3 July 2025

2 minute read

By: Global Ag Media

North America

After much political debate, Ohio’s pig farmers are thanking Gov. Mike DeWine for signing the $90.5 billion 2026-27 operating budget into law earlier this week. 

It will help to protect areas of vital importance to keep the state’s number one industry—agriculture—including key provisions critical to the future of the pork industry.

“Although the governor did veto some budget items, the priorities of Ohio’s family pig farmers were all passed into law, allowing our members to rest a little easier knowing that their current and future livelihoods are better protected going forward,” said Cheryl Day, executive vice president of the Ohio Pork Council. 

“This was a hard-fought win to ensure that Ohio’s swine herd was better protected from foreign animal disease and also ensuring data privacy for our farms who use the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory.”

Specifically, the biennial budget approved dedicates funding for:

• the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, keeping the state’s diagnostic labs ready for emerging threats
• $10 million is earmarked to combat the rural veterinary shortage in Ohio and to establish an emerging infectious disease center 
• H2Ohio water quality program will receive funding to allow for ongoing environmental stewardship needs

“We truly appreciate Governor DeWine and Ohio’s legislative leaders for recognizing the vital role pork producers play in our state’s economy, food system, and rural communities,” Day said. “Their support ensures a stronger, safer, and more resilient future for Ohio agriculture.”