Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents urge action over mink farm as county refers Beckstead agricultural‑protection request to planning
Summary
Neighbors told the Utah County Commission that a mink farm near Payson has caused odors, escaped animals and wildlife decline; the commission referred the Beckstead agricultural protection matter to the Planning Commission and the Ag Protection Board for review.
Sherry Bean and other neighbors told the Utah County Commission that a mink ranch on property owned by the Beckstead family has degraded their quality of life and harmed nearby wildlife.
"The odor…affects my quality of life," said Sherry Bean, whose property borders the operation, describing dozens of lost hens and repeated escapes. Martin Yo and Anne Christy Hansen gave similar accounts of increased mink, flies and property impacts. Mark Sorensen, representing PACE of the city, said the designation could affect pending subdivisions near Payson.
Landowner Brent Beckstead responded that the farm is legally in an agricultural zone, that permits exist for each building, and that the farm has purchased equipment and uses fly strips and feed additives to control pests. "We are doing our best to be the best farmers that we can," Beckstead said, while acknowledging occasional escapes.
The commission did not decide the designation at the meeting. Chair (Speaker 1) explained the procedural path: the commission referred the Beckstead Agricultural Protection Area matter to the Planning Commission and the Ag Protection Board so those bodies can review permits, title and compliance issues and make a recommendation that will return to the commission for final action.
Next steps: residents were advised they may present evidence and testimony to the Planning Commission and the Ag Protection Board; the county will schedule the matter for future commission consideration after those recommendations are received.
