Prestage Farms Withdraws Plans to Build 7,488-Head Hog Factory in Poweshiek Co.
By ICCI
Iowa CCI members and local residents score victory over hog-factory corporation
Dozens of residents in Poweshiek County have been in opposition to a proposed hog factory since they were aware of the plans in March. Prestage Farms, the 5th largest hog factory corporation in the country with hundreds of thousands of sows, applied for a construction permit to build this 7,488-head hog factory in Poweshiek County.
On May 28, as a result of overwhelming public opposition, Prestage Farms withdrew their plans to build.
Members of Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement (CCI) and local residents opposed the proposed hog factory for a number of reasons. They were concerned that manure would most likely be applied to highly-erodible fields that drain into the watershed for Diamond Lake – the source of drinking water for thousands of local residents. They also raised questions about the health effects and what this factory farm would do to their quality of life.
“We are very excited that Prestage Farms withdrew their plans,” said Julie Anderson, CCI member and neighbor who lives close to the proposed site. “This proves that things can get done when people come together to fight for what is best for their community. We’ll continue to stand up for family farms and rural communities, and fight all corporate-backed factory farms that try to build here.”
Matt Ohloff, Rural Organizer
Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement
2001 Forest Ave
Des Moines, IA 50311
515-282-0484
matt@iowacci.org
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