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Read comments (20)"It is totally irresponsible," said state senator Bill Stouffer (R-Napton).
According to the ruling, "No Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation can transport, spread or otherwise deposit or dispose of any waste from its operation within a 15-mile radius from the Village of Arrow Rock, nearby State historic sites and national-listed Prairie Park, in the State of Missouri, as those operations and activities pose a threat to these State Parks, Historical Sites and landmarks in the State of Missouri."
With that ruling existing, many area hog farms, which have not had neighbor complaints, are also affected.
"If you can't spread your manure, then you can't have hogs," said David Bentley, an area farmer just one mile from the Marshall city limits whose hog farm would be affected if the ruling stands. "We're basically out of business."
The suit filed by the Friends of Arrow Rock against the Department of Natural Resources was intended to revoke the permit issued to Dennis Gessling of rural Hardeman for a proposed 4,800 hog CAFO two miles from Arrow Rock. However, Gessling's existing operation, which also hasn't had neighbor complaints since it was built in 1998, is approximately four miles from Arrow Rock.
Calling the ruling, "ridiculous," Gessling said that it stems from environmentalists not "listening" to producers and agriculture experts who say that any potential negative impact from hog facilities can be managed through new technology and proper care.
"Farmers are the top-notch environmentalists in this country," he said. "We have to take care of the ground the good Lord has provided us. We understand it is not ours, but His."
Adding that although there may be some bad examples, 99 percent of farmers take care of their land and natural resources in a responsible manner.
Both Gessling and Bentley said this ruling not only affects pork producers, but also all farmers.
"If there are no hogs in this county, then the value of the corn and soybeans grown in this county also just went down," said Bentley. "Because I am in business, a lot of other people are in business."
Gessling, too, said this ruling could also affect cattle producers in the county and state.
"It's going to affect everything if we don't get this stopped," he said.
Stouffer said an earlier study showed that just a 10-mile radius around state parks and national historic sites in Missouri would effectively "shut down" animal agriculture in Missouri.
"If people want their food produced in other countries, then this is the way to get it done," said Stouffer.
"A true environmentalist ought to want their food produced in the United States, where we can control the impact to the environment," he added.
"These few people can afford to get food from other places and pay whatever they want," said Bentley. However, he said, there are millions and millions of people in this country that can't afford to pay "whatever" for food and are "just fine with the way I raise it."
"This is the minority making decisions for the majority and the majority hasn't stepped up to say enough is enough," said Bentley.
Contact Marcia Gorrell at marshallag@socket.net
Oh,
One more thing....I wonder how much tax money Arrow Rock gives to this county vs. all the hog farmers here???
Well, well
Seems like we were just talking about the dirty, nasty crop dusters....Now we gotta pick on the farmers that hired them. I agree with the post about the minority ruling the majority...."DEMOCRATIC" way of life!!!!! And I use that term loosely. Heaven forbid someone get their feelings hurt or in this case, noses......If you don't like the country life go back to the city,,or buy enough land to isolate yourself from everyone....In effect that is what all you city people are doing anyway. You moved to the country to isolate from city people now you gripe about the country. Hey I have an idea........FRANCE they will take anyone or maybe Iran, Russia, or Canada. I am sure there is NEVER any bad smell there.
In reply to all of the comments made on this article and this issue; we as educated Americans who know where our food comes from wish to educate you all on the following:
1. First of all, for those of you who don't know -- 20% of All Americans are employed in the Agricultural Industry, whether you like it or not.
2. 2% of Americans are in the Production Sector of the Agricultural Industry; which means that only 2% of Americans not only feed our county, but feed our Country and our World.
3. Most people who live in Urban areas are Illiterate to Agriculture. It appears that some of our fellow citizens of Missouri, are not aware, who funds their futures (students) educations, paves the roads that they drive on, spans the bridges across the water in order for them to get to their Tourist Towns. We would hate to hear that they got their feet wet because a bridge collapsed on their way to visit a small agricultural town.
4. With the majority of the income that is generated in Saline County, most of the money that is made here is paid here; which means that most of the money that these farmers generate for themselves makes its way back into our local economies. Does anyone realize that the majority of the businesses in Marshall are Agriculturally based businesses? That our County is FINANCIALLY BASED FROM AGRICULTURE?
5. The American farmer has been screwed to the wall on so many regulations and laws that the US Government has come up with in order to keep them "in check". We have to report every acre that we plant, every animal that we produce, every ounce of soil that is moved, every bushel of grain that is produced, in order to make sure that we pay our taxes to keep everyone else who decides not to work, clothed, fed and under shelter.
6. If someone from the urban areas of our nation decides to come out to our lovely rural areas to "plant" their houses in the country, they need to realize that the farmers that own the land that surrounds their "acreage" or mini ranches, were there first.
7. What this comes down to is URBAN SPRAWL. If you are unfamiliar with the term, urban sprawl is the ever spreading growth of the urban areas into the rural areas. Thus creating a land crunch in the agricultural communities. If there is less and less land every year that means that the leftover farmers are pressured to produce more and more commodities on even less land. Can you see the reason for confinements and genetically modified engineering? As long as the world's population continues to grow at this unhealthy pace, the world has to allow the farmers to do what they need to do to feed everyone in this World.
8. Speaking of the ever growing population and people complaining about food prices, Americans enjoy the lowest food prices in the world. Only 11.5% of the average Americans disposable income is spent on food. That is after the other necessities, rent, utilities, etc.
We feel that we have left enough "pork fat" for you to chew on for a while. We're only stating the facts. We know the truth is hard to take some times.
farmer'sgranddaughter I think your smart enough to understand my comment about not having a dog in this fight but just in case.
I do not have a CAFO nor do I live by one that is what I was saying.
To tell you the truth I could care less where they are because I do like pork, chicken and beef but I also don't live in the country.
But that is not the point.
Lets just say you had built a nice home on your land by farmer Joe's land way before he had the idea to build a CAFO then he builds one.
What do you think the value of your home and land is going to do?
Here is another point it has not been that long ago that the farmers were up in arms about mega farms owned my big companies now it seems they are inviting the big companies to bed
With the post's here we are being asked by the farmers to think about everyone else.
But it seems the farmers want us to think about everyone but the people that live around them
Ok, it tells me to be respectful here. 1st and foremost, you might want to read the term of a CAFO before you respond her and simply look ignorant!
A CAFO MORE THAN LIKEY is owned by the larger companies, such as Tyson, Cargill, Excel or Smithfield Foods. These larger companies lease the barns and the animals belong to there larger companies. The manager of the farm and or a co-manager of the farm will typically live VERY VERY near the barn as to take care of emergencies. The owner of the land may not live there, but the person working in that barn on a daily basis DOES. THe hog farms that I have seen have homes with 500 yards of the barn and on some days there is a smell. By the way, ever driven by ConAgra on a nice hot day, you can smell the nasty food there too. The farms are not what they were 25 or even 15 years ago. Sure there is going to be a smell, I smell the horses in our pasture also and there is not a huge article in the paper about the smell of my horses...so what is the big deal? I do know where my meat, eggs, pork, chicken etc come from and I am not complaining. I find this whole thing ludicrous and I think if you don't want to smell anything "out of your normal realm" take you behind tucked and go to the city and smell some concrete! I bet you will be back in a matter of days!
Gal 66,
You don't live in the country so you don't have a dog in this fight. Oh poleeze!
What about the food that you eat? Where do you think that will all come from if farmers are taken out of business? You must believe that eggs come from the carton, bacon comes from the package, hamburger comes from McD's, steak comes from the grocery store and milk comes from the jug. And of course everything comes from Walmart!
Gasoline comes from oversees through a pump at Casey's and any medicine that you take comes from the bottle!
Did you grow up in Cole County with this judge?
Get a life! Every person lives eats and breathes because of agriculture even the Friends of Arrow Rock, who have forgotten why they are able to accomplish so much.
No matter where you or I live, we have a dog in this fight! Show farmers the respect that they deserve! Appreciate what agriculture does for YOU! More importantly, teach your children or any one else that you know how important agriculture is!
So I recon this Cafo deal was going to come up like this. I'm all about State Historical Sites and how they need to be around for generations to enjoy for years and years. Last I checked Mr. Gessling had one of these operations behind his parents house. Now I've never taken the time to drive up their lane, get out and ask if i can smell around the place. Ha Ha, but just knowing most mothers. I'm sure that if there was an odor on a regular basis at the home place, momma wouldn't be happy and Dennis would probably have to go play with his pigs somewhere else. The other thing I have against trying to forbid a CAFO 15 miles away from Arrow Rock is You are in an Agriculture based county that thrives on Farmers. Also Isn't Mr. Gessling's existing hog operation only a few miles as the crow flies from Arrow Rock? Does this mean that his will be grandfathered in or does he have to tear it down. Also when a tyson truck or Cargil whatever flavor you wish runs down 41 through Arrow rock is he going to have the EPA knocking on his door because he took the corner a little to fast and 6 of the hogs on the load got scared and decided to relieve themselves and the matter fell to the highway. Talk about Peee Ewwwww who wants to smell that! Arrow Rock will have to get an ordinace then against the streets in town being nasty. I'm only stateing concerns by the way. I'm just really scared on this issue that this judge is going to grant this to the friends of Arrow Rock and this is going to be the first step to a nightmare in an Ag Striving County. Also on the other side of the fence. Please before you fight for what you think is right or what your neighbor drilled in your head that probably isn't from the county orignally get the facts and hope that this isnt a life changing event for Agriculture in This awesome County of Saline!
Respectively......
SOme one said that no "hog farmer" has a farm by their home-- well you are WRONG-- I can think of 3 farmers in saline county that live within yards of their operation.
And my question is-- do those opposed eat pork and are they very very sure exactly where the farm is located that their exact piece of bacon came from. Did it come from a CAFO?
Gotta love all the ways city-people will justify their willingness to destroy their neighbors' way of life. I can't wait to hear their justifications when their food prices go even higher. I'm sure it will be the American Farmer's fault yet again!
I want to say a couple of things first off I don't live in the country so I really don't have a dog in this fight.
I just like to see both sides to the story I am 50-50 on this issue I do know that if I did live in an area where I had built a $200,000 home and someone wanted to put a CAFO close to my home I would not like it would you?
But on the other hand if I was a farmer I sure as hell would not want someone telling me what I could and could not do with my land.
I don't know the answer but I wish I did.
farmmom your right but most if not all of the livestock farmers are also grain farmers so don't try to tell everyone otherwise.
GAL66 - Livestock farmers get $0 in government subsidies. Livestock has never been given a government payment. Government subsidies go only to grain farmers. Please do your research before providing false information.
former farm girl...hello, have you not read any of the links attached to Ms. Gorrell's response? David Bentley DOES have his hogs at his home Check it out for yourself.
And, to Arrow Rock farmer, what type of farmer are you? Perhaps a gentlemen farmer? You talk about pork increasing 100% due to CAFOs, well please tell us where that information can be found. I for one would like to read it. And, if you think the cost is high now, what do you think the price will be when there is no one raising hogs or cattle or chickens? Bet you'll be enjoying a partially hydrogenated turkey on your Thanksgiving table or the likewise genuine imitation ham for Easter. Oh, be sure to order your egg McMuffin with no meat. We'd hate for you to be offended.
CAFOs are like anything else. You have good and bad managers of them just like a neighbor who keeps a tidy yard and one who allows their yard to go to weeds.
(Speaking of weeds gotta love how the government dictates about keeping noxious down on your personal farm yet let them go wild on government designated land, huh.)
There is a happy medium here if we try to cooperate rather than dictate. Wouldn't a fine procedure be better for those who do not follow the guidelines, which there are a plenty of?
Has anyone given thought to the amount of money that will be lost in tax revenue should this actually come to be? Guess we can count on you not to complain when taxpayer services are reduced or go away.
What's next, your dislike of herbicide or anhydrous smell so do away with that? You don't like the dust from planters going by your house so we regulate a specified time farmers can be on the road? Get real!
All I can say to those bleeding hearts is please be sure not to consume any pork products or other meat products, as you find the production so offensive. The rest of us enjoy and appreciate our American grown food
Finally justice is done for rural American's who don't want to smell pigs! My family home is near a so called hog farm and I know it everytime I go home-I CAN SMELL THEM!!! My parents have had to change their lifestyle by staying indoors instead of sitting by the pool, hanging clothes on the clothesline, and using their patio. No one can stand being outside for long due to the smell! And have you noticed that NO hog farmer has a hog farm by THEIR house?
Arrow Rock is a great place to visit and school children learn about our past. If this hog operation were to be put in, then Arrow Rock would be put out of business!
Continue the good fight to keep our hertiage and our environment less smelly!!
I'm a little sick of hearing everyone talk about CAFO's as if they are farms. Warehouses full of livestock that are treated like any other package in any other warehouse are not farms. The owners of these warehouses talk about educating the public when they need to do some investigating on the damages they are doing to the environment in the name of "cheap" pork. It is a proven fact that with CAFO's the cost of pork has increased over 100% and the money the warehouse receives has decreased over the same time. How is this helping? When I hear that a warehouse owner is working the land as the Lord intended, I question if the Lord saw the bin of dead pigs rotting in the open air for everyone to smell. I have driven by pig warehouses in Saline County that smelled so bad I had to roll up my windows. It would take TONS of cat and dog droppings to smell like that. So enough of your ranting and try to stick to the facts. The only person that benefits from a pig warehouse is the owner. Try farming the way the Lord intended, not the way the big business intended.
Gal 66,
Get off of the farmer's backs! If we do not have farmer's, you don't have food for your table for your family. Farmers may get subsidies but so do many other "business" entities! How can someone live in Saline County and not understand how agriculture business works? I suggest that you try to improve your education!
Most hog farms and cattle farms are probably cleaner than some back yards where dogs and cats are allowed to roam freely without having their "dirty work" picked up before the grass is mowed. They certainly smell a lot cleaner! If you have never been on a working farm, try it sometime. "Farming" can run deep in your blood and still runs deep in mine even after many generations. It is an honest, wholesome yet exhausting occupation and way of life. It is also the lifeblood of our nation! I applaud all past and present farmer's and other's whose meer existence depends upon agribusiness. Remember too, without agriculture, you do not have grains from which our favorite brews are made, we can not celebrate holidays with roast turkey or ham, or eat a good ole' juicy steak or hamburger for lunch or supper much less any thing else at any time. I am proud to call many farmers close personal friends. All farmers deserve our support and respect!
FINAL SCORE
Basket weavers....1
Working man.......0
farmmom yes they pay taxes but don't forget they also get a lot of money from the goverment that helps offset the taxes
Why is it that most of these farmers with large hog operations don't have them at the farm where they live?
Mr. Bentley is your hog farm at your house just one mile from the Marshall city limits?
But to answer your question, yes, Bentley's operation is just a few hundred yards behind his parent's house and Bentley's home is across the road. I just answered another one of your questions on the other story.
I agree with Mr. Bentley, it's time the majority stepped up and stood up for agriculture. If farms go out of business in this area, what happens to our schools, roads and bridges? Our taxes pay for the schools, roads, bridges, nursing homes, etc, these farmers pay much higher property taxes than the friends of arrow rock do. Each farmer has to pay property taxes on every animal they own, and if they don't own the animal, whoever owns that animal has to pay the tax on it to the county in which the animal resides. Farmers pay taxes on every piece of equipment they own, and every acre of land they own, not to mention every farm truck they have and trailers too. Their taxes add up to much more than the weekenders who own a few small acres and visit on the weekend. I don't want my food imported from foreign lands. Please help out these farmers and save our rural community from becoming a dying community that only has weekend visitors. Contact these young men and found out what we can do to help save the farmer.