Love note from Jeff City

My Fellow Missourians:

On Thursday evening, July 11, I was asked to present a legislative update to members of the St. Clair County Cattlemen’s monthly meeting. My “Hat’s Off” to the ladies of Valley Center Church for preparing a very fine meal. Another big “thank you” to the St. Clair County State Bank for sponsoring the meal. It was extra special to be introduced by my son, Vice President John Love, who conducted the meeting.

My presentation began with the good news that Governor Greitens signed (SB222) into law. Language included in this transportation omnibus bill enables Missouri farmers to use their machinery and implements on state highways between sunset and sunrise. All implements/vehicles will need to be equipped with the appropriate lighting in order to do so, but this will help our agricultural community immensely. This law goes into effect Aug. 28.

I discussed MO county and township restrictions on Animal Feeding Operations (AFOs). Local governments have imposed additional requirements and fees on animal feeding operations beyond what is required in regulations by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Two strategies have been used by these local governments to add additional requirements: county health ordinances and/or zoning ordinances.

Just last week a judge ruled that regulations passed by the Andrew County Health Department are invalid and unenforceable in regard to a hog farm operation north of Savannah.

According to court documents, Andrew County Judge Randall Jackson found the ordinance enacted by the Andrew County Health Department in 2010 on Concentrated Animal Farming Operations (CAFO) to be invalid. The court found that Missouri law does not give county health center boards the authority to pass regulatory ordinances such as the CAFO ordinance, but that only county commissions have the authority to pass broad-sweeping regulatory ordinances and only in compliance with state law.

The suit, originally filed by the health department against Joseph and John Knoff, Stone Ridge Pork and G.J.L. Farms, L.L.C., will not be going to trial. Court documents stated that since the ruling is dispositive of or without need for further court proceedings in the case, the court found it unnecessary to address other grounds raised by defendants in arguing the validity of the ordinance. The Court also ruled that court costs should be taxed against the Andrew County Health Department. A final judgement is expected to be issued on or by July 17.

Since efforts to change legislation to clarify statutes on AFOs have been unsuccessful to date, many counties have joined efforts with “Missouri Farmers Care” to qualify for Agri-Ready designation. Agriculture is the backbone of Missouri’s economy and generates demand for other industries and economic growth opportunities including service industries and agribusinesses. This designation supports the family farmers who provide locally grown products to the public, protects the agriculture industry and the jobs it creates, and encourages farmers and agribusinesses to make sustainable, long-term decisions about investing and expanding operations in an Agri-Ready designated county. It encourages and supports family farms and nurtures the traditions that make the great State of Missouri. Counties that have earned the Agri-Ready designation include: Atchison, Audrain, Benton, Butler, Carroll, Chariton, Cole, Cooper, Dallas, Dent, Gasconade, Laclede, Lawrence, Lincoln, Marion, Moniteau, New Madrid, Oregon, Osage, Pike, Saline, Scott, St. Clair, Stoddard, Washington and Webster.