Humane Society, farmers prepare for war

Ohio farmers are fighting back against a proposal by the Humane Society of the United States to change how chickens, pigs and calves are confined. The two sides already are scrapping over what is expected to become a heated, emotional and costly statewide ballot issue in November and perhaps again in 2010. What's happening is ''tremendously scary to Ohio farmers . . . and what's happening will impact everyone in Ohio,'' Stark County farmer Frank Burkett III said. The outcome could cost farm jobs in Ohio and affect prices, opponents contend. In 2008, the Humane Society played a key role in a California vote that changed the way farmers there must care for and shelter farm animals. Ohio became its next target, largely because of the state's 30 million egg-laying hens. Battle lines formed this February with the Humane Society pitted against the powerful Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, Ohio Cattlemen's Association, Ohio Pork Producers Council and Ohio Poultry Association. The message from the Humane Society was clear: Change your animal-husbandry practices or have them changed for you at the ballot box...Ohio.com