Nebraska Cattlemen Statement on Brand Bill Amendment 638

LINCOLN, NEB. (March 20, 2025) – This week, LB646 – Provide for exempt feedlots under the Livestock Brand Act, which was introduced and prioritized by Sen. Teresa Ibach (LD 44), advanced from the Agriculture Committee to the full Legislature on a 6-0-2 vote with amendment 638 (AM638). In response to the advancement of LB646 with AM638, Nebraska Cattlemen released the following statement:

“In accordance with Nebraska Cattlemen’s policy, the association opposed LB646 as introduced because the bill aimed to simply exempt one sector of the industry from inspection. From LB646’s introduction to its advancement out of committee, Senator Ibach and members of the Agriculture Committee ensured NC had a seat at the table to express our member’s concerns and advocate for changes. NC staff and leadership have been engaged every step of the way.

AM638 contains provisions NC requested including clarity of satisfactory evidence of ownership upon entering a grow yard or proposed new category of exempt feedlots (EFL), quarterly audits of proposed EFLs and modifications to brand renewal fees. 

This is an important issue to all sectors of the membership of Nebraska Cattlemen, and we remain committed to working with Senator Ibach toward a solution that could be acceptable to the membership as we work to modernize brand laws in Nebraska.”

BACKGROUND 

On February 4, 2025, Nebraska Cattlemen announced its policy priorities for the first half of the 109th Legislative Session. NC stated it opposed LB 646 as introduced which would exempt registered feedlots from brand inspection in Nebraska. Following NC policy, the board gave direction to work on amendments to strengthen the bill, modernize brand inspection in Nebraska, and see fees reflective of services provided to different sectors of the industry. 

The Nebraska Cattlemen Board of Directors will meet on April 1, 2025, where they will take an official position on AM638. NC’s official position has not changed and will not change without direction and an official vote from the Board of Directors.