(AP) — Two more Nebraska counties have been designated as livestock friendly in the state.

Gov. Dave Heineman said in a news release Tuesday that Dawson and Merrick counties are the latest counties to receive the designation through the state Department of Agriculture. There are now 26 counties with such designation.

Both counties will receive road signs to promote the program along highways.

Heineman said in the release that the designation is a way to recognize the positive impacts of the livestock industry.

Counties interested in receiving the designation must apply through the agriculture department.