April 5, 2007

Missouri raises new bill for livestock operations

Striking a compromise between the interests of agribusiness and groups demanding more local control, the state of Missouri has enacted a new bill prohibiting lawsuits against livestock operators.

Last September, a county jury awarded three families a $4.5 million verdict against Premium Standard Farms because of the stench from one of its hog farms, a ruling that was not without controversy.

The bill would prohibit such lawsuits and bar county commissions and county health boards from enacting ordinances limiting livestock operations.

On the flip side, it would establish new state standards for large livestock operations calling for management practices and technology that minimize odor.

New operations that do not meet the standards would face increased distance requirements from nearby homes and buildings. The legislation would also give tax credits of up to $100,000 to operations that install odour-reducing technologies.

The bill is opposed by some counties as well as groups such as the Missouri Rural Crisis Center.