Minnesota farm groups rally for fair livestock expansion

By Scout Nelson

In a move to promote equitable treatment of livestock farmers in Minnesota, five Minnesota farm groups are supporting a family-owned farm in Lewiston, amidst a legal battle over expansion plans.  They filed a request to join the Daley Farm case as amici curiae, highlighting the need for fairness in farm expansion decisions. 

The groups involved include the Minnesota Milk Producers Association, Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation, Minnesota Pork Producers Association, Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association, and Winona County Farm Bureau.   

They are collectively addressing the broader legal issue of whether the Daley family farm, a multi-generational operation, was justly denied a permit by the Winona County Board of Adjustment for herd expansion.  

Their court brief argues the importance of understanding Minnesota’s corporate farm law and the diversity of farming structures. The groups seek to demonstrate the potential bias in local decision-making processes, which can adversely impact family farms like the Daleys, who aspire to modernize and grow their operations for future generations.  

Highlighting a previous district court ruling, the groups noted that some Board of Adjustment members had prejudged the decision to deny the Daleys’ expansion variance.   

This case brings to light two critical considerations for the Court of Appeals: the possibility of empowering counties to appoint biased board members and the legal right of farms to have their expansion permit evidence decided within a stipulated 60-day period.  

Lucas Sjostrom from the Minnesota Milk Producers Association emphasizes the rights of family dairy farms to fair judgment, especially if they meet environmental requirements.  Dan Glessing of the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation underlines the need for a fair process for all farmers in the state, echoing the sentiment for equitable treatment in farm expansions.   

The case stands as a significant marker for the rights and treatment of family farms in Minnesota, with implications that could influence agricultural practices and legalities statewide. 

Photo Credit - minnesota-pork