Adoption of new milk ordinance advanced

New milk production facilities would be held to higher standards under a bill advanced from general file Feb. 6.

LB67, introduced by Ogallala Sen. Ken Schilz, would amend the Nebraska Milk Act by adopting the majority of the 2011 Grade A Pasteurized Milk Ordinance. Under the bill, new milk production facilities would be required to comply with all of the requirements of the ordinance. Existing facilities would be allowed to follow state statutory requirements for milk production, which is not Grade A.

Schilz said Nebraska dairies would be unable to operate as usual without the bill’s passage.

“This is the nationally recognized standard for milk sanitation and safety,” he said. “Dairies in Nebraska need this bill to continue to operate and compete.”

Following the adoption of a technical amendment, senators voted to advance the bill to select file on a 39-0 vote.