RICKETTS: MEAT PROCESSING APPROACH SIMILAR TO WYOMING’S UNREALISTIC FOR NEBRASKA

SCOTTSBLUFF – Nebraska cannot take an approach similar to Wyoming with respect to its meat processing plants during the pandemic because, according to Governor Ricketts, Nebraska suffers from overcapacity of meat processing plants and the lack of a state meat inspection. For context, Wyoming has passed a law that allows meat producers to sell directly to consumers without USDA inspections to circumvent some of the challenges posed by COVID-19. Ricketts has also stated that status quo law in Nebraska does not have a state inspection process, so Nebraska must rely on the USDA.

Melody Benjamin, Nebraska Cattlemen Association’s vice president of members services has said that a majority of Nebraska meatpackers are at full capacity for up to a year scheduled in advance due to the pandemic. Ricketts has stated that producers can look for national help through the USDA.

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