LINCOLN- A proposal to build perhaps the state’s largest cattle feedlot in a rural, southwest Nebraska county is getting a second chance after the Dundy County Board refused to approve the idea last month.

The proposal by Blackshirt Feeders LP to construct a $65-million feedlot, holding up to 100,000 cattle and consuming 10 million bushels of corn a year, has stirred controversy and been the center of debate over the past couple of months in southwest Nebraska.

One side is greatly advocating for the project pitching the idea that it is needed for economic development, jobs, and a new customer for corn. Opponents draw attention to the small county that would house the lot, claiming they do not have abundant water resources.

A decision on whether the project moves forward is now expected to be announced by the county board May 16.

On Thursday, the three Dundy County commissioners met in a closed, executive session in Benkelman to consider what to do after the board failed to approve the feedlot project at its April 5 meeting.

The manager of Blackshirt Feeders, Dr. Eric Behlke, a veterinarian and native of Benkelman who now works as a feedlot consultant for a Canadian company, said he’s hopeful the project will get the OK.

“We have a chance to capitalize on our two most important resources, corn and cattle,” he said.

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