Morrison County planning panel recommends approval of Grubers' tier‑2 poultry feedlot with conditions

The Morrison County Planning Commission voted 4–1 on Oct. 14 to recommend that the County Board of Commissioners approve a conditional use permit for Nathan and Charles Gruber to establish a tier‑2 chicken feedlot on a 79.34‑acre property in Lehi Township.

The recommendation requires four conditions: install a barrier at wetland boundaries to avoid construction impacts; plant and maintain permanent vegetation around the barns (a 50‑foot grass buffer was discussed); construct a stacking slab before stocking the barns with birds; and ensure at least 25% of manure is transferred or sold off‑site.

County Land Services staff said the application invokes county ordinance sections 604.6 and 1209 and noted the property is undeveloped cropland. The soil and water conservation district reviewed the site and recommended that the area is suitable for a tier‑2 feedlot operation provided a stacking slab is installed before the barns are populated because soils near the proposed barn site are not suitable for stockpiling. Staff also reported a wetland about 25 feet from a corner of one barn; the recommended conditions require a barrier at wetland boundaries and coordination with the soil and water district if wetland impacts are encountered.

Nathan Gruber, an applicant, told the commission he planned to build the stacking slab “before the barn or, you know, during the construction project” and described the barns and manure containment as concrete, saying the containment areas would be constructed of concrete and covered. The commission’s feedlot officer, Colette, recommended ensuring that a substantial portion of manure is transferred off the property; when asked what constituted a minimum, Colette said, “The minimum… would be that 25%.”

A public commenter, Don Cheetah, who said he serves on his township board and has experience operating barns locally, supported the construction approach and described stacking slabs as effective: “stacking slabs are incredibly efficient and… just one of the best tools that we’ve come up with for manure management.”

Commissioners discussed groundwater and nitrate concerns raised by township data and by one commissioner who described a high water table and elevated nitrate readings in the area. Commissioners said the conditions — a covered stacking slab, vegetation buffers and transfer of a portion of manure — would help mitigate water‑quality risk. Several commissioners also pointed to the soil and water conservation district’s review and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s best‑management practice guidance for the area.

A motion to recommend approval with the four conditions was made by Commissioner Brent and seconded by Commissioner George. The recorded vote was Brent — yes; George — yes; Marvin — no; Clint — yes; John — yes, producing a 4–1 recommendation in favor. The commission’s recommendation will go to the Morrison County Board of Commissioners for final action at its next regular meeting on Oct. 21.

The commission chair told the applicants to contact Land Services with questions before the county board hearing.