Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board
Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board passes vote on Civil Penalty Rules
On October 19, the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board passed a vote on proposed civil penalty rules that will be used to enforce newly created livestock care standards. Proposed civil penalty rules will be filed with the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR) to begin the rule-making process.
The Ohio Department of Agriculture, under its regulatory authority, has the responsibility to enforce the livestock care standards the board puts in place. The civil penalty rules provide guidance for major and minor livestock care standard violations, and the civil penalties apply to each set of livestock care standards the board creates.
“The Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board is making strides in its endeavor to do what Ohioans have asked of it: to create livestock care standards and civil penalties that will protect not only Ohio’s livestock but also consumers, producers and the livelihood of the state’s number one industry—food and agriculture,” said Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Robert Boggs. “The proposed civil penalty rules created today will strengthen every livestock care standard this board creates.”
The proposed civil penalties for each livestock care standard will be based on major and minor violations of Ohio Administrative Code 901:12. A major violation may result in a civil penalty of $1,000 up to $5,000 for a first offense and $5,000 up to $10,000 for each subsequent offense. A minor violation may result in a civil penalty of up to $500 for a first offense and up to $1,000 for each subsequent offense. Major and minor violations will remain on record for five years.
The proposed civil penalty rules will be posted to the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board’s website and distributed through the E Notification System for comment. The proposed rules will be posted for a two-week period on the board’s website, and during this time, comments may be e-mailed to Ecomments@agri.ohio.gov. The proposed civil penalty rules will then be filed with the JCARR to begin the Ohio Revised Code Chapter 119 administrative rule process. For more information about the JCARR process, visit www.jcarr.state.oh.us/.
The Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board is charged with establishing statewide standards governing the care and well-being of livestock while promoting food safety, preventing animal and human diseases and encouraging local food production.
Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board Passes Vote on Euthanasia Standards
The Ohio Livestock Care Standars Board on October 5, 2010, unanimously voted to create new euthanasia livestock care standards-the first such set of standards created in the state's history. Proposed euthanasia rules will be filed with the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR) to begin the rule making process.The Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Robert Boggs, who also serves as the board’s chairman, said through a careful, transparent and diligent process, the board is delivering its promise to Ohio voters.
“As chairman of the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board, I am proud of the hard work the board has put forth to craft our state’s first livestock care standards,” said Boggs. “Through an open and deliberative process, the board has created standards that address acceptable methods of euthanasia for all livestock that are clear and practical for Ohio’s livestock producers.”
The standards will be posted to the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board’s website and distributed through the E Notification System for comment. The proposed rules will be posted for a two-week period on the board’s website, and during this time, comments may be e-mailed to Ecomments@agri.ohio.gov. The proposed euthanasia rules will then be filed with the JCARR to begin the Ohio Revised Code Chapter 119 administrative rule process. For more information about the JCARR process, visithttps://www.jcarr.state.oh.us/.
The Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board is charged with establishing statewide standards governing the care and well-being of livestock while promoting food safety, preventing animal and human diseases and encouraging local food production.
For more information about the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board, visitwww.ohiolivestockcarestandardsboard.org.
Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board Launches Website
On June 17, the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board launched its website, www.ohiolivestockcarestandardsboard.org. The website informs and educates Ohioans about the activities of the board.
The interactive site features meeting notices, past meeting minutes, frequently asked questions, updates, contact information and more. It also provides an opportunity for visitors to offer direct comment to the board.
The Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board is charged with establishing statewide standards governing the care and well-being of livestock while promoting food safety, preventing animal and human diseases and encouraging local food production.
For more information about the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board, visit www.ohiolivestockcarestandardsboard.org, or e-mail at livestockstandardsboard@agri.ohio.gov.
House names Trumbull County man to the Board
Ohio House Speaker Armond Budish named Dominic Marchese, a farm owner and U.S. Naval veteran, to the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board April 15.
Marchese has been the owner and operator of Manna Farms in Farmdale, Ohio for 35 years. In addition to his tenure with the U.S. Navy, Marchese served his local community as a lieutenant in the Warren Fire Department where he worked from 1966 to 1991. Marchese is also active in the Trumbull County Farm Bureau and has served on bureau’s Board of Trustees.
Senate also announces appointment
Ohio Senate President Bill Harris also named his appointee to the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board. Bill Moody, of Fredericktown, is a Knox County farmer that raises sheep and hay. He has held several different positions within the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and was former deputy director of the department. He also served four terms as Knox County Auditor.
Governor announces Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board Appointments
Ohio Governor Ted Strickland announced appointments to the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board on April 6.
In addition to the Governor's 10 appointments, Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Robert Boggs serves on the 13-member board, as well a selection from both the House Speaker and Senate President.
The Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board is charged with establishing standards governing the care and well-being of livestock and poultry in Ohio. The board will strive to maintain food safety, encourage locally grown and raised food, and protect Ohio farms and families.
Tony Forshey, of Columbus, currently serves as the state veterinarian for the Ohio Department of Agriculture. He also serves as the co-chairman of the Swine Update Program in the Department of Preventive Medicine at the Ohio State University and chairman of the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association Swine Sub-Committee to the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Forshey has been recognized by his peers for his work on swine committees and has received numerous awards, including the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association's Meritorious Award. He received a doctorate of veterinary medicine from the Ohio State University.
Leon Weaver, of Montpelier, serves as the owner and operator of Bridgewater Dairy. He also serves as a member of the board of directors for the Ohio Livestock Coalition and the Ohio Dairy Industry Forum. He previously served as the president of the Ohio Dairy Industry Forum and as a professor at the University of California's Veterinarian Medicine School. Weaver received a bachelor's degree from Goshen College in 1968 and a doctorate of veterinary medicine from the University of Pennsylvania in 1971.
Jeff Wuebker, of Versailles, has served as the co-owner of Wuebker Farms since 2001. He also serves as the president of the Ohio Soybean Association and is a member of the Ohio Corn Growers Association and the Ohio Cattleman's Association. Wuebker was named Outstanding Young Farmer by the Ohio Farm Bureau in 2005. He received a bachelor's degree from the Ohio State University in 1993.
Bobby Moser, of Dublin, has served as the vice president for agricultural administration and the dean of the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences at the Ohio State University since 1991. He previously served as the associate dean of agriculture and extension program director at the University of Missouri from 1986-1988 and as an associate professor at the University of Nebraska. Moser received a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Oklahoma State University. He also received a doctorate from the University of Nebraska in 1972.
Jeffrey LeJeune, of Wooster, has served as an associate professor for Food and Animal Health at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center at the Ohio State University since 2007 and previously served as an assistant professor at the Ohio State University from 2001-2007. LeJeune also currently serves as the chair of the Agriculture Animal Care and Use Committee at the Ohio State University and received the 2009 OARDC Distinguished Research Award in 2009. He received a bachelor's degree from the Universite de Moncton and a doctorate of veterinary medicine from the University of Prince Edward Island. LeJeune also received a Ph.D. from Washington State University in 2000.
Harold Dates, of Cincinnati, has served as the president and CEO of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Cincinnati since 1986, previously serving as the assistant general manager from 1975-1986. Dates also previously served as the community center director for the City of Cincinnati from 1971-1973. He received the Glenn Summerlin Award from the Society of Animal Welfare Administrators in 2009. Dates received a bachelor's degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1969.
Jerry Lahmers, of Newcomerstown, currently owns and operates a family farm that includes a cow/calf feedlot and grain operations. He previously served as a veterinarian who treated and cared for animals in Tuscarawas County for 29 years. Lahmers also serves as the president of the Tuscarawas County Farm Bureau and Tuscarawas County Parks Department. He also served as a member of the Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing board from 2000-2005. Lahmers received a doctorate of veterinary medicine from the Ohio State University.
Lisa M. Hamler-Fugitt, of Reynoldsburg, currently serves as the executive director of the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks and as the legislative liaison for the Ohio Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs. She previously served as the public policy director and the statewide food and nutrition program coordinator for the Ohio Hunger Task Force. Hamler-Fugitt has researched, written, and secured over $200 million in grants to support various anti-hunger programs. She received an associate's degree from South Oklahoma Junior College.
Robert Cole, of Gahanna, served in various roles for the U.S. Department of Agriculture for over 33 years, including serving as the executive director of the USDA's Franklin County Office and as acting state director in 2003. He retired from the U.S Department of Agriculture in 2003. Cole continues to help manage his family's farm in Mississippi and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Dayton. He received a bachelor's degree from Alcorn A&M College in 1970.
Stacey Atherton, of Newark, has served as the co-owner for Shipley Farms since 2009. She previously served as a manager for Shipley Farms from 2006-2009. Atherton has also served as a 4-H club advisor for the Licking County Jersey Club since 2006 and is a member of the Ohio Dairy Producers and the Ohio Farm Bureau. She received a bachelor's degree from the Ohio State University in 2006.
HSUS Files Petition
As you may have heard, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) filed a petition with the Attorney General to have a ballot initiative this fall.
HSUS Initiative Petition (186 KB)
Leaders of Ohioans for Livestock Care, which includes OCA, released the following statement in response to their announcement.
“Ohio farmers, first and foremost, are committed to caring for the animals we raise. It’s the right thing to do, and it means we can continue to provide Ohioans with safe, affordable, Ohio-grown food.
“Ohio voters supported the creation of the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board (the Board), because it is a meaningful, comprehensive way to maintain excellent care of the state’s farm animals. The Board, which is balanced with members representing both political parties who must be appointed and confirmed, is charged with considering all aspects of farm animal care, including animal health, medical care, biosecurity, disease prevention, food safety and food costs.
“The California-style proposal being sought by out-of-state animal rights groups is not needed, and their actions disregard the will of voters who supported an Ohio-based measure. The Board can – and will – do its job, if these groups will step back and give it time to do so. And furthermore, any group can bring before the Board any changes it seeks – without going to the unnecessary lengths of a statewide ballot initiative.
“Ohio can’t afford to pass a measure like the one in California. Ohio’s farm community is important to the fabric of our rural life and to the state’s economy, providing $98 billion to the state’s bottom line and almost one million jobs.
"In California, farms already are being courted to leave the state and relocate– taking those jobs and tax benefits with them. In Ohio, a similar result would be devastating to our economy.
“Enough is enough from these out-of-state groups. Our voters have spoken – it’s right to let Ohio experts set and maintain our excellent animal care standards, and to let farmers continue caring for their flocks and herds and providing safe, low-cost food for Ohioans.”
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Ohioans for Livestock Care is led by Ohio’s leading farm organizations, including the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, the Ohio Corn Growers Association, the Ohio Dairy Producers Association, the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, the Ohio Poultry Association, the Ohio Pork Producers Council and the Ohio Soybean Association. The groups together advocated for the successful passage of State Issue 2 in 2009, a measure to create the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board.
Issue 2 Passes
The Ohioans for Livestock Care Political Action Committee (PAC) released the following statement in response to the passage of State Issue 2 on November 3, 2009. The statement can be attributed in part or in its entirety to John Lumpe, president, Ohioans for Livestock Care PAC.
“Ohioans have spoken and clearly understand that a board of experts is the appropriate entity to make decisions on behalf of animal agriculture and food production in our state. Passage of Issue 2 is a win for everyone who acknowledges the essential relationship between excellent farm animal care and a safe, affordable, locally grown food supply. Voters agree with Ohio’s farm community and our diverse base of supporters - decisions about food and farming should be made in Ohio, by Ohioans.
“We would like to thank Governor Strickland and our legislative leaders for their support in getting this resolution on the ballot, our collective farm community for their continued commitment to responsible farm management and animal care, the more than 500 state organizations and individual endorsers, and Ohio voters for recognizing the need for such a board in our state. It is clear that all Ohioans – rural and suburban, Republican and Democrat – have come together and recognize just how important agriculture is to the state.
“The Livestock Care Standards Board created through passage of Issue 2 will provide an effective mechanism for determining and enforcing guidelines for the care and well-being of livestock and poultry, and for ensuring the quality, safety and availability of locally produced food in Ohio.
“We look forward to working with the Ohio General Assembly on the implementing legislation.”
