LONE JACK, Mo. – The Missouri Dept. of Natural Resources recently issued a permit for Valley Oaks Steak Co. to increase the number of cattle it can maintain to 6,999 in its Missouri animal feedlot operation. Currently, the facility outside of Lone Jack, Missouri, has a limit of 999 head of cattle.   

Missouri DNR granted a Class IB NPDES permit to Valley Oaks Steak at the Lone Jack facility, which makes it subject to concentrated animal feeding operations regulations and permit requirements. The government agency also said that their staff reviewed the application for completeness and compliance with the Missouri Clean Water Law and the Missouri Clean Water Commission regulations. 

Valley Oaks expects the expansion to create more than 50 jobs. According to its permit request, Valley Oak Steaks plans to blend the feedlot's manure with wood chips and store in a warehouse to be processed into fertilizer.

However, a press release by the Dept. of Natural Resources said, “Parties adversely affected or aggrieved by the department’s decision ... may appeal to the Administrative Hearing Commission by filing a written petition…” before July 16.

According to the Kansas City Star, Powell Gardens, a botanical garden nearby, will be appealing the decision due to possible odor, water quality and plant-harming parasites that could linger from the expanded livestock facility. There are also about 800 homes within three miles of the feed lot.