LINCOLN, NEB. – “Nebraska Farm Bureau opposes LB646 and AM638, which would create a new classification of “Exempt Feedlots” under the Livestock Brand Act. While we support efforts to modernize the fee structure, we cannot support exempting feedlots from participating in the Nebraska Brand Inspection Act.
For over 80 years, the Nebraska Brand Committee has played a vital role in overseeing livestock brand registration, enforcement, and proof of ownership. Creating an exemption for feedlots would disrupt the balance of participation in the brand inspection program and potentially undermine the purpose of the brand inspection laws to ensure satisfactory evidence of ownership of livestock when sold. This directly contradicts our members’ policy position and threatens the integrity of the system. However, we continue to remain hopeful that a solution can be achieved that is satisfactory to all parties that keeps the Nebraska beef industry in a strong competitive position.
While we remain open to discussions on potential solutions, LB646, AM638, and FA52, as they are currently written, are not measures we can support in their current form, as of March 25, 2025.”
The Nebraska Farm Bureau is a grassroots, state-wide organization dedicated to supporting farm and ranch families and working for the benefit of all Nebraskans through a wide variety of educational, service, and advocacy efforts. More than 56,000 families across Nebraska are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve rural and urban prosperity as agriculture is a key fuel to Nebraska’s economy. For more information about Nebraska Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit www.nefb.org.
