Published: July 21, 2008 03:51 pm      

Livestock certification to increase awareness of Indiana agriculture

Wade Coggeshall/Flyer photo

David Hardin receives his Certified Livestock Producer accreditation from Indiana Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman during a ceremony Monday at his farm. The Danville hog farmer is one of the first to have completed the pilot program.





By Wade Coggeshall



DANVILLE — Indiana has always been an agricultural state. Now a new government accreditation program intends to shine a brighter light on that part of the Hoosier identity.

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture recognized its first four Certified Livestock Producers Monday during a presentation at one of the recipient’s farms. The farmers, each specializing in a different livestock, earned accreditation for cutting-edge practices entailing the environment, animal health and food safety, emergency planning, biosecurity, and being good neighbors.

Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman, who spoke at the presentation, said agriculture continues to drive Indiana’s rural economies.

“This wouldn’t be possible without conscientious farmers like the ones we’re recognizing today,” she said. “These farmers are stewards of the land. We want them to have the best farm management practices, and the vast majority of Indiana livestock farmers are implementing these progressive practices.”

To be certified, livestock farmers must comply with certain state and federal permits and attend a program seminar. Once approved participants receive the program’s official logo, they can then use it on their letterhead and business cards to show compliance. They’re also eligible to receive discounts from participating sponsors like the Indiana Soybean Alliance and Indiana Farm Bureau. On Monday each farmer was given a Certified Livestock Producer sign to display.

“That shows the public their commitment,” Skillman said.

David Hardin, one of the recipients who hosted the presentation on his Danville hog farm, served on the 19-member advisory committee that helped shape the program.

“I’ve always felt we have a really good story to tell in livestock agriculture,” Hardin said. “We just haven’t always done the best job of telling it.”

Joe Kelsay, a sixth-generation dairy farmer in Whiteland, voiced support of the program’s values as reason for his earning certification.

“My family wants to participate in this program because we believe in its principles and ideals — not only for my generation and those before, but more importantly those who come,” he said.

Clark Sennett, a beef producer from Waynetown, and Jim Zimmerman, a Redkey poultry farmer, also were recognized.

Acting ISDA Director Ken Klemme said others in the program’s nearly 40-strong pilot group should receive certification soon. Those interested in becoming Certified Livestock Producers may obtain applications and check the training schedule on the ISDA’s website at www.isda.in.gov.

Skillman said the program will garner increasing public attention as more farmers participate.

“We hope the program creates more awareness,” she said. “If we can help people who are not on a farm learn more about modern farming practices, then we’ve done a good thing here.”



wade.coggeshall@flyergroup.com