Livestock standards discussed at ODA forum in Hillsboro
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An audience including local stockyard managers and producers of many species of livestock were in attendance at Southern State Community College Aug. 24, as Ohio Department of Agriculture representatives presented their new standards for livestock care set to take effect as early as the end of September 2011.
State Veterinarian consultant Dr. David Glauer presented information on new standards that relate to all types of livestock and those standards that related specifically to sheep, goats, llamas, poultry, swine, beef, dairy and horses.
Some standards are set to take effect as early as September of 2011 while others are to be implemented as late as 2026.
In response to Animal Rights organizations threats to pass drastic animal welfare rules in Ohio, State Issue 2 passed in 2009 with the support of 63% of Ohioans. In an agreement reached with then Gov. Ted Strickland and Ohio livestock organizations, the Humane Society of the United States agreed to drop its proposed competing ballot initiative.
According to Steve Dillon of the Highland County Farm Bureau Board, “Issue 2 moved the focus on animal issues from the ballot box to the Livestock Care Standards Board who knows agriculture and real animal needs.”
Attendees at the ODA-Southern State session participated in a question and answer period that dealt mostly with how the rules would be implemented and enforced.
A common theme revealed that there is a concern about the possibility of malicious complaints that are without substance or that reflect a lack of understanding about farm animal practices.
ODA’s Dr. Tony Forshey who is in charge of enforcing the new standards assured the participants that all complaints would require complaintants to identify themselves to ODA personnel.
Dr. Forshey went on to say that in the event they do have to take action ODA will first work with farmers and animal owners to resolve issues. Livestock Care Standards Board Executive Director Mike Bailey said that Ohioans will have three times per year in which they can attend OLCSB meetings to provide input to revise standards.
Bailey encouraged farmers to attend the meetings and provide input so their voice is heard.
More information is available at O.D.A.’s web site http://www.agri.ohio.gov/LivestockCareStandards/.
According to Dillon, “no one likes added regulations and Farm Bureau will continue to monitor the work of the LCSB to ensure farmers’ voices are heard.” “We appreciate the Livestock Care Standards Board and Director Bailey and others making the effort to come to our County and share this very important information.”
In an effort to keep Highland County’s farmers informed, the Highland County Farm Bureau will have information on this important issue available at their booth in the Merchants Building during the Highland County Fair or go to their web site at http://ofbf.org/.[[In-content Ad]]
State Veterinarian consultant Dr. David Glauer presented information on new standards that relate to all types of livestock and those standards that related specifically to sheep, goats, llamas, poultry, swine, beef, dairy and horses.
Some standards are set to take effect as early as September of 2011 while others are to be implemented as late as 2026.
In response to Animal Rights organizations threats to pass drastic animal welfare rules in Ohio, State Issue 2 passed in 2009 with the support of 63% of Ohioans. In an agreement reached with then Gov. Ted Strickland and Ohio livestock organizations, the Humane Society of the United States agreed to drop its proposed competing ballot initiative.
According to Steve Dillon of the Highland County Farm Bureau Board, “Issue 2 moved the focus on animal issues from the ballot box to the Livestock Care Standards Board who knows agriculture and real animal needs.”
Attendees at the ODA-Southern State session participated in a question and answer period that dealt mostly with how the rules would be implemented and enforced.
A common theme revealed that there is a concern about the possibility of malicious complaints that are without substance or that reflect a lack of understanding about farm animal practices.
ODA’s Dr. Tony Forshey who is in charge of enforcing the new standards assured the participants that all complaints would require complaintants to identify themselves to ODA personnel.
Dr. Forshey went on to say that in the event they do have to take action ODA will first work with farmers and animal owners to resolve issues. Livestock Care Standards Board Executive Director Mike Bailey said that Ohioans will have three times per year in which they can attend OLCSB meetings to provide input to revise standards.
Bailey encouraged farmers to attend the meetings and provide input so their voice is heard.
More information is available at O.D.A.’s web site http://www.agri.ohio.gov/LivestockCareStandards/.
According to Dillon, “no one likes added regulations and Farm Bureau will continue to monitor the work of the LCSB to ensure farmers’ voices are heard.” “We appreciate the Livestock Care Standards Board and Director Bailey and others making the effort to come to our County and share this very important information.”
In an effort to keep Highland County’s farmers informed, the Highland County Farm Bureau will have information on this important issue available at their booth in the Merchants Building during the Highland County Fair or go to their web site at http://ofbf.org/.[[In-content Ad]]