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Livestock item on the ballot on election day

Livestock item on the ballot on election day
Nov 04, 2024
By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content, Farms.com

One issue proposes limiting the number of animals in a CAFO

Multiple elections will take place on Nov. 5.

While most eyes will be on the White House, some Americans will be voting on measures affecting their local communities.

Take Sonoma County, California, for example.

Voters there will be casting a ballot in favor or against Measure J.

This measure proposes phasing out existing Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) and banning any future operations in the county.

Measure J would apply to beef, swine, poultry and other livestock.

A cow/calf operation with 1,000 head or more would be considered a large CAFO.

A turkey operation would need a flock of 55,000 or more to be considered a large operation.

Existing farms would have three years to comply or face daily fines up to $10,000.

In addition, the measure calls for the Agriculture Commissioner to create a job retraining program for CAFO employees.

Those in favor of Measure J, which include California River Watch and the Organic Consumers Association, argue that it will protect public health, animals, “revitalize the local agricultural economy, and promote sustainable farming practices,” a Sonoma County document says.

Groups opposing Measure J believe the proposal isn’t thoroughly thought out.

“Contrary to what the proponents claim, Measure J is not simple or moderate – it’s a poorly written policy with far reaching, unintended consequences, the Sonoma County paper says.

The Sonoma County Farm Bureau and Western United Dairies are among the organizations urging voters to reject Measure J.

Moving forward with Measure J could also lead to reduced production and economic activity, which in turn leads to a reduction in County sales tax revenues, the groups argue.

On a state level, Californians and residents from other states will be voting on different issues which could impact local ag industries.

Read about what states are voting on which measures here.


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