88 counties pass Master Matrix resolution for factory farm zoning

Iowa CCI members across the state mobilized at the county level to get the job done!

Eighty-eight Iowa counties voted to implement the master matrix scoring system for factory farm zoning in 2013. 

CCI members across the state contacted their county board of supervisors and asked that they pass the master matrix because it is one of the few tools citizens in local communities have to oppose factory farm construction in their neighborhood that could negatively impact their air, water, property values, and quality of life.

“The success of getting 8 out of 9 counties to pass the master matrix this year shows that Iowans want more local control over factory farms. We want a say in what happens in our communities.” Said Barb Kalbach, a CCI member and fourth-generation family farmer from Dexter. “We can do one better and actually pass a local control bill this session.”

Representative Curt Hanson (D-Fairfield) will be introducing a bill for local control during the 2013 legislative session.  Local control will not change statewide zoning laws, but will give counties “veto power” - a final say in whether or not a factory farm can build in their county.

According to current law, Iowa counties must pass the master matrix every year by January 31 to be able to use it. 

The counties that did not pass the master matrix are Osceola, Plymouth, Iowa, Warren, Mahaska, Keokuk, Washington, Wapello, Des Moines, Lee and Decatur.

Iowa has more than 8,000 factory farms, 800 manure spills since 1995, and 628 polluted waterways, according to Department of Natural Resources’ records.