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Macomb, IL – A group of 10 out-of-state farmers thinks a site in western Illinois is the perfect place to build a large-scale hog farm. Neighbors beg to differ.
Both sides aired their arguments Monday night during an Illinois Department of Agriculture hearing that drew hundreds of people and lasted six hours.
The concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) would be called South Morgan Acres LLC. It would be located in far northwest McDonough County, not far from the county lines with Henderson and Hancock. In fact, the closest town is Raritan in Henderson County.
South Morgan would be managed by Carthage-based Professional Swine Management. The operation would breed pigs and fatten them up a bit before shipping the animals to the 10 farmers.
PSM's Bill Hollis said South Morgan would produce $91,653.97 in annual local taxes, use 180,000 bushels of local corn per year, produce fertilizer, and employ 16-18 people. He said it is an $11 million project.
But Beverly Braniff, who lives near the site, is not sold on the plan.
"If someone came along and poured toxins down our well, I'd call the sheriff," Braniff said. "Who will we call when South Morgan acres destroys our wells, our properties, and our health?"
Lee Ward testified that he supports South Morgan Acres because he enjoys bacon, pork sausage, and pork chops.
"When you buy that bacon, somebody has to grow the corn to feed the pigs, raise, the pigs, process the pigs, and bring your bacon to the store," Ward said.
Numerous employees of PSM testified during the hearing, which took place at the Spoon River College Outreach Center in Macomb. PSM's Larry Grenter disputed claims that large-scale hog farms are bad for your health.
"I have lived next to hog confinements all my life. I'm perfectly healthy," Grenter said. "Sometimes I wish people could see the inside of it and see all the good we do do."
Grenter said PSM tries to do the right thing to ensure the health of people, the pigs, and the environment.
Scott Thompson found that hard to believe. Thompson lives about one mile from the proposed hog farm site. He pointed out PSM faces a number of environmental pollution lawsuits filed by the Illinois Attorney General's office and five counties.
Thompson said he is alarmed by the hog farm's proximity to the Lamoine River.
"With so much flat acreage available in this region, why would the investors and operators choose to build so near water and wildlife? I contend that this location is unsuitable for the CAFO due to environmental concerns," Thompson said.
Karen Moore, who lives less than two miles from the site, said her family has raised cattle and hogs. Like other neighbors, she is concerned South Morgan will hurt property values.
"One CAFO is a magnet for others. Just ask our neighbors in Hancock and Henderson Counties," Moore said. "Do we want McDonough County to become the CAFO capitol of Illinois and further lower property and land values? No!"
Moore believes CAFOs jeopardize the health of those who live nearby. She wondered which is more important -- the health of rural residents or the profits of large corporations.
Tim Maiers of the Illinois Pork Producers Association said the industry has changed a great deal in recent years, driven in part by consumer demand for a high quality, safe, and inexpensive food supply.
"The size of farms has grown but that doesn't mean we've lost sight of the values that have always guided farmers: safe food, quality animal care, and protection of our land, air and water," Maiers said.
"The last time I checked we still live in America, in a capitalistic society where people should be allowed to exhibit an entrepreneurial spirit that founded this country."
South Morgan Acres will have 8,000 pigs of 55 pounds or heavier, and 10,026 pigs that are smaller. There is no design plan yet, though developers say it will include five buildings: two for breeding/gestation and one each for farrowing, gilt development, and nursing.
Operators will need to meet eight Illinois Department of Agriculture criteria before the state will give its stamp of approval.
The McDonough County Board will have until January 19 to submit a non-binding recommendation to the ag department. The state agency will then have until February 3 to decide whether South Morgan Acres meets all the criteria.
You can listen to the full oral comments of the six people quoted in this story by clicking on the audio button.