Governor Ted Strickland announced yesterday that an agreement has been reached between Ohio’s farm community and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).  As part of the agreement, HSUS will withdraw their proposed animal care ballot initiative for 2010 and support the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board, which they previously opposed.  Click here to read the Governor’s announcement.

ODPA united with Ohio’s pork, poultry, beef, soy and corn associations and the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation to reach an agreement with HSUS that will allow Ohio agriculture to remain viable and consider best animal care practices based on science and research.   Facilitated by the Governor’s office, there was open and honest discussion among all interested parties. Although there was some give and take throughout the process, ODPA is pleased to see an outcome that will work for Ohio agriculture, and in particular, the state’s egg, pork and veal farmers.

The agreement will allow ODPA to work with the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board to address and manage issues specific to dairy. The ODPA Dairy Care Standards committee has been assessing cow care issues and plans to present a unified dairy care standards plan for consideration to the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board.

ODPA, along with Ohio’s agriculture community, worked hard to pass Issue 2 and create the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board, setting the stage to achieve an acceptable agreement between agriculture and HSUS.

Ohio farmers and Ohio-based Bob Evans Farms are teaming up to provide two Ohio families with “Free Breakfast for a Year.”

Ohio residents can register at www.FarmersFeedUS.org to win one of two grand prizes of “Free Breakfast for a Year” at Bob Evans Restaurants. Visitors to the site will be guided through registration by an Ohio farmer, who will also explain how he or she produces safe, nutritious and affordable food. Consumers can register with each of seven farmers daily through the end of the program on Oct. 15.