Morrison County panel recommends approval of Tier 2 chicken feedlot in Pike Creek Township

The Morrison County Planning Commission on Oct. 28 recommended approval of a conditional use permit for a Tier 2 chicken feedlot to be sited on a 70-acre parcel in the northwest quarter of Section 11 in Pike Creek Township.

Amy, Land Services staff, said the application calls for two chicken barns with a total of 415 animal units and cited Morrison County ordinance sections 604.6 and 1209 as applicable. Staff and the Soil and Water Conservation District recommended two conditions if the County Board approves the request: a permanent, 50-foot vegetative buffer around the barns and construction of a manure stacking slab prior to stocking the barns because on-site soils are not suitable for stockpiling.

The applicant intends to transfer all manure off-site under transfer agreements covering 366 acres in Pike Creek, Darling and Swan River townships, Amy said; staff also noted the applicant has 472 acres available for application. Soil and Water reviewed the site and concluded it is suitable for a Tier 2 feedlot operation provided the stacking slab and buffer are in place.

Commissioners asked staff and the applicants questions about groundwater and nitrate data, manure handling, and facility construction. Commissioner Marvin asked whether well nitrate data were available for the area; Amy said Soil and Water has no nitrate-well data for Pike Creek Township because it was not identified as a priority area in the district's inventory. Commissioners noted nearby nitrate testing and the site's setback and offset calculations; staff reported a 97% odor-offset rating for the proposed operation and that the nearest barn location is about 85 feet from a wetland area.

Applicants identified themselves in the hearing as Sadie Sue Schuette, Josh Schuette and Jeff Hodeck and confirmed they would accept the two staff conditions. Commissioners also confirmed that the Board of Adjustment granted a variance on Sept. 16, 2025 allowing a feedlot on the 70-acre parcel.

After closing public testimony (no members of the public spoke), the commission considered the five ordinance criteria (impact on roads/utilities, detriment to neighboring properties, relation to existing land use and environment, consistency with the zoning district, and conflict with the county comprehensive or water plans). Commissioners voted affirmatively on all five criteria. Commissioner John moved to recommend approval to the Morrison County Board of Commissioners with the two staff conditions; Commissioner George seconded. The motion carried unanimously.

The planning commission's recommendation will be considered by the Morrison County Board of Commissioners at its Nov. 4 meeting. The commission approved its minutes from Oct. 14 and then adjourned.