In recent years, two pieces of legislation have been passed in two influential states that could have an impact on farming nationwide.
On Nov. 3, Ohio voters voiced their opinion and passed Issue 2, a state constitutional amendment that would provide for the creation of a livestock care board. This panel would consist of 13 members from family farms, veterinarians, Ohio’s agriculture director, local humane societies and consumers.
This amendment was passed as a response to legislation in other states, namely the highly publicized Proposition 2 in California, which aim to curtail the use of crates and confinement in many areas of the animal agriculture industry. Proposition 2 provided that veal calves, pigs and chickens must be able to fully extend all limbs without touching the sides of their cages.
For Nebraska, these two separate acts could have a profound impact on the animal agriculture industry depending on whether Nebraska chooses to follow the path laid by Ohio and California.
Legislation similar to California’s Proposition 2, which aims to limit the range of practices available to animal agriculture, is very worrisome to states such as Nebraska, where agriculture is an $11 billion industry.
“It would devastate the pork industry,” said Sen. Ken Schilz of Ogallala.
In Ohio, activist groups such as the Humane Society of The United States (HSUS) consider the reform a grasping measure to maintain practices that HSUS deems inhumane. But to many farmers and agriculturalists, it is seen as a way to maintain a safe and reliable food supply and a good compromise.
Similar legislation may be a ways off for Nebraska.
“As far as I know there is nothing in the works,” said Sen. Norm Wallman of Cortland.
Proposition 2, though detrimental to animal agriculture in California, could have some very profitable and unintended consequences for Nebraska and also for the consumer.
According to Schilz, the loss of economically viable chicken and pork production in states like California could cause businesses to relocate to a more animal agriculture-friendly state.
In a recent New York Times article, Nebraska Farm Bureau lobbyist Jay Rempe said legislation such as Proposition 2 has caused agriculture to reach out and think about the consumer.
For now, though, Nebraskan animal agriculture will continue as is – comfortable as a pig in a slop.
ashleyburns@dailynebraskan.com
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