Published: July 17, 2008 05:59 pm            

Dairy farm approved, despite protests

Neighbors concerned over scope of operation

jeff.waters@gaflnews.com



The county commission on Tuesday granted a local farmer a permit to operate a dairy farm on his property, and the neighbors aren't happy about it.

About a hundred local residents attended the meeting, most of them in protest of George Wedsted's plans to convert his 120-acre cattle operation to a dairy farm.

Wedsted currently has about 710 head of cattle, including steers and replacement heifers. He plans to sell off about 400 steers, which he says are not profitable, and keep about 300 Jersey cows for milking, once they come of age.

Neighbor Russell Landen, whose property adjoins Wedsted's, said he is concerned about odors the dairy would produce.

"For George, it might smell like money, but to me it doesn't," said Landen.

"Yes there is smell, there is going to be smell, it is a farm," Wedsted responded.

"I would rather have a chicken operation or tree farm next to me than a housing development," said Ted Henderson, suggesting that the benefits of a rural environment outweigh those of an urban one.

Sid Roberts, Wedsted's son-in-law, agreed. "This is a farming community," he said.

Neighbors Joey and Lesa Adams were displeased that Wedsted did not contact them regarding his plans.

"He did not address what his plans were to anyone," said Joey.

"We moved into this subdivision because we thought it was a nice place to retire," said Kelton Knight. Knight owns a home in Suwannee River Mobile Home Estates, about half a mile from Wedsted's property.

Commissioner Randy Hatch said he didn't understand why Wedsted's neighbors opposed his plans.

"It was a little unusual from my perspective because George is reducing the number of cattle on his farm, yet the neighbors are still opposed to it," Hatch said.

Commissioner Jesse Caruthers believes the area is not well-suited for a dairy that size.

"I don't think this is the best location, I don't feel it is appropriate for the neighborhood that already exists," he said.

Commission chairman Douglas Udell and commissioners Billy Maxwell and Hatch voted to approve Wedsted's request. Commissioners Ivie Fowler and Caruthers voted no.

Approval was granted on the following conditions: The operation must show a net reduction of cattle; Wedsted must plant a buffer of trees or shrubs between his property and that of his neighbors; a lagoon to hold waste waster must be built in accordance with the CARES program; and equipment to spray waste water on fields must have drop pipes that are close to the ground to avoid aerial spray. Wedsted must join the CARES program as well. CARES is the County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship and was created to teach environmentally efficient farming practices. CARES is a voluntary program.

Wedsted said he is trying to do the right thing and that he just wants to farm.

"I am not trying to do anything in secret," he said. "Ag is a very necessary part of our society and community, the very foundation of our economy."

Wedsted will need permission from the state Department of Environmental Protection before he can begin construction or set up milking machines.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.