The Independent Cattlemen of Nebraska are one of five agricultural groups opposing LB 176, a measure that would allow packers to own hogs. That bill sponsored by Senator Ken Schilz is due up for final reading Friday in the Unicameral. ICON President Dave Wright says his group is concerned if the bill is approved and packers are allowed to own hogs, it will set a precedent for them to also own cattle.

He says the whole debate is about who controls the market, not who can lease what.

Wright says proponents keep saying passage of LB 176 is needed to get more young people involved in the business. He says that’s a false argument.

LB 176 has already passed two rounds of legislative debate, so Friday’s hearing is the final reading.

Nebraska Farm Bureau, Pork Producers, Corn and Soybean Growers, Bankers Association and State Commerce and Industry groups all back the measure. ICON, Farmers Union, Center for Rural Affairs, the Grange and Women Involved in Farm Economics all oppose the legislation. The Nebraska Cattlemen are neutral.