All eyes will be on Ohio on Tuesday, November 3 as voters head to the polls to either approve or reject a proposed constitutional amendment to create the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board. Issue 2 – as it is called on the ballot – is about providing safe, affordable and locally-raised food for consumers through the guidance of a board made up of 13 members of the farming, medical, food safety and consumer communities. If Issue 2 is passed, this board will use their best knowledge in making decisions affecting animal agriculture.

 

For some time, Ohio farmers have expressed concerned about efforts by Washington-based activist groups and others to ban modern food production and housing methods, because these extreme proposals disregard scientific and practical evidence about animal well-being.

 

Clearly, the agriculture community needs to tell its story and can no longer afford to sit on the sidelines while decisions about agriculture are being made. The passage of Issue 2 will ensure animal care is top of mind for all farmers and will bring together a full range of Ohio animal care expertise to set animal care policy, which is something that all consumers can support.

 

For our Ohio members, be sure to give careful consideration to Issue 2 when casting your ballot next month. And for those outside Ohio, keep a watchful eye on this issue. Whether it passes or fails, livestock care will continue to push its way to the forefront of the industry and will likely have a significant impact on agriculture in years to come.