Meat packing companies could own swine during production under a bill advanced by senators May 26.<\/p>\n
Currently, a restriction under the Competitive Livestock Markets Act prohibits livestock packers from directly or indirectly owning or feeding livestock. LB176, introduced by Ogallala Sen. Ken Schilz, would narrow that restriction to apply only to cattle producers.<\/p>\n
Schilz said the change would encourage growth in the state\u2019s swine production industry.<\/p>\n
\u201cNearly every state that surrounds Nebraska is seeing significant growth in their hog industries, but we are not keeping pace,\u201d he said. \u201cIf implemented, this will once again allow hog processors to own hogs and contract with producers under custom feeding agreements.\u201d<\/p>\n
Under the bill, a swine processor or packer could enter into an oral or written agreement with a person who owns, leases or holds a legal interest in the livestock operation. The packer would own the swine, while the individual producer would retain ownership of the facilities and land.<\/p>\n
An Agriculture Committee amendment, adopted 27-5, would expand the period of ownership and feeding by packers incidental to slaughter that is excluded from the prohibition from five to 14 days.<\/p>\n
Hoskins Sen. Dave Bloomfield moved to bracket the bill until April 15, 2016, saying it would hurt small independent farmers.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe independence of the Nebraska farmer is renowned. If this passes, it would eliminate that independence,\u201d Bloomfield said. \u201cWhen you enter into a contract such as the one offered under the bill, it is a life-changing commitment. There is no renouncing the contract on the producer\u2019s part; his entire family is locked into a contract they can\u2019t get out of even by dying.\u201d<\/p>\n
The contract system allowed in the bill represents a sort of indentured servitude, according to Cedar Rapids Sen. Kate Sullivan.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn my estimation, this is just another strike against competitive and fair marketing of livestock in Nebraska,\u201d she said. \u201cThis makes hog producers nothing more than serfs, totally beholden to the corporate entity that owns the livestock.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sen. John Stinner of Gering opposed the bracket motion, saying the notion of the small family farm is no more.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe family farm has now morphed into thousands of acres of production with technology incorporated throughout the operation. LB176 would put Nebraska on equal footing with neighboring states and promote sustainability and profitability,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The bracket motion failed on a 10-17 vote.<\/p>\n
An amendment introduced by Hyannis Sen. Al Davis, adopted 37-2, would preclude contracts from containing confidentiality agreements.<\/p>\n
Several senators introduced a series of motions and amendments to extend debate on the bill, saying it would prioritize corporations over independent farmers.<\/p>\n
After eight hours of debate, Schilz introduced a motion to invoke cloture\u2014or cease debate and force a vote on the bill\u2014which senators approved on a 34-9 vote. A successful cloture motion requires at least 33 votes in support.<\/p>\n
The bill was advanced to select file on a 28-10 vote.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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