Common sense. The public does not often associate those two words with governmental actions. An estimated 250 farmers and agribusiness folks heard that theme repeatedly at a Sept. 29 meeting in Ft. Recovery, Ohio. This was the largest gathering of five sessions conducted around the state by the Ohio Department of Agriculture to introduce the new Ohio Livestock Care Standards (OLCS) to the public.  

Signed into law earlier in the day by Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Jim Zehringer, these standards are the culmination of over 20 meetings, 55 separate subcommittee meetings, 7 listening sessions and 2 full days of touring a variety of livestock farms across Ohio. The 13-member OLCS Board was committed to developing farm animal management guidelines that not only address public concerns about humane care for livestock, but also are based on sound animal husbandry. This deliberate process followed the November 2009 overwhelming passage of State Issue 2, a constitutional amendment requiring that the State of Ohio establish expansive livestock care standards. 

The well-planned agenda was introduced by Michael Bailey, executive director of the OLCSB. He thanked everyone for taking time from their busy schedules and braving heavy rain to attend. Appreciation was also expressed to various local agribusiness interests in providing refreshments for the meeting and the American Legion for use of their facility.

Dr. David Glauer, former state veterinarian, who was charged with the technical writing, plowed through the basics of the new standards, continually emphasizing the importance of practicality as farmers plan implementation of the recommendations.

Dr. Glauer, who had the longest presentation of the evening, described the development of the livestock care standards and outreach efforts. He emphasized the importance of doing the job right, including developing workable definitions for the following words: responsible party; humane; distress and pain. Since these are key words utilized throughout the written standards, understanding the context of those words was essential.  

He reviewed part of the farmer education effort; ODA developed guidebooks to help producers understand the new standards. Since there are commonalities among all species, a general care fact sheet summarizes care and handling, housing and facilities and health. Species specific guides have been developed for bovine ( dairy & beef ), swine, poultry ( layers, broilers & turkeys ), ovine, caprine, camelid ( sheep, goats, alpacas & llamas) and equine ( horses, ponies, mules & donkeys). He noted that guidelines in effect prior to Sept. 29 included those on euthanasia, civil penalties, general care considerations and distressed and disabled care. 

Ohio’s State Veterinarian, Dr. Tony Forshey, followed by highlighting some of the same points Glauer made, emphasizing that ODA personnel will concentrate on helping farmers meet compliance guidelines. He commented that the new standards allows livestock managers leeway to determine what is best for the animals under their care, as long as proper care is given. The agency is all about improving profitable management, not about over regulation or fines. Forshey was clear that animal cruelty complaints will continue to be handled by local humane societies and county prosecutors, not ODA. 

Zehringer continued the discussion, requesting an expansion of livestock production in Ohio. He recognized farmer and commodity group concerns about over regulation and stressed that Gov. John Kasich’s administration is pro-agriculture. It is well understood that agriculture is Ohio’s number one industry , with more dairy, swine, beef and poultry production welcomed. He thanked members of the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board who were present, and the local farmers, agribusiness people and veterinarians who served on various subcommittees. 

Bailey wrapped up the formal part of the program, requesting farmers and others to pick up specie specific guidebooks detailing livestock care standards for all species that night. (Printable copies are available at www.ohiolive

stockcarestandards.gov/materials ). At that point the large group was encouraged to informally ask questions of speakers and others still present.  

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments for Roger Bender may write to him in care of this publication.