PERSPECTIVE OKLAHOMA FARM BUREAU
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DOL to reconsider exemption of child labor rule The Labor Department’s announcement to reconsider the ‘parental exemption’ regulations in its proposed child labor rule is good news for Oklahoma farm families, according to Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Mike Spradling. “I’m really thankful the DOL is taking into account our comments to take another look at their proposal,” Spradling said. The DOL received thousands of complaints from the agriculture industry after it announced plans last fall to propose strict, new child labor guidelines on the farm. The agency now says it will take more time to reconsider the parental exemption and hear comments from the public. “Farm Bureau members have made it clear the DOL proposal was wrong and we’re glad the DOL listened to our concerns,” Spradling said. The Sand Springs rancher said the proposal could have impacted agriculture’s future. “If we are to prosper in the future, we need the younger generation to understand agriculture production and having these young people work on the farm fosters that appreciation needed for them to pursue an agricultural career,” Spradling said. The U.S. Department of Labor has not made a final ruling on this issue, but will continue to review public comments regarding the proposed rules, which will fundamentally alter and narrow the application of the parental exemption by preventing any familyowned corporation, LLC, or partnership from qualifying for the exemption. To learn more about this proposed rule, leave a public comment or ask your senator to join the campaign to keep families farming, visit www.keepfamiliesfarming.com. Members are urged to voice their concerns by March 1.
February 10, 2012
In This Issue • DOL child labor rule • Governor supports OLRC • Congressional Action Tour • YF&R upcoming events • Lankford transportation bill
LEADERSHIP conference 2012 Feb. 20-21 • OKC Marriott Hotel
To view a 2012 OFB Leadership Conference agenda and learn more about Farm Bureau Week, visit www.okfarmbureau.org.
Farm Farm Bureau Bureau Week Week
2012 February 20-24
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Livestock coalition garners governor’s support Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin endorsed the newly formed Oklahoma Livestock Relief Coalition during a press conference at the state capitol Jan. 23. The coalition provides a funding channel for people to support the efforts of livestock producers and law enforcement agencies who are often given the task of caring for abandoned and neglected livestock. “It’s a great example of the private sector coming together with law enforcement agencies to properly take care of animals,” Fallin said. Oklahoma Agriculture Secretary Jim Reese noted last summer’s drought created a difficult situation for livestock owners and the lingering effects still impact livestock producers. “We had the hottest and driest summer on record, creating hay shortages that continue today,” Reese said. OLRC Spokesperson Dr. Carey Floyd said veterinarians are working closely with law enforcement agencies to handle calls on neglected and abused large animals. “We are receiving many phone calls from people about starving animals,” said Dr. Carey Floyd, President of the Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association. “People don’t have any hay, there is no pasture left. Some people are really struggling to properly care for the animals.” Gov. Fallin encouraged the public to help the OLRC take care of these animals. “This takes money so I would like to encourage Oklahomans who want to help to make a donation to the Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association Foundation.” The OLRC mission is to provide emergency financial resources to local law enforcement agencies that have seized abused and neglected large animals and ensure (See Livestock Coalition, page 2)
Gov. Mary Fallin speaks during the OLRC press conference, Jan. 23, at the state capitol. She praised livestock producers and law enforcement for teaming up to care for neglected and abandoned livestock.