This morning Nebraska State Senators sent to final reading a measure that will allow packers to own hogs.  Several business and agricultural groups support the legislation sponsored by Senator Ken Schilz.  Nebraska Farm Bureau Senior Economist Jay Rempe  says following two days of debate, Senators moved it forward.

 

He says Nebraska has been losing pork producers to other states and without allowing packer ownership of hogs the state is at a competitive disadvantage.

 

Rempe says if this measure gets final approval, it will provide a more competitive market.

 

Nebraska Farm Bureau, Pork Producers Association, Corn and Soybean Growers, Bankers Association and State Chamber of Commerce all support LB 176 while Nebraska Farmers Union and Center for Rural Affairs oppose the measure.