Representatives of about a dozen ag and environmental and wildlife groups testified in front of the Nebraska Legislature’s Ag Committee this week on Lb 942. The measure sponsored by Ag Chair Senator Ken Schilz would life the packer ownership ban on swine, leaving the prohibition on beef and dairy intact.  Nebraska Farmers Union President John Hansen says his group opposes lifting the ban. He says if that were done captive supply would accelerate rapidly.

Hansen says the ban which has been in place since 1998 has been working and protecting medium and smaller sized producers

Hansen says a lot of younger producers also testified against the measure saying without the ban it would be difficult for them to get into the business.