When Governor Brad Henry signed HB3202, known as the equine dentistry bill, into law April 16, he successfully ended a two-year struggle to help Oklahoma livestock producers continue to care for their horses and other livestock.

“Protecting animal husbandry practices, including equine dentistry, has long been a Farm Bureau priority,” said Mike Spradling, president of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau. “We want livestock producers to be able to humanely care for their animals.”

The equine dentistry issue surfaced when the 2008 Oklahoma Legislature passed a bill making the practice of veterinary medicine without a license, a felony. In 2009 the Legislature reduced the penalty to a misdemeanor. Farm Bureau revisited the issue this year to protect livestock producers, clarifying the acts of animal husbandry, including equine dentistry are not exclusive to the practice of veterinary medicine.

“We needed to support a livestock owner’s right to lawfully perform traditional animal husbandry practices as well as equine dentists, chiropractors and farriers at the discretion of the livestock owner,” Spradling said.

“We want to thank Governor Henry, Rep. Don Armes and State Senator Mike Schulz for their leadership and support on this important issue,” Spradling said.

Oklahoma livestock producers spend the better part of the day making sure their cattle, horses and other livestock are comfortable and well fed. It’s good for the animals and it’s good for business.

In an effort to support livestock producers, the state legislature is protecting producers’ rights to humanely treat livestock with traditional animal husbandry practices. HB 3202 allows horse owners to employ trained and certified equine dentists to properly care for their animals.

Skilled equine dentists may require prescribed medication to treat livestock and therefore should be allowed to purchase drugs from a licensed veterinarian and administer the medication when necessary. Livestock producers support the use of prescribed medication as part of a veterinarian to livestock relationship.

Opponents of this legislation want to make this an illegal drug issue.

“This is misleading and irresponsible,” said Mike Spradling, Oklahoma Farm Bureau president. “Regulated drugs have been and will continue to be purchased from a veterinarian, just like certain drugs for humans require a doctor’s prescription. Oklahoma Farm Bureau, the state’s largest general farm organization, along with other farm groups, support the lawful use of veterinary pharmaceuticals.”

The OFB President said livestock producers understand the need to work closely with veterinarians to provide the best possible care for their animals.

“Farm Bureau has long been concerned about the growing shortage of large animal veterinarians in rural areas,” Spradling said. “Because of this shortage, producers often rely on equine dentists to provide valuable services for their animals.”

“Legislative leaders have worked long and hard this session to develop legislation beneficial to producers and the livestock they care for, while protecting the public,” Spradling said.

A Morrison Elementary School teacher has been recognized by the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture for her efforts to promote agriculture in her classroom.

Audrey Harmon will receive a $1500 scholarship to attend the national Agriculture in the Classroom Conference in Baltimore, Md., in June.

For more information, please view American Farm Bureau's press release.

Three legislators received Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Meritorious Service award Feb. 15 during the farm organization’s annual leadership conference in Oklahoma City.

The Meritorious Service award is presented to legislators who have a strong voting record for Farm Bureau issues and show support for rural and agricultural issues. The awards are based on a county Farm Bureau’s nomination and evaluation of the lawmaker’s adherence to the values and issues important to rural Oklahoma.

Receiving the award were Senators Mike Schulz, Altus, and Sean Burrage, Claremore, and Representative Ann Coody, Lawton.

Sen. Schulz authored the Livestock Preemption bill that authorizes the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture to be responsible for establishing the care and handling standards for livestock. He is Vice Chairman of the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee and Chairman of the Tourism and Wildlife Committee. Schulz was nominated by Jackson County Farm Bureau.

Nominated by both Rogers and Tulsa County Farm Bureaus, Sen. Burrage has worked to improve private property laws and clarify that animal waste is not hazardous waste in Oklahoma. He is Vice Chairman of the Health and Human Services Committee.

Rep. Coody is Chairman of the House Committee on Common Education and a member of the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee. Comanche County Farm Bureau nominated Coody.

“All three of these legislators have worked tirelessly on behalf of Oklahoma agriculture and deserve our full support,” said Mike Spradling, OFB President.

Click to download a high-resolution photo of Sen. Mike Schulz receiving his Meritorious Service award from Oklahoma Farm Bureau president Mike Spradling Monday, Feb. 15, 2010. (1.8 MB jpeg, approx. 7 inches by 5 inches at 300 dpi)

Click to download a high-resolution photo of Rep. Ann Coody receiving her Meritorious Service award from Oklahoma Farm Bureau president Mike Spradling Monday, Feb. 15, 2010. (2.1 MB jpeg, approx. 7 inches by 5.5 inches at 300 dpi)

Sen. Burrage was not available for the award presentation.

The sacrifices made by farmers and ranchers as they struggle through ice, rain, snow, 100 degree temperatures , floods and drought are highlighted in a new advertising campaign for the Oklahoma Farm Bureau.

“We want everyone to understand the tremendous effort our producers extend every day to provide a safe, abundant food supply,” said Mike Spradling, OFB president. “We’re excited about promoting the solid image of our producers. They truly work hard and deeply care for their livestock.”

Spradling’s comments are echoed in the ad campaign’s theme: “Oklahoma Farm Bureau: Feeding and clothing the world...one farmer at a time.”

Phase one of the program kicks off Feb. 1 with a statewide radio blitz of commercials. The commercials feature Farm Bureau leaders “getting up at 6 a.m. to feed the cattle” and “rushing to harvest the wheat before the storms roll in.” The ads can be heard on the Oklahoma News Network (ONN), AgriNet, Radio Oklahoma Network, KRMG-AM and KFRM-AM.

Audio is available (follow the "more" link).

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