This week Nebraska state senators are expected to debate a holdover measure from last session that if adopted would allow packer ownership of pigs.  The Nebraska Pork Producers Association is backing LB 176 sponsored by Senator Ken Schilz.  Association Executive Director Al Juhnke says this measure will not only benefit packers, but the state’s pork producers.

He says a recent Attorney General’s opinion says Nebraska law is sound in that the state can regulate packer ownership of livestock in state.  However, they have no control if the packer is located outside of Nebraska.

Juhnke says that puts Nebraska at a competitive disadvantage with other states and hampers the ability of in-state packers to expand.

Juhnke says at a time when the state is trying to spur economic development its important not to limit Nebraska packers.