Ag Board approves new rules for poultry operations
The Oklahoma Board of Agriculture by a split vote on Tuesday approved a new registration process that would require setbacks for new large poultry operations in Oklahoma.
The measure, which would take what was a simple registration with the department to a more detailed process that will require on-site visits and exact measurements and layouts, remains a point of contention between some Green Country residents and ag and poultry industry interests, divided on whether the rules go too far or not far enough.
The measure passed with no discussion on a 3-2 vote with board members Jay Franklin of Vinita and Karen Krehbiel Dodson of Hydro voting against, and board members Ed Hurliman of Broken Bow and Brett Hilton of Gate voting for the measure along with Secretary Blayne Arthur.
The measure now goes to the state Legislature for consideration. A suspension on new poultry operations remains in effect until May 31.
After the meeting, board members expressed views for and against the setbacks.
Dodson said her concern with the measure was that it might set a dangerous precedent for other agriculture practices across the state, “that it could be taken to the extreme in other areas,” she said. She also noted that a 150-foot minimum setback from adjoining properties essentially took land rights away from a wide perimeter around each new farm.
Hurliman said setting minimum distances and establishing a registration process was a compromise.
“We're all for agriculture, but we are also responsible to all Oklahomans so we have to hit a balance between promoting agriculture and taking care of our consumers,” he said.
A lone representative of
of northeast Oklahoma residents opposed to poultry industry expansion at the meeting. Angela Faughtenberry of 413 Farm, shook the agriculture secretary's hand after the meeting and expressed her disappointment that Arthur voted in favor of the measure without first visiting the affected community.
“It's a long drive to Oklahoma City and hard for a lot of people to get away during the week,” Faughtenberry said later. “I am disappointed that (Arthur) chose to carry the split vote, without having met with Green Country residents, making her tour of the impacted areas in April pointless.”
Key items in the new rules are a requirement that, prior to approval, the department will conduct a site inspection and review and confirm compliance with setback requirements and that new or expanding operations will provide a detailed, scaled, map showing location of poultry barns, composters and other carcass disposal areas, litter sheds, and other buildings associated with the operation, as well as identification of all occupied residences within 1 mile of the facility.