LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska legislature is considering a bill that would ease restrictions on meatpackers owning livestock. Current state law prohibits meatpackers from directly or indirectly owning, controlling or operating a livestock operation in Nebraska.

Under a bill introduced by Nebraska Sen. Ken Schilz, restrictions on livestock ownership by meatpackers would be limited to hogs. Nebraska hog farmers generally run farrowing operations. Feeders are later sent out of state to other farms for grow out.


Schilz also reintroduced a bill that would allow farmers to raise livestock owned by a meatpacking company.