Bill would expand agricultural research facilities

The Appropriation’s Committee heard testimony on a bill Feb. 2 that would expand the University of Nebraska’s agricultural research facilities.

LB1066, introduced by North Platte Sen. Tom Hansen, would appropriate $5 million for the planning and design of a new veterinary diagnostic laboratory facility for the Veterinary Diagnostic Center at the University of Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Hansen said many of the state’s diagnostic labs were shut down due to budget cuts and the only remaining lab is facing issues with accreditation. Many producers throughout the state heavily rely on the lab to care for their livestock, he said.

Tanya Storer, a member of Nebraska Farm Bureau, testified in support of LB1066, saying Nebraska ranks number one in the production of commercial red meat. A new facility is needed to assist the state Department of Agriculture in disease surveillance, she said.

“If our livestock industry were to experience a disease outbreak and a rapid response was hampered, it could be devastating to the state and the agricultural industry,” Storer said.

Kristen Hassebrook, member of the board of directors for the Nebraska Cattlemen, also testified in support of LB1066, saying that many of Nebraska’s animal products are exported to other countries. Much of the regulatory testing for those exports is done at the diagnostic center, Hassebrook said, so there is a lot of revenue at stake.

Lee Simmons, chairman of the Omaha Zoo Foundation, testified in support of the bill, saying Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo relies heavily on the expert advice and rapid response time from the diagnostic center.

“No zoo or humane society can afford the type of expertise that we get from the diagnostic laboratory,” Simmons said. “This is really critical for us.”

No opposing testimony was given on the bill.

Scott Taylor, assistant division administrator for Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, provided neutral testimony on LB1066. He said having a diagnostic lab is important for the state’s wildlife surveillance programs.

The committee took no immediate action on the bill.