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Members of OFBF’s Equine Advisory Committee identified several issues that will impact the industry in the coming year, including continuing to have horses defined as livestock and containing equine infectious anemia.

The committee met in mid-September in Bellville to review state and national policy relating to equine issues and to develop recommendations for Ohio Farm Bureau’s state policy development committee. Two recommendations are as follows:

• "The citizens of Ohio should be allowed to vote on a constitutional amendment to allow Video Lottery Terminals at existing race tracks that maintain live racing with a portion of the proceeds directed to support the agricultural component of the racing industry."
• "We oppose any proposed reduction in the use and access of pack and saddle stock animals on state owned lands. Such reduction should only be permitted after being fully reviewed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. We oppose ODNR closing a trail or trail head with no notice or public process taking place."

Members also were briefed on the status of HB 343, which would enable the equine industry to establish an equine marketing program. Even though such legislation, with new language suggested by Ohio’s equine industry, could pass the Ohio House, it’s unlikely the Senate would take action before the current session adjourns. OFBF’s Larry Gearhardt told the committee the best chance for the legislation to pass this year would be to add it onto other legislation that is further along in the legislative process.

OFBF’s policy development committee will consider the committee’s policy suggestions when it meets again in early November.