Board approves conditional-use permit to expand Doeden feedlot to 990 animal units

The Murray County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 21 approved Conditional Use Permit #1433, allowing Collyn Doeden to expand an existing feedlot in the SW1/4 of Section 12 in Fenton Township from 500 animal units (AU) to 990 AU by constructing a total confinement barn.

The board accepted the recommendation of the Murray County Planning Commission, which held a public hearing on Oct. 16 and recommended approval with special conditions. Commissioner Jackie Meier moved to accept the Planning Commission’s recommendation; Commissioner Loy Woelber seconded the motion, which carried.

Planning staff reported there were no public comments submitted during the planning commission hearing. The approval includes the special conditions cited by the Planning Commission; those conditions were not detailed in the meeting minutes and are identified in the permit record.

The permit raises land-use and agricultural regulation questions typical of feedlot expansions, including animal-unit increases and confinement construction; the board’s action was procedural acceptance of the Planning Commission’s findings and conditions rather than a separate public-review process.

The board’s action was recorded as approved (motion passed); the minutes do not list a roll-call vote or vote tally. Any appeals or compliance deadlines will be governed by the terms of CUP #1433 and applicable county ordinances.

The county contact for more information is the Murray County Environmental Services Office, which will administer the permit and any follow-up inspections or compliance checks.