Indiana local meat producers at risk

I just received the following email from Birky Farms, a great small pork farm on the outskirts of Valparaiso, IN. In short, the ability for small/local meat producers in Indiana is at risk. I know budgets everywhere are shrinking, but I think it's important to support local meats and vegetables. Any help greatly appreciated!

Greetings!

I just wanted to pass along some info to you this morning that you might not have known.

Gov. Daniels has told several departments of state government to cut their budgets. One of those departments is the BOAH (Board of Animal Health)

The planned budget cuts by the BOAH are to reduce their state meat inspection by 50%. This means that if there is no inspector at a plant when pork or beef or poultry is being butchered and packaged it can not be resold to the public.

In short, it means that it will become ever increasingly more difficult for you to buy local raised meat.

We are not over reacting to this, but are interested in the outcome. We have contacted our state senator and state congressman as well as Gov. Daniels. http://www.in.gov

I know that there are many more things in this life that are more important than this, but would humbly ask for you assistance

Troubling, indeed. Thank you for this update. I've sent my email to the governor's office. You can find an email form as well as the phone number for the office of the governor by clicking this elegant and finely-crafted link. Hoosiers especially, please take a moment to write an email or make a phone call. Supporting our farmers supports our economy!

Budget cuts like this address a short-term financial need without addressing the long-term reality that more Indiana farmers = more Indiana state revenue. So frustrating!