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The mission of the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food is to promote agriculture in the public interest and to serve farmers and consumers in the marketplace. The department assures safe and healthy food supplies, provides accurate information on prices and availability of farm commodities and crops and develops markets for the state's farmers.

Notice of hearing on readoption with amendments of Agr 1900, Livestock Dealer Licensing

A public hearing is scheduled for Friday, May 4, 2018 at 8am. The hearing will occur in Room 429, State House Annex, 25 Capitol Street, Concord, NH 03301. Written comments will be accepted until 4pm on May 18, 2018.

The proposal readopts with amendments the current interim rules for Agr 1900 containing the requirements for entities operating as livestock dealers. The amendments require more specific information on the license application, including a background check, the production and retention of specific records important to the protection of animal health and agriculture-based businesses, and that the licensee has disease control practices and veterinary care available. The proposal also readopts the existing license fees and establishes new inspection standards. Finally, the proposal readopts the existing standards for on-farm slaughter of cervidae and bison with a minor editorial change.

The regulation of livestock dealers helps to mitigate the risk of disease introduction and spread in livestock populations. The rule affects livestock dealers directly by creating a level playing field and protecting agriculture-based businesses that are the livestock dealer’s customer base.

The existing interim rules are scheduled to expire 8-1-18.