Commission approves Schwinghammer feedlot replacement barn and CUP (761 animal units); manure plan review required

The Stearns County Planning Commission approved a conditional‑use permit for Jeffrey and Leisha Schwinghammer to replace a partial confinement barn and to continue operation at a site maximum of 761 animal units.

Staff told the commission the site was registered with the county in 2000 and has an existing 2012 CUP that established a 762.6‑AU maximum. The current application requests a replacement partial confinement barn (50×104 feet) in the same general location and modest adjustments to open‑lot area size. Staff reported a manure management plan was submitted 04/07/2025 and will be reviewed against Minn. R. ch. 7020 before permits are issued.

A recent compliance inspection found the facility met water‑quality discharge requirements and the 2012 CUP conditions, but staff identified two issues: over‑application of nitrogen on two fields (records required) and perimeter‑fence maintenance around an outdoor manure basin; staff gave the owner until Aug. 1, 2025 to address fencing and required submission of manure application records for review.

Applicants Jeffrey and Leisha Schwinghammer and staff answered questions about the replacement barn’s footprint and the farm’s herd mix (410 mature dairy cattle, 210 heifers and 200 calves in the earlier application description). The commission approved the permit with two staff‑recommended conditions: build per approved plans and notify Environmental Services within three days of construction completion for a post‑construction inspection. The permit will be forwarded to the County Board on June 3 for final consideration.