March 30, 2010

Idaho senate passes measure to revamp poultry operations

The Idaho Senate has approved revising laws governing big swine and poultry farms, a bill prompted by concern more chicken and egg producers will relocate to Idaho as states like California pass tougher animal-cruelty restrictions.

The vote on March 23 was 24-11. The measure now moves to the House.

Sen. Tim Corder, a Republican from Mountain Home, told senators if the bill doe not become law, Idaho would have 10 million chickens - with no regulations.

The Department of Environmental Quality now oversees large swine and poultry farms.

Corder's bill puts such operations under the state Department of Agriculture.

Some environmental groups backed the bill. However, Sen. Steve Bair, a Republican from Blackfoot, suggested it was too strict and voted against it - as did Democrats Kate Kelly and Elliot Werk, who objected to manure management plans that remain confidential under Corder's measure.