Confined Animal Feeding Operations: State Policies
This survey was designed to assess the Confined Animal Feeding Operations policies of each state, and to determine the priority and specific issues of each state. The majority of states (38 out of 48 surveyed) report that CAFOs are controversial in their states, with most concern regarding the swine, dairy, and beef industries.
Representatives from 48 states responded to this survey assessing Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) by state. According to the results [Excerpted from report]:
- 38 states indicate CAFOs are controversial in their state.
- 39 states indicate increased incidences of conflict and attention in the media.
- 22 states indicate legislation was proposed during the past year.
- 19 states indicate court action involving confined livestock operations.
- 16 states indicate new ordinances or policies passed by local jurisdictions.
The animal species generating the most controversy in public discussions (in rank order) are swine, dairy, chicken-broilers, chicken-hens and pullets, beef, and turkeys.
The level of government involvement in CAFO policy administration and enforcement found is:
- 46 states indicate State Agencies
- 6 states indicate Sub-state Regional Agencies
- 21 states indicate County Government
- 8 states indicate Town or Township
- 6 states indicate Others (federal)
The species covered by state CAFO policy:
- 39 states indicate swine
- 37 states indicate dairy
- 36 states indicate beef
- 34 states indicate hens and pullets
- 31 states indicate turkeys
- 32 states indicate broilers
- 24 states indicate other species