The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) recently recognized local Indiana livestock farmers for their progressive farm practices. Doug and Karen Mears are among the first farmers to complete the Certified Livestock Producer Program.

"Indiana livestock farmers do a great job, and the vast majority of our producers go above and beyond what is required," said Acting Indiana Agriculture Director Ken Klemme. "These Certified Livestock Producers exemplify Indiana's leadership in agriculture and the reason why good stewardship goes hand-in-hand with livestock growth."

The Mearses are pork producers in Carroll County. They have been livestock farmers since 1982. The couple owns and operates Chances R Farms Inc., raising approximately 18,000 head of wean to finish hogs annually.

The Certified Livestock Producer Program was developed to recognize Indiana livestock farmers who use progressive farm practices and procedures. This voluntary program recognizes farmers who are willing

to publicly demonstrate their commitment to the environment; rate increase animal well-being and food safety; emergency planning; biosecurity and being a good neighbor in their community. The program was rolled out statewide in July.

The Mearses were part of the program's pilot group, making them among the first group of farmers in the state to be certified.

One of the goals of the Certified Livestock Producer Program is to show how modern livestock producers operate their farms and care for their animals. Through this program, ISDA encourages farmers to continue to reach out to their non-farming neighbors and asks the non-farming public to learn more about what happens on their local farms. The first step is a visit to ISDA's Web site to learn more about the Certified Livestock Producer Program.

"We want to encourage as many livestock farmers as possible to participate in the program. For those who participate, we will offer local training sessions and other resources to make this program accessible to livestock farmers across the state," said Klemme.

Indiana livestock producers can apply for the program by submitting an application form to ISDA. Farmers can submit the application prior to or on the day of their local Certified Livestock Producer training session. The application and the training session schedule can be found online at www.in.gov/isda.