By LINDA McGURK
Indiana Correpsondent

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — More than 40 Hoosier livestock producers are in line to become certified for their progressive practices by the Indiana Department of Agriculture (ISDA). Its Certified Livestock Producer Program (CLPP) is “designed to recognize those farmers that go above and beyond in their farm practices and procedures,” according to ISDA’s website.

“This is a tool for the department to get behind livestock producers in the state and let them tell their story,” said Sara Simpson, ISDA’s assistant director of regulatory affairs. “It’s also an opportunity for farmers to receive recognition for things they are doing that the public may not be aware of.”

To become certified, livestock producers must show their commitment to food safety and animal health, biosecurity, environmental stewardship, emergency planning and good neighbor relations. That could mean everything from having an evacuation plan in the event of a disaster, to practicing good nutrient management and being involved in the local community.

After the idea for a livestock certification process surfaced about a year ago, ISDA deployed a 19-member advisory board representing commodity groups, local government and the environmental community to help put together the nuts and bolts of the program.

Forty interested farmers then tested the different aspects of CLPP in the pilot phase, which ran from January to March.

“The feedback was all very positive,” said Ryan Westerfeld, CLPP project manager.

After some minor tweaks, the program was launched and the first four certified producers were recognized in a ceremony led by Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman on July 21. Westerfeld said certified producers could get an edge in marketing.

ISDA is also working with sponsors to provide financial incentives for producers to join. The Indiana Farm Bureau already offers a 5 percent discount on its insurance plans to eligible CLPP participants. The program could have advantages to the public as well, Simpson said.

“When you look at the pillars of the program standards, like biosecurity and the environment, I think they really resonate with what the public is interested in,” she said. “They want to know how farmers are providing a safe and abundant food supply. It’s a great opportunity to increase public awareness.”

The first step to become certified is to fill out and submit the application materials on ISDA’s website, www.in.gov/isda – eligible applicants are then encouraged to sign up for a one-day local training session, when participants will receive a CLPP training manual.

Finally, ISDA representatives will do an on-farm assessment to review the completed requirements. Qualifying farmers will receive a farm sign and a certificate, and have the option of being publicly recognized.

“We would like to have as many (certified producers) as possible, while keeping the integrity of the program at a high level,” said Westerfeld.

The certification is good for three years, provided the producer stays in compliance with all state and federal permits and requirements, and there is a continuing education requirement for producers who wish to stay certified. Those who apply in August may be able to participate in one of the following training sessions:

•Sept. 4 – Ramada Hotel, 2519 E. Center St., Warsaw; contact Wendy Hines at 574-268-1733

•Sept. 11 – Beck Center, 4540 U.S. 52 West, West Lafayette; contact Jessica Crum at 765-494-8370

•Sept. 18 – Greensburg Learning Center, 422 E. Central Ave., Greensburg; contact Jim Cummings at 812-222-0211

•Sept. 25 – Huntingburg Event Center, 110 E. 14th St., Huntingburg; contact Sue Tooley at 812-683-2221