Payette, ID commissioners approve Wendell man’s 12,000-cow dairy

Payette County commissioners have approved a plan for a 12,000-cow dairy despite objections from local residents.

Wendell dairy farmer Jim Scarrow proposed the operation at a site five miles north of Parma.

The Associated Press

http://www.magicvalley.com/news/business/index.asp?StoryID=6349

The dairy was initially approved by the county planning and zoning commission in July, but that decision was appealed by nearby residents.

The commission’s unanimous decision this week clears the way for Scarrow to begin building the operation, which will start with about 4,000 cows and take about two years to become fully operational.

Payette County Commissioner Dennis Codr said the dairy would benefit the local economy while having a minimal impact.

"I think that it will be a plus to the county," Codr said. "I take that back. I think it will be a plus to the entire region."

Scarrow, who was present as the decision was announced, said the operation will purchase feed, vehicles and heavy farm equipment from local operators. It will also increase the value of the local tax base.

"I will bend over backward to be a good neighbor and impact their lives as little as I can," Scarrow said.

Neighbors of the dairy voiced concerns about water contamination, odor and a possible decline in property values.

"Most people in our group are concerned about their quality of life," Alex Paterson said.

The number of new so-called mega-dairies — those with more than 1,000 cows — have been steadily increasing in recent years. Idaho has the fifth highest number of dairies, behind California, Wisconsin, New York and Pennsylvania.

Codr said commissioners have listened to both sides of the issue through public meetings and are satisfied with Scarrow’s plans to minimize the impact the dairy will have on the area.

"If he follows through with what he says he’s going to do, it will probably be one of the nicest and cleanest dairies in the valley," he added.

Paterson said his group would soon discuss whether to take legal action.