New program launched to highlight progressive livestock farmers
Comet staff report

Lt. Governor Becky Skillman and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) announced Monday the statewide launch of the Certified Livestock Producer Program. "Governor Daniels and I believe Indiana livestock farmers do a great job, specifically with their commitment to the environment and the livestock on their farms," said Lt. Governor Skillman. "This program and these Certified Livestock Producers exemplify Indiana's leadership in innovative ways to help improve understanding of modern livestock production in today's communities."

ISDA developed the Certified Livestock Producer Program with the assistance of a 19-member advisory group as a way to recognize Indiana livestock producers who use progressive farm practices and procedures. This voluntary program recognizes farmers who are willing to publicly demonstrate their commitment to the environment; animal well-being and food safety; emergency planning; biosecurity and being a good neighbor in their community.

To become certified, livestock farmers must be in good compliance with all state and federal permits and requirements, as well as attend a program-specific seminar and use a self-study manual. The seminar and program manual assist farmers in evaluating their practices and exploring new progressive actions they can use in their operations. When complete, the farmers will review their assessments with professionals such as veterinarians, local fire officials and ISDA representatives.

"Certified Livestock Pro- ducers share the same values as many Hoosiers. They are committed to their farms, their families and the future of their livelihood," said Acting Indiana Agriculture Director Ken Klemme. "We also want the public to explore our Web site and see how modern livestock farmers operate their farms and care for their animals. We think this program will be an excellent way for farmers and their non-farming neighbors to learn more about each other."

Four Certified Livestock Producers were recognized as a part of the program's launch. David Hardin, hog farmer from Danville; Joe Kelsay, dairy farmer from Whiteland; Clark Sennett, beef producer from Waynetown and Jim Zimmerman, poultry producer from Redkey received their Certified Livestock Producer Program farm signs. They were part of the nearly 40 farmers who participated in the pilot group, most of who are being certified in the coming weeks.

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

Indiana livestock producers can apply to 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.