Morrison County planning commission recommends approval for Gruber tier‑2 poultry feedlot with conditions

The Morrison County Planning Commission on Oct. 14 voted to recommend approval of a conditional use permit for Nathan and Charles Gruber to establish a tier‑2 poultry feedlot on a 79.34‑acre parcel, with four conditions intended to protect nearby wetlands and groundwater.

The commission’s staff reported that the applicants propose two chicken barns, that setbacks are met and that the Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) found the site suitable for a tier‑2 feedlot but noted soils at the barn site are not suitable for stockpiling manure. Amy, a Land Services planner, said the nearest wetland lies about 25 feet from a barn corner and that the Minnesota Department of Agriculture has issued best‑management practice guidance for the area. The SWCD recommended installing a stacking slab before the barns are populated.

Why it matters: County staff and commissioners flagged a high local nitrate issue and a high water table near the site, raising concerns about runoff and groundwater contamination. The conditions attached to the recommendation aim to reduce on‑site storage of manure and prevent construction impacts to the wetland.

In discussion, Nathan Gruber said he plans to construct a concrete barn on a concrete slab and build a covered stacking slab for manure during barn construction. The applicants told commissioners they expect to transfer or sell at least half of the manure, and that a broker would haul excess material offsite. Don Cheetah, a member of the Ingram Township board who spoke in public comment, described stacked, roofed concrete slabs as an effective manure‑management approach and noted local roads were adequate for truck traffic.

Colette, identified at the hearing as the county feedlot officer, told the commission that the land owned by the applicants is suitable for the operation but recommended that a “good portion” of manure be transferred offsite and that the manure management plan be closely monitored. When asked what constituted a minimum, Colette cited 25% as the minimum transfer percentage discussed by staff.

The commission voted on the required criteria for a conditional use permit and then voted to recommend approval to the County Board of Commissioners with four conditions: (1) install a barrier at wetland boundaries to avoid construction impacts; (2) establish and maintain permanent vegetation around the barns (a 50‑foot grass buffer was discussed by staff); (3) construct a stacking slab before stocking the barns with birds; and (4) ensure at least 25% of manure is transferred or sold offsite. Brent made the motion to recommend approval with the four conditions; George seconded. The commission vote recorded Brent (aye), George (aye), Marvin (nay), Clint (aye) and John (aye).

The planning commission’s recommendation will go to the Morrison County Board of Commissioners at its next regular meeting on Oct. 21 for final action. The applicants were told to contact Land Services staff with questions before that meeting.