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This week, LB646 – Provide for exempt feedlots under the Livestock Brand Act, which was introduced and prioritized by Sen. Teresa Ibach (LD 44), advanced from the Agriculture Committee to the full Legislature on a 6-0-2 vote with amendment 638 (AM638). In response to the advancement of LB646 with AM638, Nebraska Cattlemen released the following statement: “In accordance with Nebraska Cattlemen’s policy, the association opposed LB646 as introduced because the bill aimed to simply exempt one sector of the industry from inspection. From LB646’s introduction to its advancement out of committee, Senator Ibach and members of the Agriculture Committee ensured NC had a seat at the table to express our members concerns and advocate for changes. NC staff and leadership have been engaged every step of the way.

The Nebraska Brand Committee is unequivocally opposed to LB646 and its amendments. Since its creation in 1941, the Nebraska Brand Committee (NBC) has been tasked with a simply stated yet critically important and complex mission: “protect Nebraska brand and livestock owners from the theft of livestock through established brand recording, brand inspection, and livestock theft investigation.” In a multi-faceted industry that works with a transportable, easily convertible, and high-value commodity that is the cornerstone of Nebraska’s economy, NBC is the third-party verifiers of ownership and the investigators of transgressions against the laws that protect the cattle industry and those who make their living working in it.

Work resumed March 25 on Highway 12 east of Burton between mileposts 65 and 80, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation. Werner Construction of Hastings is the contractor for the project.

Experience the sharp-tailed grouse mating dance from a viewing blind at Niobrara State Park. Reserve the free viewing blinds through April 20.

Niobrara Council MINUTES from the February 27, 2025, meeting. Chair Hollenbeck called the Niobrara Council meeting to order at 1:02 p.m.