Radical change proposed for state brand committee

The Independent Cattlemen of Nebraska are expressing alarm at a bill proposed by Sen. Teresa Ibach which would bring a significant change to how brand inspection is conducted if it were to pass. The bill, LB 646, would exempt feedlots from inspection and would put a significant fiscal dent in the ability of the Nebraska Brand Committee to do its work.

Ibach's bill follows a lengthy period of dissatisfaction by feedlots about how fees are assessed for inspection. As it is today, every feedlot must follow the same procedures as ranch inspection, which means every animal must be physically inspec...