PRESS RELEASE
FROM: INDEPENDENT CATTLEMEN OF NEBRASKA, Box 241, Hyannis, NE
69350
Media Contact: Terry Rothwell (308) 458-2758 trothwell@bbcwb.net
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 12 2008
Independent Cattlemen Testify in Favor of Family
Farms and Ranches
The Independent Cattlemen of Nebraska (ICON) testified Tuesday in front
of the Agriculture Committee of the Nebraska Legislature in favor of
LB 1174 introduced by ICON member, Sen. Cap Dierks of Ewing. This bill
would re-establish the support for independent family farmers and ranchers
contained in Initiative 300.
David Wright, ICON Vice President, presented arguments outlining the
need for limiting the ability of global corporate agribusinesses to
own agricultural assets in Nebraska.
"Large corporations are, by their very definition, driven to
extract as much return as possible while diminishing input costs, in
order to carry out their charge to shareholders.", Said Wright.
"If this means liberal interpretations of environmental regulations,
disregard for human resources and social irresponsibility, so be it.
In the corporate scenario, Nebraskans and their assets become nothing
more than pawns in a global game that has nearly destroyed America's
working middle class."
ICON spokesman, Jim Hanna said he was alarmed at the short-sightedness
of some of the production groups that were opposing the bill. "Instead
of supporting policies that would address overcapacity, concentration
and outright abuse of Nebraska's livestock sector by the very corporations
they wish to empower, these groups seem to be stampeding blindly towards
a future where, instead of having a myriad of options, independent family
producers will face two choices; sell out to the corporations, or become
serfs on their own property."
ICON encourages family farmers and ranchers to immediately contact
their State Senators, especially those who are members of the Ag. Committee
and ask that LB 1174 be advanced to the full Legislature.