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Brand law reform clears key hurdle in Nebraska Legislature

Nebraska lawmakers have advanced a bill that they say could modernize the state’s long-standing brand law.

Senator Mike Jacobsen of North Platte says the legislation is not perfect but strikes a compromise on ownership verification for cow/calf operators and feedlots. “It ensures that the expectations are clear for producers and the brand committee particularly when it comes to documentations, audits and enforcement.”

The proposed legislation increases different types of fees, creates exemptions for some dairy cattle, changes requirements for movement of cattle in and out of certain types of operations and restructures the brand committee.

Tanya Storer of Whitman, who has been previously opposed to different versions of the bill says every segment of the cattle industry is finally included. “This has been and will continue to be a nonnegotiable for me and the only way we can maintain a meaningful system of proof of ownership and oversight needed for deterrence for fraud and theft.”  

Theresea Ibach of Sumner says the changes reflect how the sector has evolved over time. “It’s a commitment to the future of Nebraska’s cattle industry. The bill safeguards our heritage. It supports economic growth and it strengthens our rural communities.”

The bill advanced 36-4 and will have another reading before it heads to Governor Jim Pillen’s desk for his possible signature.