Senator Tom Brewer
43rd District
05-01-2020

I read an article the other day where people were actually talking about euthanizing fat cattle. If we are living in a time where we are having those kinds of discussions, I think it is blindingly obvious we need to be focused on the economy of Western Nebraska.

Some will argue that in the age of the coronavirus we need to be focused on this pandemic. It is important, no doubt. This virus has killed a lot of people, and every one of those deaths is a tragedy. It is also clear this virus is nothing close to as bad as it was first feared to be. I say we should all rejoice and thank God that it turned out that way.

A couple of months ago, the government believed the death rate from this virus would have us digging mass graves right now. Today, hospitals have begun to close and they are laying-off healthcare workers for lack of patients. I think that tells us a lot about how blessed we all are. We seem to have dodged a big bullet.

I believe Nebraskans are quite capable of going back to normal life while protecting the people who are vulnerable to this virus and following the necessary health precautions. We need to get on with the plan to reopen Nebraska. A big part of that recovery has to include our Western Nebraska economy.

We have the world’s best product in Nebraska Beef. In these times of historically low cattle prices and serious problems with the markets, we need the Federal government to get out of the way and help local meat lockers get the USDA inspection they need to open their doors.

Meat shortages are already starting. Grocers cannot keep beef on the shelf. Big packing houses are working with reduced staffing. Tyson is warning wholesale customers to expect delays and shortages. President Trump issued an emergency executive order to prevent meat-packing plants from closing.

Consumers need more beef. Ranchers need a fair cash market to sell cattle. That sounds like a match made in heaven to me. We need to change these obsolete policies and cut some red tape so we can feed the world, starting with ourselves.

A rancher was talking to me about the process for starting a craft brewery in Nebraska, to sell a Nebraska-made food product to the public. It was not always that way. Alcohol is one of the most regulated products in the country. But craft breweries have made some headway against old, obsolete government red tape. They can now sell directly to consumers. This makes for a premium experience for the buyer and a premium price for the seller. We have seen that model working for craft breweries, and it has transformed the industry. I would sure like to see ranchers have the same freedom to try this approach with their beef. I believe Nebraska beef is one of the finest things we produce in this state. Let’s make it easy for the ranchers and the small-town butchers.

Please contact my office with any comments, questions, or concerns. Email me at tbrewer@leg.ne.gov, mail a letter to Sen. Tom Brewer, Room #1101, P.O. Box 94604, Lincoln, NE 68509, or call us at (402) 471-2628.