Future For the Hog Farm?

In a recent article published by AgWeek, it mentioned that residents of southeast Buffalo are unsure about a hog farm moving into the area.

The main concern is: the smell and disruption to current residents' way of life.

9,000 sows would call the Buffalo countryside home. According to the article, the farm would produce "6.39 million gallons of manure and would cover 3,300 acres."

Roy Thompson, a neighbor to the farm said, "It's just a dramatic change in the neighborhood." Thompson left city life behind to find contentment and peace in the countryside.

Many health studies are also cited. For example the levels of hydrogen sulfide and ammonia are high near high manure producing livestock areas. A cause for concern would be drifting of the chemicals and causing respiratory illnesses in surrounding neighbors. Also, with the components of the manure, it could potentially breakdown the concrete holding pits, as well as affect air quality. North Dakota health permits currently do not address air quality, but only water quality.

Take one minute to think about this.

As I have learned more about the swine industry through my education, I feel the need to address certain issues in the story.

1. Ray Thompson wanted to move to the countryside for peace from city life. It is stated in the story that he has horses, chickens and cats. As he should know, animals produce smells. While I admit that hogs have a pungent smell, this should not be a reason to block the hog farm from raising animals.

2. The author states a statistic about antibiotic use on farms has a correlation to children having higher rates of asthma. However, that is the only time antibiotics are mentioned in the article. What relevance does this have? More than likely on a hog operation that large, there will not be children messing around with medicated feed or antibiotics.

3. While the ammonia could lead to a higher risk of respiratory illnesses, large animal operations have many regulations that have to follow regarding animal, environmental and employee welfare. There are many different organizations that producers work with to make sure they are compliant with all laws. In our state, pork producers work with the pork council and beef producers work with the Stockmen's Association.

4. The issue of corporate farming is also addressed. Currently, in our state, corporate farming is not permitted, but is on the ballot. Certain livestock industries are suffering in our state, and if there are enough rules to combat concerns while raising productivity and involvement in the suffering areas, citizens should be informed about the potential benefits.

To read the full article please visit this site: http://bit.ly/1QUb6Ao

The author is Patrick Springer.