GUEST COMMENTARY
by Senator Tanya Storer
The following commentary was submitted by State Senator Tanya Storer. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Sandhills Express or KCNI/KBBN.
Last week, the gubernatorial appointments to the newly restructured Nebraska Brand Committee were announced by the Governor’s Office. Under LB1187, the committee should be comprised of five district representatives, one representative who owns or operates a cattle feeding operation, and one who owns or operates a livestock auction market. Each district representative must reside within the district represented and have the “raising of cattle” as his or her principal business or occupation.
That language marks an important change. Previously, the law required at least three members to be “active cattlepersons,” a broad industry-based qualification, while generally allowing members’ principal business and occupation to include either the raising or feeding of cattle. LB1187 replaced that broader structure with five geographic seats specifically for those whose principal business or occupation is raising cattle, while creating separate seats for cattle feeding and livestock marketing.
That distinction matters. “Active cattleperson,” as previously used, describes broad participation in the cattle industry. “Raising cattle,” now used under LB1187, focuses more specifically on what a person principally does. USDA itself distinguishes between the cow-calf sector, where cattle are bred, born, raised, and weaned, and the cattle-feeding sector, where cattle are finished for slaughter. In other words, even within the broader cattle industry, raising and feeding are not treated as interchangeable activities.
That distinction is consistent with the structure created by LB1187. The law no longer relies simply on the broad concept of an “active cattleperson” for the majority of the committee. Instead, it establishes five geographically based seats for those principally engaged in raising cattle, while separately guaranteeing one seat for a cattle feeding operation and a livestock auction market. The intent, which seems clear, was to broaden representation across Nebraska’s cow-calf industry to ensure that ranchers and cow-calf producers have a strong geographic voice while preserving a seat for feeders and adding a seat for livestock markets. If those categories are treated as interchangeable, as the recent individual appointments seem to reflect, the primary purpose of restructuring the committee is lost.
The recently announced new appointments appear to leave the cow-calf industry without the robust representation the legislation was intended to provide. Let me be clear: this concern is not an attack on the character, experience, or willingness to serve of any new appointee. It is about how the statutory qualifications appear to have been interpreted by the Governor’s Office and whether the final composition of the committee fulfills the Legislature’s intent.
Again, words matter in statute. Requiring the “raising of cattle” to be a person’s principal business or occupation, under LB1187, creates a more specific qualification than simply being an “active cattleperson.” Raising cattle generally involves the ongoing production and management of cattle, including breeding, grazing, herd management, animal care, and developing cattle through the production cycle. Commercial cattle feeding is also an essential part of Nebraska’s cattle industry, but LB1187 treats it as a distinct activity by creating a dedicated seat for that sector.
Having had a front-row seat to the evolution of this legislation and being a strong advocate for Nebraska’s ranching families, I understand how important these appointments are to the more than 14,000 cattle producers who depend on a strong inspection system to provide valuable proof of ownership of one of Nebraska’s top commodities: cattle.
The ability to own property is a cornerstone of American freedom, and that ownership must be secured by a reliable legal system, whether through a deed to real estate, a title to a vehicle, a stock certificate, or a recorded livestock brand and documented transfer of ownership.
I appreciate Senator Mike Jacobson’s leadership throughout the debate over LB1187 and his continued commitment to keeping the Nebraska Brand Committee intact, preserving the integrity of brand inspection, and strengthening representation for cow-calf producers. The compromise amendment we supported maintained inspections and accountability across the cattle industry, provided the committee with the resources necessary to fulfill its responsibilities, and created five district positions intended to give those who raise cattle a stronger voice.
The Brand Committee exists to protect livestock owners through brand recording, brand inspection, and livestock-theft investigation. I will continue asking questions about how these appointments align with the law and advocating for the cattle producers whose livelihoods depend on fair representation and a dependable system for proof of ownership.
Staying connected with the people of District 43 remains an important part of representing you. I value hearing your questions, concerns, and ideas. Your input helps guide my work and ensures the voices of our communities remain part of these important conversations in the Nebraska Legislature.
Please note that my email address has changed to [email protected]
Respectfully,
Senator Tanya Storer
