PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release
April 27, 2006 www.agr.ne.gov		Contact: Christin Kamm (402) 471-6856

LINCOLN - Lt. Governor Rick Sheehy issued a proclamation on behalf of Governor Dave Heineman proclaiming "May Is Egg Month" in Nebraska during a luncheon celebration today. Joining the Lt. Governor were several egg producers, state senators, and representatives of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. John Toney, Omaha, President of the Nebraska Egg Council, presented the Lt. Governor with a duplicate of Nebraska's official Easter Egg in appreciation of the Governor's support of the egg industry. The original egg was on display at the White House during the Easter season.

In proclaiming "May Is Egg Month" in the state, Sheehy said, "In addition to their many nutritional benefits, eggs also have a positive impact our economy. Nebraska's egg industry is an important part of our agricultural industry."

The egg industry is an important part of Nebraska agriculture. Nebraska's commercial laying hen population of approximately 12 million birds produces over 3 billion eggs annually, and contributes approximately $95 million to the state's economy. Nebraska currently ranks seventh nationally in total egg production, and is also a national leader in the production of further processed egg products.

Additional information on Nebraska's egg industry is available through the Department of Agriculture's Poultry and Egg Division by calling (402) 472-2051 or on-line at www.nebraskapoultry.org.