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Lawmakers adopt Nebraska herd-share bill to increase access to locally raised meat
Nebraska lawmakers have unanimously passed legislation allowing farmers and ranchers to offer locally raised meat directly to consumers.
Introduced by Senator Tom Brandt of Plymouth, the bill allows a customer to get their choice cut of meat after entering a herd share agreement where both the consumer and producer have ownership in an animal or herd.
The animal share owner, or someone acting on their behalf, must receive the meat, and the farmer or rancher must provide the consumer with a description of their livestock health and processing standards.
A farmer or rancher who offers an animal share must be a Nebraska resident and maintain a record of each animal share sold.
The legislation also creates an independent processor assistance program which provides funding to certain federally or state inspected or custom-exempt processing facilities who employ fewer than 25 people.
Recipients may use the funds to pay for capital improvements, utilities upgrades, equipment, technology, building rentals, costs associated with increased inspections and educational and workforce training.
Earlier this year, Brownfield sat down with Senator Brandt on his bill.
