March 08, 2025

The Honorable Dave McCormick
United States Senate
100 Constitution Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20510-3808

Dear Senator McCormick:

Regarding the Impact of FDA Antibiotic Policy on Small Farmers,

I am writing to you as a small homestead farmer in Pennsylvania who raises sheep and pigs to provide food for my family. I am deeply concerned about the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) decision to ban the over-the-counter (OTC) sale of medically important livestock antibiotics, such as Liquamycin LA-200 (L200), under Guidance for Industry #263, which took effect in June 2023. This regulatory change, requiring these antibiotics to be available only by prescription from a veterinarian, has placed an undue burden on small farmers like me. I respectfully urge you to support legislation or other measures to reverse this policy and restore OTC access to these critical medications for homesteaders and small-scale producers.

For years, I have responsibly treated my own farm animals, relying on OTC antibiotics to manage their health and ensure a sustainable food supply for my family. This practice has allowed me to address common illnesses promptly and effectively without incurring excessive costs. However, since the FDA’s policy took effect, I have faced significant challenges that threaten my ability to maintain my homestead operation.

First, finding a veterinarian willing and able to treat large livestock animals like sheep and pigs is extremely difficult in my area. Many veterinarians focus on small companion animals, and there is a well-documented shortage of large-animal veterinarians, particularly in rural communities like mine. According to USDA data, 44 states face shortages of veterinarians in rural areas, leaving small farmers with limited options for care. Even when I can locate a veterinarian, scheduling an appointment and securing a prescription adds significant delays, during which my animals may suffer or die from treatable conditions.

Second, the additional costs associated with veterinary oversight are simply too much to bear for a small homestead operation like mine. Veterinary visits, consultations, and prescription fees dramatically increase the expense of raising livestock, which I produce primarily for my family’s sustenance rather than for commercial profit. These costs undermine the economic viability of my homestead and make it harder to provide affordable, homegrown food for my household.

I understand the FDA’s stated goal of combating antimicrobial resistance through this policy. However, the blanket restriction on OTC antibiotics fails to account for the unique needs and circumstances of small homestead farmers. Unlike large commercial operations, I do not use antibiotics for growth promotion or other non-therapeutic purposes. My use is limited to treating specific illnesses in individual animals, guided by years of practical experience and careful stewardship. A one-size-fits-all approach disproportionately harms small producers like me, who lack the resources to absorb these additional burdens.

I respectfully request that you advocate for a legislative solution to restore OTC access to livestock antibiotics for small-scale farmers. This could include exemptions for homesteaders and non-commercial producers, or the development of alternative pathways—such as training or certification programs—that allow responsible farmers to continue purchasing these medications without a prescription. Such measures would balance the need to address antimicrobial resistance with the practical realities faced by small farmers, ensuring we can continue to care for our animals and sustain our way of life.

As my elected representative, I trust you to champion the interests of your constituents, including small homestead farmers like me who contribute to local food security and self-sufficiency. I would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss this issue further with you or your staff. Please feel free to contact me at [your phone number] or [your email address]. Thank you for your time, attention, and service to our community.