By Scout Nelson
In South Dakota, the topic of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) is stirring debates among rural communities and lawmakers. A new bill proposes to update the fee structure for CAFOs to aid in better regulatory oversight, a change from the stagnant fees set since the late 1990s.
Angela Ehlers, the executive director of the South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts, emphasized the critical need for increased funds. "Are the soils capable of handling the amount of fertilizer being applied? Is it being applied in the proper manner? So, it's that type of technical assistance. And if we're gonna provide a program, we need to provide the staff to carry it out properly," she explained, highlighting the importance of effective program implementation.
The proposal arrives at a time when the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources faces potential budget cuts, risking the efficiency of regulatory work, which could revert to regional federal offices without sufficient state funding. While some farm lobbyists express reluctance towards fee increases, they recognize the necessity amid escalating operational scales of CAFOs.
CAFOs have increasingly become a contentious issue in smaller communities, particularly concerning air and water pollution. Not only large operations but also smaller ones need stringent regulation to prevent environmental damage, as Ehlers pointed out. She used the example of a small CAFO, saying, "One could have 50 head of cattle. Those cattle are standing in the creek all summer long, doing what cows do naturally. And smaller CAFOs need the permit fee so that they can guarantee they're not polluting a very special stream that may be the water source for the town just down the road."
With nearly 430 CAFOs currently permitted in the state, the importance of updated fees is underscored for both large and small operations. The bill has already passed the House and now awaits Senate action, with a compromise amendment to alleviate farming interests' concerns. This legislative move aims to ensure that South Dakota can adequately manage its agricultural operations without compromising environmental integrity or public health.
Photo Credits:gettyimages-digitalvision
Categories: South Dakota, Livestock