INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE: Livestock producers encouraged to attend trainings

Indiana Department of Agriculture issued the following announcement on Feb. 1.

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture is conducting three trainings for livestock producers interested in the Certified Livestock Producer Program.

This voluntary program is open to all livestock species and recognizes producers that go above and beyond in their farm management in the areas of environmental stewardship, animal well-being, biosecurity, emergency planning and community relations.

“Since the program began in 2008, more than 140 producers have earned the certification," said Bruce Kettler, ISDA director. "I’ve heard many times that it helped them, not only strengthen their emergency preparedness, but also demonstrate their commitment to the community."

To become certified, producers will have to work with their veterinarian to develop a biosecurity plan and meet with their local fire department to create an emergency management plan. They will also be responsible for conducting a self-assessment in several areas, as well as participating in their industry’s quality assurance program, such as Beef Quality Assurance or Pork Quality Assurance.

Once a producer completes the certification and is approved by the department, they will be eligible to receive the official Certified Livestock Producer signage and will be invited to attend an awards ceremony at the Indiana State Fair.

The following list includes the Certified Livestock Producer trainings.

Friday, February 22, 2019

When: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (ET)

Where: Noble County Purdue Extension, 2090 N State Road 9, Suite D, Albion, IN 46701

Friday, March 1, 2019

When: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (ET)

Where: Washington County Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance office, 813 S. Jackson St., Salem, IN 47167

Friday, March 8, 2019

When: 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (ET)

Where: Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance office, 225 South East Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202

To register, visit www.in.gov/isda/2395 or call 317.220.3711.

Click here for audio from ISDA Director Bruce Kettler.

Original source can be found here.