Banner and Kimball counties have joined the ranks of Nebraska’s “livestock friendly” counties.

The office of Gov. Dave Heineman says that with the addition of the two, there are 20 counties designated “livestock friendly” in the state.

The program is coordinated by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.

Counties chosen as “livestock friendly” are given road signs showing the program logo to display along highways, and they may use the label to market themselves to the agriculture industry.

To apply for a livestock-friendly designation, a county’s board must hold a public hearing and pass a resolution. County officials must then complete an application and submit it to the state Department of Agriculture. Local producers or community groups can encourage their county board to submit an application.