Board adopts narrower change to feedlot ordinance to allow out‑of‑county manure by permit and increase setbacks

McLeod County commissioners on April 21 adopted revisions to the county's Feedlot Management Ordinance addressing out‑of‑county manure and manure stockpiling.

Mark Teleski, environmental service director, told the board the Feedlot Committee and the County Planning Commission recommended the changes after multiple meetings and public input. "McLeod County is a little more restrictive in regards to that out‑of‑county manure, and what this does is it just gives a little bit longer range to bring manure in from outside the county through an administrative permit process," Teleski said. He added the amendment also increases setbacks from roads and adjusts stockpiling windows to respond to odor and sight‑line concerns.

Commissioners noted the ordinance historically restricted out‑of‑county manure and that participants representing a range of views helped reach what one commissioner called a "happy medium" between maintaining protections and allowing additional nutrient sources for farming. During discussion the board agreed to correct a typographical numbering error under section 8.003 (an added subsection labeled "f" should be "d") and included that correction in the motion.

What it means: the ordinance change permits out‑of‑county manure under an administrative permit and tightens setback requirements; the county said enforcement pathways exist for applications that create problems. The board approved the amendment by voice vote.

Provenance: staff presentation, committee history and board motion (SEG 671–SEG 749; SEG 751–SEG 922).