Proposed bill may change processing and inspection of meat in Oklahoma

Owner of Callison Beef in Ada Nikki Callison says the high demand for beef has quadrupled her ranch's production this week.

"We have sorted, we have shipped, we still have some cuts in stock, but I would say we have gotten directly to the consumer over 1000 pounds of beef in two days," said Callison.

Oklahoma State Senator from Durant David Bullard says the COVID-19 pandemic made an existing problem worse.

"What we're really trying to do is make sure these smaller markets, if they want to expand, and want to put the money and invest in it, they can do that. Just freeing them up just as long as food safety is not sacrificed," said Bullard.

The proposed bill will allow state food inspectors to have new ways to inspect meat, such as video calls to get the meat to market faster for sales in-state only.

Callison is thankful the state is wanting to help ranchers, but said ranchers need more help, since COVID-19 has caused meat processors to be booked up.

"We need our legislature to get involved to bring more processing plants to the state of Oklahoma so we can use this legislation to help us sell directly to consumers," said Callison.

"We've got to deregulate some things at the federal level, so that in the state, we can take care of our ranchers. If its Oklahoma born, raised, processed, and sold, then that's Oklahoma's business," said Bullard.

If this bill is eventually approved by Gov. Kevin Stitt, the federal government will have to approve it as well.

If the feds approve, the law would go into effect November 1st.