Planning commission approves Gregory Agribusiness feedlot expansion, sets post‑construction inspection requirement
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Summary
The commission approved a conditional‑use permit to expand the Gregory Agribusiness dairy operation to a proposed maximum of 973 animal units, subject to construction per plans and a required post‑construction inspection; the matter will proceed to the County Board on June 3.
The Stearns County Planning Commission voted to approve a conditional‑use permit for Gregory Agribusiness LLC to expand its feedlot and increase the permitted milking herd to 695 mature dairy cattle (proposed site total 973 animal units).
Environmental Services staff reported the feedlot has been registered with the county since 1999 and that the site currently meets state and county registration requirements. The applicant submitted a state feedlot permit application (received 04/17/2025) and a manure management plan (submitted 04/15/2025) that is under review. Staff’s compliance inspection on March 30 found the facility compliant for water quality discharge requirements and the 2015 CUP conditions, with record‑keeping follow‑up needed for three fields; staff required perimeter fence maintenance around an outdoor manure storage basin by Aug. 1, 2025.
Applicant Edward Gregory said the Barn No. 2 additions are needed to stage cattle while repairs proceed and to improve handling for veterinary care and breeding operations. Staff explained proposed changes include two modified total confinement barns, a piston pump in a concrete bunker to transfer manure, and continued access via 121 Avenue. The feedlot sits in Maine Prairie Township and has 68 residences and seven registered feedlots within one mile of the operation, per staff maps.
Planning Commission approval carried with two staff‑recommended conditions: construct improvements per submitted plans and contact Environmental Services within three days of construction completion for a post‑construction inspection. The commission recorded no valid complaints on file. The approved permit will be forwarded to the County Board for final action on June 3.