FILE - In this Jan. 31, 2011, file photo John Prince, left, and Kevin Hafner, right, vice president of operations at Bob Funk's Express Ranches in El Reno, Okla., move cattle into a pen. The U.S. Agriculture Department, which has been issuing cattle inventory reports in January and July, is eliminating the July report. The USDA says it expects to cut about $10 million from its $156 million budget by eliminating or reducing the frequency of reports in 14 industries. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)

A southeast Nebraska county wants state recognition as a "livestock friendly" place.

The Gage County Board of Supervisors voted 7-0 Wednesday to seek the designation from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.

About 50 people packed a public hearing in support of the measure.

Steve Martin, who oversees the department's Livestock Friendly program, says it's an effort to help counties market the industry. Counties that receive the designation receive road signs showing the program logo to display along highways.

Applications are reviewed by the Department of Agriculture. Gov. Dave Heineman traditionally awards the designation.

The department's website shows 14 Nebraska counties are considered "livestock friendly."