A bill that would ease restrictions on meatpackers owning livestock is under consideration in the Nebraska legislature.

Currently state law prohibits meatpackers from directly or indirectly owning, controlling or operating a livestock operation in the state.

Under a bill introduced by Nebraska Sen. Ken Schilz, restrictions on livestock ownership by meatpackers would be limited to hogs. Nebraska hog farmers generally run farrowing operations. Feeders are later sent out of state to other farms for grow out.

In addition, Schilz has reintroduced a bill that would allow farmers to raise livestock owned by a meatpacking company.