State meat and poultry inspection study passes

The state Department of Agriculture will research the feasibility of a meat and poultry inspection program under a bill approved on final reading May 5.

LB305, introduced by O’Neill Sen. Tyson Larson, requires the department to submit by Nov. 15 a report to the Legislature describing actions necessary to implement a state meat and poultry inspection program. The department may use the Commercial Feed Administration Cash Fund for expenses related to the report and a cooperative agreement with the USDA Market News reporting program.

LB305 passed on final reading 43-1 and its appropriation bill, providing $95,000 from the Commercial Feed Administration Cash Fund, passed 43-0.