Local Action for a Healthier Minnesota

A Citizens' nonprofit group located in Southern Minnesota

Did you know that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency ("MPCA") estimates there are over 18,000 registered feedlots in operation in the State?

Yet, "Big Ag" is pressing for more and bigger feedlots. The MPCA estimates that the amount of manure generated by livestock in Minnesota is equivalent to a human population of 50 million people. That's untreated, liquid animal manure chock-full of antibiotics, nitrogen, phosphorus, E. coli bacteria, and other contaminants that threaten our surface water and groundwater. Statewide, the Department of Natural Resources ("DNR") reports that groundwater use has increased 35% over the last 25 years - about 3 billion gallons per year on average. A single feedlot with 2,400 finishing hogs will draw an estimated 3.5 million gallons of water per year. No wonder our precious groundwater is being depleted!