Company Stands up for Hog Facility amid Complaints over Odor

MOUNT VERNON, S.D. (AP) — A farming company is trying to set the record straight about the odor produced by a hog facility it manages in Davison County.

Since it began operating in May 2013, the Jackrabbit Family Farms sow operation that's about 10 miles south of Mount Vernon has farrowed 150,000 hogs annually. And for just as long, neighbors have been complaining about the odor emitted from the facility's four manure pits.

Pipestone System vice president Doctor Barry Kerkaert tells the Daily Republic that he's frustrated by "continued verbal attacks" over the smell of pig manure. He says Jackrabbit has complied with state environmental standards and manure management regulations, and has taken additional steps to reduce the odor.

John Jones, a farmer who owns a stake in the farm, argues that the smell comes with the territory of living in an agricultural community.

Source: Company Stands up for Hog Facility amid Complaints over Odor