11/09/05 Splitting the state veterinarian`s job

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture is without a state veterinarian right now following the departure of Clarence Siroky. Ag Director Pat Takasugi may split that job hiring two people. One would be the vet and deal with animal health issues while the other would be an administrator. So what do the livestock producers think of that idea. Bill Stouder of the Idaho Dairyman's Association is also a vet. STOUDER "Because one is the best veterinarian doesn't necessarily make him the best administrator so I think the opportunity to divide those two positions and get the best possible person is a really good thing for all the producers of Idaho." The Idaho Cattle Association hasn't taken a stand on the split but executive director Lloyd Knight says it will be up for discussion at next week's annual meeting. KNIGHT "We need to take a pretty good hard look at what ultimately the language says in the legislation and really get a good read from our folks as to how willing they are to go in and change that structure." Both ICA and the dairymen say they have complete confidence in the men and women working in that department. ISDA spokesman Wayne Hoffman says someone obviously will fill that vacancy, in what form, he's not sure right now. HOFFMAN "Part of that feedback is some discussion about having an interim, a designated interim vet." Deb Lawrence is acting state vet now. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott