County acknowledges that crop and livestock production is important to the economic well-being of the county; and,
WHEREAS, the natural resources in York County are prime for crop and livestock production, providing fertile soil and abundant water from its location directly above the Ogallala Aquifer; and,
WHEREAS, York County consistently ranks at the top of the State and Country in crop producing counties.  Most recently ranking number one in corn production in Nebraska; and,
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the York County Board of Commissioners to declare its support for the best use of farmland as crop and livestock production.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the York County Board of Commissioners herby declare that we support the best use of farmland as crop and livestock production.
“This resolution says agriculture is the backbone of our community,” Grotz continued. “And 93% of our land in the county is used for agriculture production. This is declaring agriculture is the best use of prime farmland.
“Back into my ancestry, my great-uncle immigrated from Germany to Colorado and then he decided to farm and he moved to York County, Nebraska,” Grotz said. “He told his friends in Denver about his plans and they told him there is no better place to raise corn than in York County, Nebraska. We are still one of the best places to do that and we are ranked #3, in the United States, in acres dedicated to raising corn.”
Commissioner Joe Burgess said, “We’ve got debates over zoning going on right now, we want to make sure this doesn’t pre-judge any decisions. We need to be careful with that. This resolution says ag is the best use for prime ag land. In my opinion, if we are talking about best use for the land owner, well that is not this board’s job. I don’t know if it is the place of this board to determine the best use of land because the owners should make those decisions for themselves. We want to support agriculture and the York County community, but I don’t know if it’s our place to declare a best use of land.”
“Daniel and I have talked about this and this resolution – it says exactly what York County was built on and stands for today,” said Commissioner Andy Bowman. “I am 110% behind this. Three-fourths of our business is tied to agriculture. I feel very strongly this resolution does not limit future growth – it says we stand behind our community and property taxpayers and what they stand for.”
“We all attended several townhall meetings when we had them for the comprehensive plan and this was brought up many, many times,” Grotz said.
“The wording does not say it is only best use,” Commissioner LeRoy Ott said.
“Well, this is true,” Burgess responded.
“I agree, it doesn’t say it is the only use,” said Commissioner Randy Obermier. “I wonder, do we even need the word ‘prime’ in there or just refer to it as ag land in general. I’d like to have to have a sentence saying we support ag use of land while property rights are protected. The county as a whole benefits from the agricultural economy. I have no problem with it, as it doesn’t say it is the only use. And this is a resolution, not a law.”
“We do want to honor the history and culture of York County,” Burgess said. “With that extra sentence, I’d definitely support this.”
“I’m fine with removing the word ‘prime’ and just having it say ‘farmland,’” Grotz said.
“My comments won’t change my support,” Obermier said.
They all voted yes to approve the resolution, while having the word “prime” removed.