Inspection budget is cut by half

INDIANAPOLIS – The administration of Gov. Mitch Daniels is backing away from a plan to cut half the budget for state inspections of meat processors after complaints that it would drive some plants out of business and hurt small farmers.

The Indiana State Board of Animal Health now said the inspection budget will be cut by less than 50 percent. It won’t provide more details until the governor’s office can brief lawmakers.

Animal Health Board Chief of Staff Doug Metcalf said the budget cut still will result in laying off some state inspectors but not as many as once feared.

The board inspects about 130 smaller meat processors that employ more than 1,500 workers. It processed about 80,000 head of beef, hogs, lambs and goats last year valued at more than $35 million.