Environmental Dangers
- Runoff from this feedlot will absolutely enter the Mississippi River system—impacting not just our community, but millions downstream.
- Overgrazing will create additional runoff onto the recreational trail directly in front of it which could also facilitate the spread of unwanted bacteria to other parts of the state.
- Feedlot operations are known to release nitrates, phosphorus, and pathogens—contributing to toxic algal blooms and dead zones.
- There are many full-time residents as well as vacation homes within close proximity and almost all have ground water wells. This can have an effect on our own water sources.
- We need assurance and proof that our water and recreational waters are protected, and right now, we don’t have it.
- The Minnesota Board of Animal Health has been monitoring the New World screwworm fly which the US eradicated approximately 60 years, something that took livestock operations almost 30 years to recover from. If any cattle are moved to this feedlot from a state bordering Mexico, or cattle that were from Mexico before the suspension of cattle from Mexico, this could bring this parasite into our state and propose a risk to other livestock in the area. Who would be responsible?
- Constant movement of manure can also leave residue from tires/movement on roads that can be tracked to other nearby homes and farms. Bio-security is important for all who have animals of their own and this can breach that.
Threat to Public Health
- Feedlots emit dust, odors, ammonia, and even antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
- These pollutants harm lungs, trigger asthma, and affect vulnerable populations, especially children and the elderly.
- This property in its totality has documented wetlands and is in a low-lying area which when there is rain and snow melt breeds additional pests like mosquitoes, flies, etc. which are a public health concern.
- A large population of animals in a small area are known to bring diseases; one in particular that has no sign of slowing down is the Avian Bird Flu which is known to affect large cattle operations where the cattle are held in tight areas. While most reports show dairy operations to be affected, this is only because the milk is tested. Meat operations don’t generally test the milk of their herd. This location has a large wild bird migration due to the nearby rivers, lakes, and wetlands. This is sure to help spread this virus – which there is no cure for at this time. This can absolutely affect local wildlife, other local farms, the cattle on the proposed feedlot, and even the health of those living and/or working within the feedlot.
Livability and Property Values
- No one wants to live or spend time near a facility that smells, pollutes, and damages roads.
- The owner of the cattle has multiple acres but wants to place the feedlot far away from their home – why is that?
- This project threatens our property values and long-term viability as a community – which also includes recreational visitors.
- When the property values decrease, will the County reassess and what impact will this have on revenue for the County, Townships, and the roads and schools within them?