Growing our Generation: Grassroots advocacy
Ohio Farm Bureau provides opportunities, platforms and resources to help you develop your voice in the industry and give farmers a seat at the table with leaders and legislators.
Read MoreApproved applicants will be allowed to remove up to five birds, which will be determined after consultation with USDA Wildlife Services.
The black vulture population has increased in Ohio in recent years. These birds, which have a dark gray head and can be aggressive, should not be confused with the larger, less aggressive red-headed, turkey vulture.
“Black vultures are an extremely aggressive predator,” said Roger High, director of livestock with Ohio Farm Bureau. “They come into livestock farms of all types and attack the newborn animals and are very destructive.”
While black vultures can be extremely detrimental to livestock producers, these birds remain important to conservation and agriculture resources by cleaning up animal carcasses from the ecosystem. As migratory birds, black vultures are federally protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, state laws and regulations, which means they can’t be killed or destroyed without a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Migratory Bird Depredation permit.
As a way to streamline the permitting process, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources has obtained a statewide depredation permit for black vultures from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. ODNR will work with USDA Wildlife Services to issue sub-permits to livestock producers who are experiencing issues with black vultures. These sub-permits cover commercial livestock, including cattle, horses, sheep, goats and swine and are free to livestock producers.
“As these birds continue to migrate further into Ohio, we are hearing more and more from our members about the devastation these birds are causing,” High said. “These improvements match much of Ohio Farm Bureau’s policy on black vultures. We have been involved in many conversations with these agencies about this issue, so we appreciate the efforts being made for farmers across Ohio.”
Approved applicants will be allowed to remove up to five birds, which will be determined after consultation with USDA Wildlife Services. Applicants must agree to follow all rules and regulations required by USFWS in the ODNR statewide permit.
Interested livestock producers may request a sub-permit application by contacting Thomas Butler at [email protected].
Ohio Farm Bureau provides opportunities, platforms and resources to help you develop your voice in the industry and give farmers a seat at the table with leaders and legislators.
Read MoreThe emergency fuel waiver to allow the sale of summer gasoline blends containing 15% ethanol will lengthen the period during which Americans can continue buying E15 from June 1 to Sept. 15.
Read MoreODA will enroll 500,000 acres into the program for a two-week sign-up period, beginning April 22, 2024, through May 6, 2024. Contact local SWCD offices to apply.
Read MoreThe survey results establish a baseline of adoption for various farming practices in the Sandusky watershed.
Read MorePike County Farm Bureau hosted a Public Policy Breakfast on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at the Government Center.
Read MoreJackson-Vinton Farm Bureau hosted a Public Policy Breakfast on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at the Courthouse in Jackson.
Read MoreSpeaker topics included Rules of the Road: Trucking laws and regulations to keep you moving and addressing issues in transport as a farm operation to a for hire carrier.
Read MoreFarm Bureau community partners presented information on forestry, CAUV, taxes, conservation practices and succession planning.
Read MoreState Senate Candidate and current State Rep. Susan Manchester, Rep. Tim Barhorst and Rep. Angie King have been invited as our legislative guests April 1.
Read MoreLeah Hetrick, with the Ohio Farm Bureau, will discuss the recent increases in CAUV values, information to help you understand the property tax system, and an update on legislative action.
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