Issue 2: for Ohio farmers, Livestock, and You.

As a farmer and livestock producer from Johnstown, I need to explain why Issue 2 is so important to the Ohio farmers and to you, the consumer.

Ohio's farmers are like all Ohioans we rely on safe, affordable food sources to provide for our families. We are committed to the best care for our herds. Issue 2 is Ohio's plan to maintain excellent care for Ohio's livestock industry while maintaining a safe, affordable food supply that is locally grown.

 

The reasonable, common sense approach is to establish a Livestock Care Standards Board that will bring expertise to set animal care policy, which is something we can all support. The board will be made up of veterinarians, a food safety expert, a local humane society representative, three family farmers, two members from statewide farm organizations, the dean of an Ohio agriculture college and two members representing Ohio consumers. These members will be appointed by the governor, House and Senate.

These folks will use their best knowledge in making decisions affecting animal agriculture. They would be extremely more qualified to make these decisions than the alternative.

Issue 2 is far better than extreme measures offered by Washington-based advocates for veganism and who seek extreme, costly anti-farming regulations that will burden the production of meat, milk and eggs until these products are no longer affordable to Ohioans. Unwise regulation will drive agriculture from Ohio, putting thousands of farmers out of business, reducing our food supply, increasing food costs to you the consumer and forcing reliance on unsafe, imported foods.

Issue 2 will assure a balanced approach to livestock care, rather than input from an out-of-state interest group that knows nothing about agriculture in Ohio. These activists would impose rigid, inflexible and impractical rules for how livestock and poultry are housed. It would endanger the overall health and well-being of Ohio's flocks and herds.

Just a few of many endorsements for "yes" on Issue 2: Ohio Restaurant Association, Ohio Grocers Association, Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Ohio Farm Bureau, Ohio Association of Second Harvest Food banks, Ohio Veterinary Association, Ohio Association of Realtors, American Humane Association, along with the associations of Pork, Corn, Dairy, Poultry, Fish, Wheat, Horse, Lamb, Cattle, and Soybean. Governor Ted Strickland, George Voinovich, Pat Tiberi and Jay Hottinger have also endorsed this issue.

Go to www.OhioLivestockCare.com and see the facts.

Please join me in insuring safe, affordable food and vote "yes" for Issue 2 to create the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board. Without farmers, where will food come from?

Source: Newark advocate

Kathy Heimerl