Agricultural News
Farm Bureau Will Continue to Push for HB3202 Until Bill is Signed by Governor
Fri, 02 Apr 2010 4:07:42 CDT
Earlier this week, the State Senate passed HB 3202 or the so called "Teeth Floating" bill by a 38 to 7 margin. During the debate, one of the Senators alluded to the ability of Oklahoma Farm Bureau to influence legislation at the State Capitol. This measure, amended on the Senate floor, now returns to the State House for acceptance of those amendments before heading to Governor Grad Henry's desk for his signature. As the 2010 State Legislative Session began, Farm Bureau declared this measure to be it's highest priority at the Capitol this year.
The following release is an "op -ed" released by the general farm organization after the vote in the Senate on Wednesday. The group remains strongly in favor of HB 3202 as it has evolved in the last thirty to forty days. OFB Vice President for Public Policy, Lori Peterson, told us on Tuesday of this week that Farm Bureau will continue to push for this bill's approval until it is signed into law by the Governor. Click here for our story from Tuesday that included our audio conversation with Peterson about Farm Bureau efforts on this and other issues.
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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.
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