The Nebraska Legislature’s Agriculture Committee heard testimony this week on a measure sponsored by Committee Chair, Senator Ken Schilz to lift the packer ownership ban on swine in the state. Current law prohibits packers from owning swine, beef or dairy. Nebraska Farm Bureau and Pork Producers testified in favor of the bill. Farm Bureau Vice President of Government Affairs Jay Rempe says lifting the ban would help grow livestock production in the state.
Rempe says both sides were heard on the issue and it’s difficult to say if LB 942 has a good chance of passing.
Rempe says he expects the Ag Committee to meet next week to further discuss the issue and determine whether or not to make it a priority bill or attach it to something else or vote it down entirely.
