Lawmakers approve more privacy for feedlots

BOISE, Idaho — Cattle feed lot operators are hoping lawmakers will restrict public access to manure management reports, comparing their waste handling strategies to trade secrets worthy of protection from competitors.

The Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee approved a measure 6-2 Tuesday that would keep the curious from routine feedlot inspection reports. The reports by the Department of Agriculture are done once or twice a year and available to the public upon request.

Idaho Cattle Association representative Rick Stott said information like the number of cows owned or how manure is disposed or treated could become a competitive advantage to other operators.

The Idaho Conservation League’s Courtney Washburn opposes the bill. She says making inspection reports confidential would prevent the public from tracking the state’s efforts to regulate the industry and protect the environment.

Tags: agriculture, agribusiness, livestock, farm, cattle