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ODA is in the process of holding public hearings before finalizing rules that will apply to Ohio’s larger livestock operations. Following is the testimony OFBF offered in support of the rules.

The livestock and poultry industry is important to Ohio. The industry contributes more than $7.2 billion to Ohio’s economy and is responsible for generating over 38,500 jobs. However, except for poultry, the number of livestock in Ohio has decreased.

While total livestock production is decreasing, the number of animals per farm has increased. There are several reasons for the increase in the size of livestock farms. First, larger livestock farms are able to use technology that provides for greater efficiency. Second, creation of a new livestock farm, or the expansion of an existing one, often allows a second generation farmer to make a living on the farm. And third, livestock farms provide a value-added product for the corn and beans grown on the farm.

Opponents of these larger farms often cite odor, flies, pollution of water and reduced property values. The rules being proposed will go a long way in protecting the environment, giving farmers an established set of rules to follow, and allowing livestock farms to peaceably co-exist with their neighbors.

The biggest advantage in the proposed rules is that the livestock producer will now be able to look at a set of established rules before building or expanding a livestock operation. This will provide certainty for the industry and protection for the residents living around the facility.

Farm Bureau believes requiring a Permit to Operate, in addition to a Permit to Install, will help protect the environment. A Permit to Operate gives ODA jurisdiction over the operation of the facility and inspections will enable ODA to prevent problems before they occur. Farm Bureau also believes requiring a Review Compliance Certificate will bring facilities currently operating in-line with the new rules and law, while providing producers with time to come into compliance.

Perhaps the most noticeable improvement found in the rules is the requirement for an Insect and Rodent Control Plan. This will protect neighbors of livestock facilities so they won’t have to put up with an unwanted nuisance.

Farm Bureau also commends ODA for requiring a manure management plan, including the land application of manure. This will help protect surface water.

From the producer’s standpoint, allowing for General Permits will help speed the process, provide certainty in rules, and reduce the amount of paperwork It is anticipated that a number of producers will request General Permits.

Farm Bureau believes ODA has ample power and authority to inspect facilities, records and required plans. It is anticipated that ODA will aggressively inspect livestock facilities which should protect the environment and prevent problems before they occur.

Farm Bureau supports the current citing criteria and setbacks found in the proposed rules as they are consistent with current NRCS standards. OFBF also supports the criteria for significant public interest and the limitation on significant capital expenditures.

In conclusion, OFBF believes these rules provide a definite set of standards for the producer to follow, adequate rules to protect the environment and sufficient power and authority for ODA to enforce them.