RELEASE: Rep. Bobbie Harder Responds to MPCA’s Sudden Feedlot Fee Increase

News Release 

Rep. Bobbie Harder Responds to MPCA’s Sudden Feedlot Fee Increase

ST. PAUL, MN – State Representative Bobbie Harder (R–Henderson Twp.), a member of the House Agriculture Committee, issued the following statement in response to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s announcement that feedlot permit fees will increase by 48 to 56 percent, effective Friday, August 1:

“At a time when Minnesota’s agricultural economy is already struggling, the MPCA’s decision to dramatically raise feedlot fees is tone deaf to the challenges facing our farmers,” said Rep. Harder. “Announcing these fee hikes with virtually no notice shows a terrible lack of communication and leaves farmers without the time they need to prepare.”

Harder emphasized that the fee increase is yet another example of misplaced priorities from the agency and urged state regulators to better engage with farmers before making decisions that impact their livelihoods.

“Minnesota farmers are the backbone of our rural communities, and they deserve a state government that works with them, not against them,” Harder said.

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