Oregon Antibiotics & Ag Gag

The Oregon legislature has been debating whether or not the use of antibiotics in livestock should be curtailed. The move could have major ramification for producers. John Flynn, Oregon Cattleman's Animal Health Chairman.

FLYNN: The reception that it's getting from the Oregon Cattleman's is that they're not in favor of it by no means, they've had hearings before the House and they were quite receptive to our concerns. A lot of special interest groups are raising their heads right now and what I think a lot of it is, Greg, they're worried about group treatments.

That's where if one animal shows signs of an illness they would treat the whole herd which would be unnecessary. A change would mean having to bring a vet in before treatment.

FLYNN: And we just feel it's unfortunate that we can't go to the feed store get what we want without having a prescription written by a veterinarian.

An Idaho law aimed at keeping people from secretly filming at ag facilities is under fire from animal rights groups. The law was passed last February after an animal rights group released video of cows being beaten by dairy workers. The group, Animal Legal Defense Fund says the law stifles free speech and they have asked a judge for a summary judgment - a fast-tracked way for a judge to rule on a lopsided case without having a full trial.

That's today's Northwest Report. I'm Greg Martin on the Ag Information Network of the West.