Meat packers would be able to own hogs and contract with Nebraska producers under a bill advancing in the Unicameral. Senator Ken Schilz of Ogallala argues during legislative floor debate that state law is holding Nebraska pork producers back.
State law, at present, prohibits meat packers from owning livestock. Under the bill, the prohibition would be lifted for hogs and kept in place for cattle.
Senator Dave Bloomfield of Hoskins is one of a number of rural senators opposing the bill.
The bill passed on a 28-to-10 vote.
