The Kentucky Livestock Coalition (KLC) was formed in 2010 through the leadership of the Kentucky Soybean Board to address the growing amount of misinformation surrounding livestock care. Several documentaries had been produced, and social media provided a larger platform for those against animal agriculture to voice their concerns.

Several livestock, grain, and farm organizations joined to voice their support the mission, which was to ensure the public receives the most accurate and up-to-date information about Kentucky Agriculture and its livestock industry.

The group was also paramount to the formation of the Livestock Care Standards Commission in 2012. This administration-appointed commission worked to adopt animal welfare standards based on sound science rather than public perception. Members of the Kentucky Livestock Coalition decided to take the lead in developing on-farm standards that would protect their animals without putting undue regulatory burdens on producers.

The commission, headed by Kentucky State Veterinarian Dr. Robert C. Stout, created a multi-species document with input from all segments of the livestock industry as well as other interested parties. The draft was approved by the commission and the Kentucky State Board of Agriculture and adopted in March 2013. Those standards can be found on the Kentucky Livestock Coalition web site at www.kylivestockcoalition.org.

Today, KLC works to preserve and expand farm animal production throughout the state of Kentucky by sharing how farmers work to improve animal welfare conditions as well as food safety, quality, and environmental sustainability.

Earlier this year, KLC partnered with the Kentucky Agriculture and Environment in the Classroom (TeachKYAg) to provide educational speakers to Kentucky schools. The program is called EngAGe Kentucky. Five agriculture education interns were selected to engage students in conversations about the issues farmers face in producing a safe and sustainable food supply. The interns and TeachKyAg staff have visited several classrooms and agricultural events to encourage young consumers to think how the information they hear affects their food purchasing decisions. They are then encouraged to look at the issues from all perspectives to develop a greater understanding of livestock production. Speakers may be booked by visiting www.teachkyag.org.

Mission

To protect and promote the image of Kentucky's livestock industry and its positive contributions to the state through education. We are committed to advancing environmentally-friendly, socially-responsible, and economically-viable livestock farming practices, while providing safe and affordable food.

Members

• Kentucky Soybean Board

• Kentucky Pork Producers Association

• Kentucky Poultry Federation

• Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association

• Kentucky Dairy Development Council

• Kentucky Corn Growers Association

• Kentucky Small Grain Growers Association

• Kentucky Horse Council

• Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office

• Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners

• Kentucky Farm Bureau

• United Producers, Inc.

• Farm Credit Mid-America