An established hog farm operator near Milford is ready to move forward with a 44-hundred head finisher. And he has the blessing of all concerned.

The Iroquois County Board (last week) voted to forego an informational hearing by the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Charles Leitz is allowed to proceed with plans. He’s working with Effingham Equity and the plans show setbacks and road-weight limits have the OK, according to Nick Anderson with the Livestock Development Group........

"It's part of the Ag Department's requirements, to get input from neighbors and such, " Anderson said. "The Leitz family did it right in citing the location. And it keeps the Ag concept alive in Iroquois County."

Anderson explained projects like this call for cooperation and common courtesy and the Leiitz family did its due diligence in reaching out. Anderson also adds, the Leitz operation will use a lot of corn and soybeans in this hog operation.

Milford and Stockland Township Road Commissioners Jeff Cavitt and Dave Morgeson, respectively, questioned the road-use agreements to make sure they’re in place before the facility is functional. That, Anderson says, is part of that common sense practice.

Any questions about the project are welcome.

94.1 WGFA