By Andi Anderson
Farm leaders are resisting a proposed bill that would mandate additional inspections for large-scale livestock farms.
Senate Bill 193, introduced by Senator Rick Niemeyer, seeks to double the number of inspections conducted by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). The bill aims to enhance oversight and environmental protection.
However, industry leaders argue that the proposal adds unnecessary costs and burdens on farmers. "The agency's ability to balance inspecting where the needs are, or the risks are, while still making sure they get around to enough operations every year to receive their grant funding from the federal government," said Josh Trenary, executive director of the Indiana Pork Producers Association.
Supporters of the bill believe it will improve water quality and regulatory compliance. However, the legislation has faced pushback from farmers who argue they already follow strict environmental practices. "We want the regulatory program to run well -- it makes our environmental record look good if IDEM is quickly responding and solving problems before they happen -- that's what we want," said Trenary. "We want them to make those discretionary risk based inspections instead of a blanket statutory requirement."
Despite opposition from agricultural groups, a Senate committee advanced the bill without public testimony in support. Critics argue that the measure increases regulations without solving any real concerns. Trenary urged lawmakers to focus on effective environmental solutions instead of additional mandates that could strain farm operations.
Photo Credit: istock-srdjan-stepic
Categories: Indiana, Government & Policy, Livestock, Hogs