Missouri DNR holds public hearing on water permit for feedlot expansion
The decision on a water permit for the expansion of a cattle feedlot and processing plant near Lone Jack, Missouri, is now in the hands of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
DNR held a public hearing on April 3 for those for and against the water permit to voice their opinions.
Valley Oaks Angus and Valley Oaks Steak Company want to expand their feedlot and processing plant in Jackson County. The plan is to expand the number of cattle in the feedlot from 900 to 6,999. Many people in the Lone Jack area are concerned about air quality and the environmental if the feedlot is allowed to expand.
The Missouri Cattlemen’s Association held a press conference prior to the public hearing. Bruce Mershon, MCA region 5 vice president, said the hearing was about more than just Valley Oaks’ water permit.
“This is about advancing Missouri agriculture,” Mershon said. “The average herd size in this state is 36 head, but we are the second-largest beef cow state in the nation with more beef cattle farms than any other state besides Texas.”
Kenny Smarr, president of the Johnson County Cattlemen’s Association, said Valley Oak Steak Company is just one example of a family farm taking their small business to the next level.
“This family is on a quest to meet growing demand for locally raised beef in the greater Kansas City area,” Mershon said. “Instead of trucking cattle out-of-state to be fed and processed, this family wants to keep that value right here in Missouri.”
In a press release from the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, Bill Gabel, Johnson County, Missouri, presiding commissioner, said the permitting process with DNR is rigorous.
“It isn’t an easy hurdle and it shouldn’t be,” Gabel said. “State and federal laws heavily regulate confined animal feeding operations and these farms are at an extremely high level of oversight. I have faith the permitting process is rooted in sound science and I call on everyone to let that process work.”
Valley Oaks Steak Company and the Lone Jack community expect an answer from DNR in the next 30 days.
David and Sandra Ward founded Valley Oaks Angus in 1992 with the purchase of the Brady Land and Cattle herd from Knob Noster, Missouri. Valley Oaks Steak Company was founded in 2016 with the intent of bringing locally grown beef to the Kansas City area. Valley Oaks Steak Company is owned by the Ward family, who have lived in the Grain Valley area since 1946.
Doug Rich can be reached at 785-749-5304 or [email protected].