First round debate on LB646, Senator Ibach’s bill to exempt feedlots from the Nebraska Brand ...

First round debate on LB646, Senator Ibach's bill to exempt feedlots from the Nebraska Brand Act, began this week at the Capitol. While the initial version of the bill would exempt feedlots from the Nebraska Brand Act, amendment AM829 was adopted which now makes significant changes to the fees for brand and electronic inspections. Starting January 1, 2026, the fees could increase to $1.50 per head for cow/calf producers. Registered Feedlots (RFLs) would pay an initial registration fee of $1,000 and an annual renewal fee of $1,000, a reduction of over 90% from their current fees. Debate lasted about four hours before LB646, as modified by the amendment, advanced from General File with a 26-2 vote, and 19 senators not voting. We anticipate further refinement of the bill and hope for a consensus before additional discussions are scheduled.

Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue commented on the bill after senators voted to advance it.

"Nebraska Farm Bureau appreciates the Legislature's thoughtful consideration of our members' concerns about the proposed changes to the Nebraska Brand Committee's fee structure called for in Sen. Teresa Ibach's LB646 and her subsequent amendments," said McHargue.

"Our organization stood in opposition to both the original bill which would have allowed feedlots to be exempt from the Livestock Brand Act, and a subsequent amendment adopted by the body which modifies the brand fee structure. While the advancement of the bill to Select File is not what we had hoped for, we remain optimistic that a reasonable solution can be reached to protect the integrity of the state's cattle industry and the work of the Nebraska Brand Committee."

"We thank Senator Tanya Storer for her leadership opposing LB646 and for standing with beef producers who believe in the need for sound Nebraska brand laws. We appreciate Senator Ibach's recognition that changes need to be made to her proposal before it can come back for debate, and her commitment to work with Senator Storer to find a fair and balanced agreement."

"We are eager to continue the dialogue to ensure that brand laws in Nebraska are both fair and effective for all producers."

We appreciate the 155 members who took the time to respond to our action alert by emailing their senator, encouraging them to reject the bill unless it is modified by Storer's AM810. As we strive to reach a consensus on the bill, it's crucial for senators to hear from their constituents regarding this issue.