Farm bill amended to expand controls

By Stephen Floyd

State lawmakers have amended a bill on industrial-scale agriculture, adding new provisions that would overhaul regulations for large livestock farms if the bill succeeds.

On May 23, the Senate Rules Committee voted unanimously to amend Senate Bill 85, adding proposed limits on permits issued for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations. Examples of CAFOs include one current and two proposed chicken ranches near Scio, Jordan and Stayton that together could produce 12.5 million broiler chickens annually for Foster Farms.

SB 85 originally directed the Oregon Department of Agriculture to study CAFOs and present recommended changes. Sen. Michael Dembrow (D-Portland), who proposed the amendment, argued lawmakers do not need to wait for a study in light of the environmental disaster caused by Lost Valley Farm. The now-defunct megadairy near Hermiston received a CAFO permit in 2017 through the current process but failed to manage millions of gallons of animal waste. Efforts by regulators to mandate a cleanup had little-to-no effect.

No new regulations were passed at that time, though the Oregon Department of Agriculture adopted new rules requiring waste management measures to be complete before a CAFO can operate.

The amendment to SB 85 would codify the changes and establish a permitting process emphasizing environmental precautions. The amendment would require CAFO applicants to submit a water supply plan. Stock water exemptions would be capped at 12,000 gallons per day, and water meters would be required. If the limit is exceeded, farms would need to acquire additional water through a permit or lease. The stock water exemption would sunset in 2027.

The new process would also require CAFO applicants to obtain a land use compatibility statement from local governments confirming the proposed farm complies with local zoning. Cities and counties may also require that new large CAFOs build a bern, setback, vegetative barrier or other buffer to block the production area.

SB 85 has been referred to the Joint Ways and Means Committee. As of press time, no new hearings were scheduled.

Passages Something To Do

Hawaii-themed choral show set for Mill City

Santiam Hearts to Arts is hosting a Hawaiianthemed choral concert on June 11, 4 p.m. at Stewarts Hall, 158 SW Broadway, Mill City. There is no admission charge, but donations will be accepted at the door. Santiam Hearts to Arts received a $5,000 grant from Pacific Power that enabled the group to put on the concert.

The funds were used for a director, accompanist and other expenses for the Santiam Canyon Community Chorus show, said JoAnn Hebing of Santiam Hearts to Arts.

The show, Hebing said, features a medley from the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical South Pacific. Also on the program are a barbershop quartet, chants from an elementary school choir and a special performance by a Hawaiian dance troupe and the Ericksons. Audience participation is encouraged, Hebing said.

The goal of the program, she said, is to show how the Hawaiians fought to keep their culture alive. Hebing said the event will include a silent auction, and a couple of live auction items. There will be a prize for the guest with the best Hawaiian outfit.