Senator introduces LB 646 to reform Nebraska's cattle brand inspection fees

The Nebraska Legislature's Legislative Morning Session on April 2, 2025, focused on significant changes to the state's cattle brand inspection laws. The discussion centered around Legislative Bill 646, aimed at creating uniformity in the feedlot industry across Nebraska.

The brand inspection system, established in 1909 and modified over the years, currently divides the state into brand inspection and non-brand inspection areas. The Western two-thirds of Nebraska requires registered feedlots to inspect cattle upon arrival and maintain detailed records, while the Eastern one-third does not have such mandates. This discrepancy has raised concerns among feedlot operators regarding fairness and financial burdens.

Senator Hansen, who introduced the bill, highlighted that registered feedlots face substantial fees, often amounting to tens of thousands of dollars annually, despite data showing no significant issues with missing or stolen cattle. In fact, a report indicated that there were zero cases of missing cattle in registered feedlots last year. Hansen argued that the current fee structure does not reflect the realities of the industry and that feedlots are funding a program without adequate input.

The proposed amendment, AM 829, seeks to lower the fees for operating registered feedlots and exempt dairy cows being shipped to or from qualified dairies from brand inspections. It also allows for an increase in per head inspection fees at the brand committee's discretion to help maintain program funding. Additionally, the amendment aims to tighten regulations on cattle transfers between grow yards and feedlots to ensure proper ownership documentation.

The session concluded with Senator Hansen expressing gratitude to the Nebraska Cattlemen's Association for their collaboration in shaping the proposed changes. The bill's progress will be closely monitored as it moves through the legislative process, with implications for the state's cattle industry and its regulatory framework.