Bill Stowe, CEO of Des Moines Water Works in Iowa, spoke in Fulton June 10 as part of the fourth annual dinner for Friends of Responsible Agriculture.
Stowe addressed water quality issues around the building of concentrated animal feeding operations.
"Don't let Missouri become like Iowa," Stowe said.
He added Iowa has 3 million people and 23 million hogs, and while human waste is treated in treatment plants, hog waste is spread on the ground. Stowe, who holds degrees in engineering, industrial relations and law, has dedicated DMWW to providing quality water in reliable quantities to Des Moines citizens and businesses. He noted Iowa, like all states, has become more urban, putting more pressure on urban water suppliers.
The dinner was at the Playhouse Bistro and drew a crowd of nearly 70 people, including residents of Cooper County and the Lone Jack area. In both areas, permits have been granted to build giant CAFOs hogs in Cooper County and cattle in Lone Jack. In Callaway County, a permit has been granted to a CAFO just off Interstate 70 at the Hatton exit.
Jeff Jones, president of Friends of Responsible Agriculture, spoke about the situation in Fulton and Callaway County, reporting equipment has moved into the site where the permit for CAFO has been issued.
"At this point," Jones said, "not knowing what the permit holders plan, Friends of Responsible Agriculture does not have a formal statement, but our group has accomplished much in the last four years, especially in the area of networking with other neighborhood groups around the state and nation."
Jones was part of a citizens committee that has designed a health ordinance that would regulate the disposal of animal waste from CAFOs. The group still hopes to get the issue on a ballot so voters can have a say.
"We will continue to fight for property rights for neighbors, fair treatment for workers and animals, and for healthy foods for consumers," Jones said. "Clean air and water can no longer be taken for granted and must be defended."
Friends of Responsible Agriculture plans to make a formal announcement about future plans after consultation with lawyers, supporters and allies. Jones noted the group is grateful for groups and citizens who have supported FORAG, donated, written letters to the editor, visited county commissioners, and attended meetings and lobby days in Jefferson City.