Details of the ordinance

Here are a few of the ordinance revisions:
• Labeling the practice “Non-confinement Feeding” was changed to “Winter Feeding.”
• Winter feeding is permitted in agricultural zoning districts A-1 and A-2.
• Winter feeding in excess of two head per acre is not permitted within one-half mile of a city, unless city annually grants permission.
• Thirty days prior to moving animals to a feeding site, producers must notify the county feedlot officer.
• The Pope County Geological Atlas will be used as a general guide to determine areas sensitive to potential pollution of aquifers.
• Winter Feeding Areas with a density of four head per acre and/or exceeding 300 head requires and Administrative Permit from the county. A Manure Management Plan must be filed to qualify for a permit. A site team will review the permit applications. Producers must apply for the permit annually.
Also noted, County Feedlot Officer Barry Bouwman said pasture operators are exempt for these rules. “If you’re a cow-calf or pasture operator, keep doing what you’re doing.”

Reaction to the new ordinance

After the vote, here’s how some of the key players in the issue reacted to the new ordinance:
• Commissioner Dean Paulson: “I really wanted the MPCA to weigh in on this and I think they have.  They’ve given us some authority so we now know where they’re coming from and where some of the limitations are.”
• Commissioner Jeanne Olson: “I really feel bad that everybody doesn’t get to have what they want, but hopefully we’ve had enough compromise so that [winter feeding] will still work and protect the environment.”
• Commissioner Larry Kittelson: “This is a very good compromise. I commend you for all the work you put in.”
• Ted Reichmann, producer near Villard: On behalf of several local producers, he said, “Now it’s clear what we’re up against when a concerned citizen spoke up at Tuesday’s meeting and stated that the board cannot use just facts in making its decision.”  Regarding his family’s operation, he said, “We don’t look for much to change at our farm with the board’s decision. After 12 years of intense scrutiny by the MPCA and the county, it’s all resulted in facts that are indisputable and the environment is protected to the highest standard.”
• Ivie Cooley, Villard resident, helped generate first revised ordinance:  “Winter feeding is a good practice if done in low density in the right area. Hopefully the ordinance will govern animal numbers and sites.  I guess we have to wait and see how it’s enforced to see its true environmental impact. I don’t think either side is especially happy - which probably means it was a true compromise.”