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Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Robert Boggs isn't satisfied with being the best at regulating large livestock farms.

"I do believe we have the best permitting program in the country," he said during a meeting of the Ohio Agricultural Communicator's Association. "But that's not good enough; we've got to be better."

Boggs said he and Gov. Ted Strickland are inviting everyone, including critics of large farms, to weigh in on the state's oversight of the facilities. About 160 of Ohio's livestock operations are classified as concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) and thus regulated by ODA. The remaining 30,000 to 40,000 of the state's smaller livestock farms are regulated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and local Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

Boggs said he has visited several CAFOs in northwest Ohio with first lady Frances Strickland to gain a better understanding of the farms.

"We're engaged and we're going to continue to engage the entire community," he said.

Some of Boggs' concerns include the regulation of CAFO manure that is transported off-site and the ability of local governments to deal with strains on infrastructure. A former state legislator and county commissioner, Boggs said local officials are often reluctant to speak out, even to request grants for infrastructure improvements, due to the controversy surrounding large livestock facilities. He was also worried about "large farms coming in right under the permit level."

Boggs said he doesn't yet know the best way to address concerns about the farms, but Gov. Strickland has told him to "go out into Ohio and find the answers."

"We're going to take our time and make sure everyone is involved in the process," he said.

Other ODA priorities highlighted by Boggs include:

• Expanding Ohio's food processing industry.

• Promoting buying local opportunities.

• Utilizing manure and food waste to produce energy.

• Maintaining a close relationship with Ohio State University.

Caption: Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Robert Boggs said he is concerned about some aspects of the state's livestock permitting program, which he called the best in the nation.