Des Moines Register
08-04-06
Coalition: DNR director wrong about livestock rules
By KIRK LEEDS
IOWA VIEW
In a July 26 essay, Iowa Department of Natural Resources Director Jeff Vonk
asserts that residents have no voice as to where livestock farms are located.
Ironically, Vonk's essay coincides with his attempt to take away the voice of the
people by securing sole authority over where and how livestock can be raised in
Iowa. Unfortunately, his inconsistency on the director discretion rule is not the
only one.
Iowans do have a voice as to where livestock farms are located. We strongly
encourage the state's top environmental official to evaluate the success of the
Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers. As a not-for-profit, non-lobbying
organization representing more than 225,000 farmers and Iowa citizens, the
coalition promotes and facilitates open communication between farmers and
neighbors. Since its launch in 2004, the coalition has directly assisted more than
520 farm families in growing their farms responsibly and successfully.
We encourage farmers to visit with neighbors about their intentions once a site
has been determined and is known to exceed all regulatory requirements. Farm
families meet with each neighbor, discuss their reasons for growing, explain the
benefits of agriculture (both socially and economically) and assess expectations.
And since effective communication is two-way, neighbors are encouraged to
actively participate in the dialogue, ask questions and carefully consider the farm
family's rationale for growth. As a result of this proactive approach, family farms
have been started or saved while protecting the interests of neighbors and the
community.
Vonk also claims that livestock farms negatively impact property values and
selectively references two studies to make his case. Yet other studies show the
contrary. One study, conducted by the University of Minnesota, found positive
influences exist between raising livestock and property values. The study's
authors concluded the report by saying "we are left with the fairly strong
suggestion that nearby feedlots positively influence property values in
Minnesota."
There are other examples. Sioux County counts more farms than any other
county in Iowa. It also ranks first in cattle and calves, sheep and hogs and the
market value of agricultural products sold (nearly 80 percent related to livestock).
Not surprisingly, Sioux County also ranks near the top in Iowa farmland values
and is home to a booming real-estate sector.
Vonk also raises public-health concerns about livestock farming but failed to note
key findings of an air-quality study released by his own department earlier this
year. In that study, only one of more than 1,700 air-quality measurements taken
near livestock farms from 2002-2005 was strong enough to justify implementing
new odor standards. He also mistakenly identified a "joint Iowa State/University
of Iowa" study, failing to note that ISU distanced itself from the report, citing
strong concerns about its focus and approach.
Finally, Vonk seems to lament the fact that Iowa has seen "unprecedented
growth" in the number of new barns constructed in Iowa. The growth indicates
that Iowa's current regulatory framework is working, as lower thresholds have
caused an increase in the number of farmers who must receive new construction
permits. Furthermore, as Iowa's livestock numbers return to historic levels,
Iowans across the state benefit, including young farmers, construction and
concrete companies, excavators, banks and lending institutions, crop farmers
and electric cooperatives, to name a few. And an increase in livestock numbers
is the engine that helps fuel Iowa's leadership in renewable energy, serving as a
primary market for ethanol byproducts, including distillers grain.
As a person entrusted with leadership on environmental issues, we urge Vonk to
be mindful of the facts and to implement regulations as prescribed by legislators
elected by Iowa citizens.
KIRK LEEDS is chief executive officer of the Iowa Soybean Association and
board president of the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers. The essay also was
signed by other board members: Joel Brinkmeyer, executive vice president, Iowa
Cattlemen's Association; Craig Floss, chief executive officer, Iowa Corn Growers
Association; Rich Degner, executive director, Iowa Pork Producers Association;
Kevin Vinchattle, executive director, Iowa Poultry Association; Denny Presnall,
chief organizational officer, Iowa Farm Bureau Fed