We would like to thank the many people who supported our efforts against this feedlot.  We would like to thank Commissioner Duane Bell and Commissioner Jerry Heim for voting against the Sauers' feedlot.  They both took the time to listen to our concerns.  Board members stated the vast majority of phone calls and letters were against this feedlot.  Apparently, the majority of the County Board do not care what the citizens think.

Most of the conditions that were added to this permit are meaningless.  The board admitted it doesn't have enough staff to monitor these feedlots or have efficient ways of gathering/assessing data.  The "odor control" technology that was approved is still being patented and will only decrease the dust; it does nothing to control more than 100 poisonous gases produced by a hog feedlot.

Feedlots are a health risk for the community.  The facts are out there with the Health Department, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and many more prominent sources.

One board member stated it is the small farmers who are causing the pollution in Winona County; feedlots are better as they have more monitoring.  We disagree.  We feel the vast majority of small farmers care about the land and follow proper management.  We feel for the small farmer who is being forced to quit farming because of the large feedlots or told "move if you don't like it."  Bigger is not always better.

This feedlot is not a necessity.  We can live without pork from a feedlot.

I've got an idea ... Go organic!

— Susan Sommers
Winona Daily News
June 13, 2005