LINCOLN- The state’s largest feedlot project is moving forward following a lengthy public meeting in southwest Nebraska’s Dundy County.

The 100,000-head Blackshirt Feeders feedlot project will have to comply with at least 10 conditions, tied to concerns about odor, dust and runoff of manure, under the conditional use permit given 3-0 approval by the Dundy County Board.

“Myself and the team are pretty excited,” said Eric Behlke, a native of Benkelman and one of three Canadian veterinarians who specialize in feedlots behind the project.

Not everyone is enthused about the project. Concerns have been raised about nitrate contamination of local aquifers, whether there’s adequate groundwater to support such a huge feedlot and whether such a big operation will force out smaller, family-run feedlots in the area.

“It is very controversial,” said Richard Bartholomew of Benkelman, vice chairman of the county board. “It pitted neighbors against neighbors and family members against family members.”

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