Former Minnesota State Representative Al Juhnke has been named the new Executive Director for the Nebraska Pork Producers Association. He takes over in January from Larry Sitzman who’s retiring from the position. One of the state legislative issues Juhnke will deal with is a measure NPPA backed last session calling for packer ownership of livestock. Another attempt at that bill is expected.

He says if that were allowed it would be another tool for producers and help them with marketing options.

Juhnke says another issue his group will likely be involved in is the continuing debate over property taxes and its effect on agriculture. He says that issue has been prevalent in many other states including Minnesota where he saw that first hand.

Juhnke says he’s looking forward to the job and eager to get started.