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MO Pork, Cattlemen’s applaud bill limiting ag inspections

A bill limiting inspections on ag operations is expected to be signed by Governor Parson.

Missouri Pork Executive Vice President Don Nikodim tells Brownfield the bill is a big win for farm biosecurity.

Biosecurity is a huge issue for farmers, particularly in the pig business now days,” he said. “And having folks claim they’re some kind of official with an artificial badge they bought at the dime store is just not acceptable and this prevents that kind of thing from happening.”

Missouri Cattlemen’s Mike Deering says the legislation also provides much needed clarity on who has authority to inspect farming operations.

“There was some confusion for farmers and ranchers who has authority to conduct inspections,” he said. “And you can ask many people that work within regulatory agencies as well because they’re kind of confused, ‘do I have authority or don’t I have authority’.”

The bill, sponsored by Representative Kent Haden, limits the power to inspect ag facilities to the Missouri Department of Agriculture, USDA, county sheriff and state and federal agencies with statutory authority.

Deering says inspections conducted by proper authorities ensure correct land, resource and livestock management.