Yes on Issue 2

First, some background. Issue 2 wouldn’t have been necessary a few decades ago. Everyone had grandpas or cousins who let us climb on their tractors and look around in their barns. Because we experienced a little bit of farm life, we weren’t inclined to question farming practices or question farmers’ character. Today, it’s a different story. Our understanding of farming is limited because we aren’t around it. This magazine may be your only way to connect with farmers, to see what they do and learn what they believe in. This issue of the magazine introduces you to some farmers who raise animals to feed you. They, like the tens of thousands of other Ohio farmers who raise livestock, are under attack.

A highly organized and well financed operation is under way to convince you that farmers are cruel to their animals. It’s trickery, but effective. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) wants to end the consumption of animal protein, a tough task because Americans love meat, milk and eggs. But if its Washington lobbyists and Hollywood celebrities can convince you that farmers mistreat their livestock, then maybe you’ll demand changes on the farm, changes that you’ve been led to believe are about animal welfare but in reality are calculated steps to limit your access to locally grown, safe, affordable food. This tactic has succeeded in other states, and HSUS has warned it could be Ohio’s turn in 2010.

Having your integrity questioned isn’t pleasant. Nor is being threatened. Ohio farmers got mad, then they got busy. They began with the premise that a $10 million television campaign, a favorite HSUS tactic to manipulate public opinion, isn’t the best way to make public policy. A far more productive approach is to bring together diverse viewpoints to discuss, debate and decide animal care issues in a thoughtful, comprehensive and open manner. With overwhelming bipartisan support from the legislature and Gov. Ted Strickland, a measure was approved for this year’s ballot that will create a reasonable and accountable process for defining and verifying acceptable animal care.

Issue 2 will establish the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board. Veterinarians and others with animal expertise, consumers, a local humane society representative and farmers will study the science and consider your needs and expectations. Details about the board are on page 7. Read both the story and between the lines.

Issue 2 is about livestock, but it’s also about important choices. Should Ohioans or outsiders choose what’s best for Ohio? Should reasoned thought or raw emotion guide important choices? Should we choose what’s best for animals without considering what’s best for people? And yes, it’s a choice in favor of producing and consuming meat, milk and eggs.

I hope you’ll choose to help Ohio farmers and an impressive list of supporters who believe the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board is good for farmers, your families and the animals that provide for us all. Vote YES on Issue 2.

To comment, e-mail info@ourohio.org

Paid for by Ohioans for Livestock Care PAC, John C. Fisher, Treasurer, 280 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43215.