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Howard County, Missouri cattleman considers glass half-full

Howard County, Missouri cattleman Logan Chrislaw says he’s disappointed by the vote to retain the health ordinance limiting livestock growth in the county, but he tells Brownfield the issue has sparked people’s interest in what well-run family farms are doing.

“Anytime you can open a dialogue with your consumers you can always have a beneficial end to that,” Chrislaw told Brownfield Ag News Friday, “We’ll keep continuing to work with them and try to work with our commissioners going forward to ensure that our rights on the farm are protected.”

The Missouri Rural Crisis Center supported county residents who wanted the ordinance kept in place.  Organizer Brian Smith tells Brownfield he’s happy that Howard County voted to retain its health ordinance restricting the size of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs).

“Voters in Howard County made a strong statement in the numbers that they both turned out to vote and also showed their support for clean air and water and for protecting their property values and rights,” Smith told Brownfield.

Livestock producers wanted the ordinance ended, saying that the restrictions don’t allow livestock expansions of adequate size for multiple generations of a farm family to make a living.

Even though the vote was a blow and not what he wanted, Logan, who raises cattle and row crops with his father near Fayette, Missouri, says he prefers to view the glass as half-full.

“If you sit there and look at this as all the restrictive ways that you can’t do something, you’ll never be able to move forward,” said Logan.  “We’ve got to get up every day and continue doing what we’re doing as producers to ensure that we’re producing a quality food product for people all around the world, not just in this community.”

The ordinance has been in place since being approved by county commissioners more than a year ago to block an attempt by Pipestone Systems to build a large hog operation.

“This was all hashed out and I think the clear majority in Howard County believe that it’s for the good of the county to keep the health ordinance in place,” said Smith with the Rural Crisis Center, “and they voted accordingly.”

Those favoring the ordinance expressed concerned about odors and property values.  Livestock producers say Missouri Department of Natural Resources restrictions are enough.

AUDIO: Logan Chrislaw (5 min. MP3)

AUDIO: Brian Smith (2 min. MP3)