My name is Jeff Powers and I serve as Chair of the Bedford County Agriculture Economic Development Advisory Board.  I'm also a lifelong cattle producer here in Bedford County, and like most farmers, I depend on reliable large animal veterinary services to keep my operation running. 

I appreciate the opportunity to share some thoughts on the proposed regulations regarding large animal veterinary haul-in facilities.

Any time new regulations are considered, I believe it's worth stepping back and asking a few basic questions. What problem are we trying to fix? Is it happening enough to justify regulation? And will the regulation solve it without creating new problems along the way?

From where I sit, both as a producer and through my work with agriculture in this county, I am not aware of producers raising concerns about the adequacy of haul-in facilities.  I've worked with veterinarians for decades, and like most farmers, I rely on their professionalism and judgment.  In my experience, veterinarians already have strong incentive to keep their facilities safe and functional.  If they don't, word travels fast in farm country, and producers will go somewhere else. 

That makes me wonder whether this regulation is addressing a real, documented issue, or more a concern that exists on paper rather than in practice. 

What does concern me is the cost that could come with compliance.  We already face a shortage of large animal veterinarians across rural Virginia.  Anything that increases the cost of operating a haul-in facility - whether it's construction requirements, inspections, or ongoing paperwork - has the potential to discourage veterinarians from offering these services.  For many of us, that could mean longer travel distances, delayed care and fewer options when livestock need attention.

There's also the cost to taxpayers to consider.  Regulations require oversight, inspections, and administration.  That all carries a price tag.  Before adding the burden, it seems reasonable to be certain the benefit justifies the expense.

If there truly is a need for consistent standards, I would encourage the Board to consider whether voluntary industry standards or certification programs might accomplish the same goal without adding regulatory weight.  Agriculture has long relied on professional standards and accountability within the industry, and that approach has served producers well.

I would also encourage careful review of how these regulations would affect existing facilities.  If current facilities are exempt, then it's fair to ask whether the regulation will actually address the issue it is meant to solve.  If they are not exempt, the cost of bringing older facilities into compliance could be significant and could further strain veterinary availability. 

At the end of the day, farmers depend on veterinarians just as much as veterinarians depend on farmers.  We need policies that support that relationship, not make it hard to maintain.

Thank you for taking time to consider input from those of us who rely on these services every day.  I would encourage the Board to carefully weigh the real-world need for these regulations against the potential cost and impact on rural veterinary access.

Respectfully, 

Jeff Powers, Chairman

Bedford County Agriculture Economic Development Advisory Board