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Commission recommends approval of Schutz tier‑2 poultry feedlot on combined parcels with 50‑foot buffer condition
Summary
The Morrison County Planning Commission voted 5‑0 on Oct. 14, 2025, to recommend approval of a conditional‑use permit for Jordan and Anna Schutz to build two chicken barns on two parcels they own in Hillman Township (80 acres total), subject to a 50‑foot vegetation buffer and related conditions; applicants plan to transfer all manure to a broker.
The Morrison County Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend that the County Board approve a conditional‑use permit for Jordan and Anna Schutz to establish a tier‑2 poultry feedlot on two parcels in Hillman Township that total about 80 acres.
Amy, Land Services staff, said the two parcels together total roughly 80 acres, about half used for cropping, and that the applicant proposes two chicken barns. SWCD reviewed the site and found it suitable for a tier‑2 operation; the applicant plans to construct a stacking slab along with the barns. Staff noted delineated wetlands on the property and reported that the county public works and SWCD approved a driveway approach. The staff recommendation included requiring permanent vegetation around the barns; commissioners typically specified a 50‑foot vegetation buffer.
Commissioners and staff discussed setbacks tied to the livestock residence rule and whether the two parcels must be combined. Amy and others said the applicants own both parcels and that they would need to be combined to meet setback requirements; commissioners noted that if the parcels were not combined as required the permit could be void. The applicants said they own both parcels and that they would complete required filing.
Commissioners also reviewed the applicants’ manure management plan. The applicants told the commission they plan to transfer all manure to a broker, identified in the hearing as Theodore Casper. Commissioner George noted the site’s 98% offset rating and that the nearest residence is more than a mile away. Commissioners asked whether the applicants were pursuing DNR water appropriation for a proposed single well; the applicants said they are working on the permit.
Commissioner Brent moved to recommend approval with one condition (a 50‑foot grass/vegetation buffer around the barns); George seconded. The motion carried 5‑0. The planning commission’s recommendation will go to the County Board for its Oct. 21 hearing.
