Livestock have big economic impact (9/1/04)

They already knew large-scale livestock operations had a positive economic benefit.

But even members of a committee studying the impact and regulation of those operations may have been surprised just how big that impact really is.

The committee, a cooperative venture between the Jay County Health Department and the Jay County Planning Commission, heard some impressive numbers this morning as it gathered for the second of four consecutive weekly meetings.

Last week’s meeting included an overview of the issues and problems, while next week’s meeting will focus on ways to improve education of and communication with livestock farmers.

“As far as a business, agriculture is a huge part of our whole tax base,” committee chairman Dr. Steve Myron said in a phone interview this morning. “Even if we’re not a confined feeding operator, we benefit by what these guys are doing,” said Myron, who is Jay County health officer.

Among the figures discussed by committee members this morning:

•In 2002, Jay County’s gross farm income was about $94 million. Of that figure, about 70 percent ($66.6 million) came from livestock operations and about $27 million from crops. The $66.6 million of livestock revenue ranked Jay County sixth in Indiana in that category. There was more than $37 million in revenue from the production of poultry and eggs in 2002, ranking Jay County second among Indiana’s 92 counties.

•Also in 2002, the latest year with available data, Jay County ranked 11th among Indiana’s 92 counties in net farm income — thanks in large part to a higher profit margin for livestock farms.

•In 2003, the gross assessed value of land and buildings in Jay County, which are largely agricultural, was $340 million. That is second only behind residential property at $369 million. It is well ahead of commercial ($68 million), industrial ($50 million) and utilities ($2.5 million).

•In 2002, gross sales per acre in Jay County were $482. “You can’t make that much growing crops,” Myron said.

The committee, which was formed with the approval of Jay County Commissioners, is expected to reach agreement by consensus on recommendations for changes or additions to local regulations and practices regarding livestock operations.

Members of the committee who were present at this morning’s meeting included Dave Houck (health department), John Knipp (extension service), Bill Milligan (Jay/Portland Building and Planning), Gary Theurer (Jay County Commissioner), Jim Zimmerman (planning commission), Dwane Ford (Indiana Conservation Officer), Sherry Michael (citizen member), Steve Howell (citizen member) and Myron.

Livestock operations not only have a direct economic benefit for the operators, Myron said, but they also help all county residents in the form of property taxes paid.

The operations also benefit grain farmers in the county, said Myron, by adding demand (and increasing the price paid) for corn. The manure generated by the operations, when spread on Jay County’s predominantly clay soils, also increases yields.

Zimmerman, the president of the planning commission who also operates a layer house with his brother, said late this morning that stricter rules may not be the best solution.

“Those on the committee realize ... there’s a lot more (regulations) than what the majority of people think. When people say ‘they’re doing what they want’ that’s not anywhere close to being true,” Zimmerman said. “If a guy is inclined to circumvent rules or laws ... they’ll find ways to get around those stricter rules.”

Zimmerman said he would like to see the committee’s recommendations be focused more on improved enforcement of existing state and local rules and laws than on new laws.[[In-content Ad]]