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Applicants agree to cap animal units as commissioners recommend approval of after-the-fact Tier IV dairy feedlot
Summary
The Planning Commission recommended approval of an after-the-fact conditional use permit to expand the Brutscher family Tier IV dairy feedlot, including a staff-recommended cap of 1,568 animal units and conditions on runoff and calf hutch placement; the county board will consider the application July 14, 2026.
The Morrison County Planning Commission on July 7 recommended approval of an after-the-fact conditional use permit allowing the Brutscher family to expand a Tier IV dairy feedlot in Ripley Township, with conditions including a cap on animal units and requirements to prevent runoff and eliminate open lots.
Applicant David Brutscher told commissioners the operation "just continued to grow and now we are getting the proper permits." He described the planned manure handling and said the manure pit would handle "close to 2000 animal units." Commissioners discussed acreage for manure application and whether additional land could be secured; Brent Lindgren noted staff recommended capping the permitted animal units at 1,568, a condition the applicant accepted.
Amy Kowalzek entered Sections 604.6 and 1209 of the Morrison County Land Use Control Ordinance, two aerial photos, a site plan and staff report highlights into the record. Commissioners asked about existing dry/open lots and vegetative seeding; Jessie Brutscher said they were "working on getting it green again" and could seed the area. SWCD staff suggested calf hutches be moved farther from 185th Avenue; Jessie Brutscher said the applicants have space to relocate the hutches by project completion.
Chairman George Sandy asked whether the site could achieve zero runoff and eliminate open lots; Dave Brutscher said measures were "already in the works" and acknowledged "there can be no open lots." Ripley Township representative Darvin Keehr offered public comment supporting the plan, saying "this looks like a good plan and the Township is ok with this application." After polling voting sheets, Commissioner Brent Lindgren moved to recommend approval with the proposed conditions, Clint Kathrein seconded, and the motion carried unanimously. The recommendation will be forwarded to the Morrison County Board of Commissioners for final action on July 14, 2026.
The record for this item notes 14 notices were mailed to neighboring property owners and one comment was received prior to the hearing; staff materials and ordinance sections entered into the record were cited during deliberations.
