CONNECTICUTCONNECTICUT Livestock and Poultry Issues Bruce A. Sherman, DVM, MPH Director, Bureau of Regulation and Inspection Livestock and Poultry Issues Bruce A. Sherman, DVM, MPH Director, Bureau of Regulation and Inspection

Definition of Agriculture C.G.S. §1-1(q) The words "agriculture" and "farming" shall include….. the raising, shearing, feeding, caring for, training and management of livestock, including horses, bees, poultry, fur-bearing animals and wildlife.

Definition of Livestock and Poultry  C.G.S. § “Livestock" is defined as any camelid or hooved animal raised for domestic or commercial use.  C.G.S. § “Poultry" means all domesticated fowl, including chickens, turkeys, water fowl and pet, zoological or psittacine birds.

Animal Density Minimum Acreage Requirements  State statutes and regulations do not set minimum acreage requirements for any species of livestock or poultry.  Livestock and poultry management practices have a greater impact on animal care and environmental factors than do minimum acreage requirements.

Animal Density Minimum Acreage Requirements  Restrictions on the number of animals kept per acre does not necessarily result in better management practices.  If municipalities insist on implementation of minimum acreage requirements, such restrictions should be reasonable and adaptable to differing types of livestock and poultry operations and be site-dependent.

Animal Density Minimum Acreage Requirements  Increased interest in “local” and “produce your own” food sources has lead to a continuing growth in “backyard” or “hobby” animal food production – especially poultry and egg production.  Youth educational projects such as those supervised through 4-H and Vo-Ag often involve a single or at best a few animals.  Minimum acreage requirements, if too restrictive, discourage such endeavors.

Right to Farm Law Public Health Statute C.G.S. §19a-341 Agricultural or farming operation not deemed a nuisance  DPH statute  Odor, noise and dust  Must meet “generally accepted” agricutural practices as determined by the Commissioner of Agriculture

Right to Farm Law Public Health Statute C.G.S. §19a-341  Use of chemicals and certain exemptions from water pollution – approval from Commissioner of D.E.P.  Farming operation must be in operation for 1 year or more and has not been substantially changed.

Terminology Re: Management Practices  “Best” Management Practices vs. “Generally Accepted” Management Practices.  Agricultural guidelines for producers use the term “best” management practices.  From a regulatory or enforcement perspective, the term “best” sets the bar too high when used in regulations and ordinances.  Who or what governmental entity makes the determination if an agricultural operation is in compliance with the standards set for livestock and poultry management practices?

Other Issues Manure Management  On-Farm  Stockpiled  Synergy – poultry/crop production  Regulatory – agency cooperation Set-Back Restrictions Commercial vs. Non-Commercial Farms