Missouri Feedlot Expansion Approved, Appeal Planned

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has approved the expansion request by Valley Oaks Steak Company.
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has approved the expansion request by Valley Oaks Steak Company.
(.)

Last week the Missouri Department of Natural Resources issued a permit to Valley Oaks Steak Co., allowing the feeding Facility to expand from its current 999 head to 6,999.

A DNR news release on Friday said that "parties adversely affected or aggrieved by the department’s decision ... may appeal to the Administrative Hearing Commission by filing a written petition" before July 16.

"I can confidently say we're going to appeal," lawyer and lobbyist Woody Cozad told the Kansas City Star. Cozad has been retained by Powell Gardens to fight the feedlot's expansion. Valley Oaks is located near Lone Jack, MO, just 30 miles from Kansas City.

The company has said its operations are and will be among the most environmentally friendly of any concentrated animal feeding operation, or CAFO, in the nation. According to its permit request, the company would blend the feedlot's manure with wood chips and stored in a warehouse to be processed into marketable fertilizer.

An estimated 800 homes are within three miles of the feedlot, and many residents are already complaining about the odors. However, the DNR says plans proposed by Valley Oaks were within the Missouri Clean Water Law and Missouri Clean Water Commission regulations.

 

Latest News

Biden Administration Restores Wildlife Protections
Biden Administration Restores Wildlife Protections

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to reinstate rules protecting endangered plants and animals, action that would reverse changes made during the Trump Administration that weakened the Endangered Species Act.

Across Breed EPD Adjustment Factors
Across Breed EPD Adjustment Factors

EPDs from multiple breeds can be compared by adding/subtracting the appropriate adjustment factors to the EPDs resulting from the most recent genetic evaluations for each of 18 breeds.

APHIS Now Thinks Wild Birds Are to Blame for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza's Arrival on Four U.S. Dairies
APHIS Now Thinks Wild Birds Are to Blame for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza's Arrival on Four U.S. Dairies

The livestock industry continues to grapple with the first confirmed cases of HPAI in cattle, while federal and state agencies continue to assure consumers there's no concern about the safety of the U.S. milk supply.

Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps
Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps

U.S. employers report challenges in finding suitable job candidates with work-ready skills to fill open roles in ag. The AgCareers.com U.S. Skills Survey offers insights, data and trends to address skill development.

USDA Authorizes CRP Graze and Hay Donations to Wildfire Victims
USDA Authorizes CRP Graze and Hay Donations to Wildfire Victims

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) participants can donate emergency grazing authority to ranchers in Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas impacted by recent wildfires.

New Guide Helps Producers Maximize Values of Cull Cows
New Guide Helps Producers Maximize Values of Cull Cows

A new resource developed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and CattleFax helps cattle producers maximize profitability from their culling decisions.