ND farm towns prepare for life with new animal feedlot law

Starting next year, North Dakota will have a new law in place that covers local zoning restrictions for animal feedlots. The bill’s passage follows a spirited debate about the presence of industrial agriculture in small towns. Gov. Kelly Armstrong signed a bill drafted in response to discussions led by a task force.

Among other things, the bill was intended to adjust the distance counties and townships are allowed to set between communities and proposed farms with animal herds, such as a dairy operation.

Brent Larson helps run a family farm near the Minnesota border. He had opposed the bill as it advanced. In the push to add bigger operations, he worries about his neighbors.

“[I would] kind of hate to be told that, ‘Oh yeah, by the way, the next three or four days, you’re gonna have to be inside ’cause the stink is gonna get too bad for you,'” Larson said.

The North Dakota Legislature largely held off on controversial changes concerning distance thresholds. Instead, the law allows for the use of an odor footprint tool, being developed to determine a setback perimeter.

Supporters say it gives local officials flexibility in deciding what’s best for their town in terms of air quality. But skeptics fear it will be inadequate, leading to weaker restrictions.

One of the bill’s sponsors, Rep. Mike Beltz, R-Hillsboro, feels they are being responsive in aiding North Dakota’s desire to boost livestock production and compete with neighboring states. For those worried about the environmental impacts, he feels there’s too much misinformation out there, noting outfits with larger feedlots are making strides to reduce harmful impacts.

“In particular with the dairies, they do it right,” Beltz contended. “I mean, I’ve toured their facilities and they are top notch.”

But environmental groups say industrial agriculture is overstating those improvements. And during the bill’s debate, residents from smaller communities had pushed for longer setback provisions.

Brent Larson and his wife Mary Jo Schmid play a hand in their agritourism arm. The pair owns Crooked Lane Farm Folk School. She said setting pathways for expansive feedlots conflicts with small businesses like hers.

“Part of our draw is the idea that you come out to the country and enjoy the peace, quiet, the open air, and that would be hindered,” Schmid explained.