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Nebraska bill would allow packer ownership of hogs

A bill allowing meatpackers to own hogs and contract with Nebraska producers has received first round approval in the Nebraska Unicameral.

During floor debate Tuesday, Senator Ken Schilz of Ogallala said Nebraska’s law prohibiting meat packers from owning hogs has stymied the growth of the state’s pork industry.

“Nearly every state that surrounds us is seeing significant growth in their hog industries,” Schilz said. “Nebraska is not keeping pace with those leading hog-producing states.”

Senator Dave Bloomfield of Hoskins was one of several rural senators opposing the bill.

“This bill is not good for small Nebraska producers,” said Bloomfield. “The independence of the Nebraska farmer is renowned.  This bill, if passed, eliminates that independence.”

Under the bill, the packer prohibition would be lifted for hogs, but kept in place for cattle.

The bill passed on a 28-to-10 vote.