Purpose

• To clarify and define what counts as an “animal feedlot” under Minnesota environmental law by adding a new subdivision to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 11606.

Main Provisions

• Adds Subdivision 4b to Section 11606 to define “Animal feedlot.”
• Definition specifics:
  • An animal feedlot is a lot or building, or a combination of lots and buildings, intended for the confined feeding, breeding, raising, or holding of animals.
  • It is specifically designed as a confinement area where manure may accumulate or where the concentration of animals is such that a vegetative cover cannot be maintained within the enclosure.
• Scope includes open lots used for feeding and rearing poultry.
  • Exception: a lot with 12 or fewer chickens is not considered an animal feedlot.
• Excludes pasture from being an animal feedlot.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Expands the definitional reach of “animal feedlot” to include not only enclosed buildings but also open lots used for feeding and rearing poultry.
• Establishes an explicit numerical exception for small poultry operations (12 or fewer chickens) so they are not covered by the feedlot definition.
• Removes pasture from the definition, clarifying that pasturing land is not treated as an animal feedlot under this provision.

Practical/Regulatory Implications (implied)

• These definitional changes could affect which farm operations are subject to environmental regulations and oversight that apply to animal feedlots.
• The new subdivision may alter permitting, reporting, or compliance requirements for certain confinement or open-lot poultry operations, while excluding small flocks and pastures from such requirements.

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Relevant Terms - animal feedlot - Subd 4b - Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 11606 - confined feeding - breeding - raising - holding of animals - confinement area - manure accumulation - vegetative cover - open lots - poultry - chickens - 12 or fewer chickens - pasture