News

Contribution to Nebraska ag coalition questioned

A Nebraska state senator is expressing concern with Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning’s 100-thousand dollar contribution to the Nebraska ag coaltion called We Support Agriculture.

State senator Ken Haar of Malcom—a member of the legislature’s Natural Resources Committee—tells the Lincoln Journal Star, “it doesn’t feel right”.  Haar indicated that he would seek clarification on the process for awarding the money.

The money comes from the attorney general’s Supplemental Environmental Project Fund, which contains fines for violations of state environmental laws.  The attorney general’s office told the newspaper that the fund is used to provide grants for “educational and enhancement programs that directly benefit Nebraskans.”

The president of the We Support Agriculture (WSA) coalition—Pete McClymont—says his group’s grant proposal to the attorney general’s office emphasized the negative environmental consequences of animal rights activism. 

McClymont says if the animal rights groups had their way, all livestock production would be converted to “free-range”, which could actually cause further harm to the environment.

“If this would force pork producers to get rid of deep pit collection in their pork production, then we can’t utilize those nutrients through center pivots and have natural nutrients on our crops, which enhance crop production,” says McClymont.  “So that’s an example that we presented and they were receptive and thought that would be a great avenue for us to start.”

McClymont says the funds will be used to educate Nebraskans on the positive environmental aspects of modern livestock production.

Bruning is seeking the Republican nomination to run for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Democrat Ben Nelson.

AUDIO: Pete McClymont–WSA update (6:38 MP3)