The Illinois Department of Agriculture has cleared the way for two new hog raising facilities near Fithian. The Department has approved permits for the Parks Livestock-Shepherd facility about 2.9 miles northwest of Fithian, and the Parks-Livestock Radamacher facility to be located 1.5 miles north of Fithian. Each facility will be able to house over 3,000 hogs.
The facilities have been controversial. The Fithian Village Board approved a non-binding resolution in February opposing their construction. The resolution said the Village of Fithian is concerned the facilities will create a water shortage, contaminate the current water supply, and will cause odors that will result in ‘’an unhealthy and unpleasant environment for Village residents.’’
Art Halsted, Operations Manager for Parks Livestock, is pleased with the action by the Illinois Department of Agriculture approving the permits. He says they will be modern swine facilities, ‘’and it will be a very modern operation.’’
Halsted adds once construction gets underway it will create quite a few jobs moving dirt and pouring concrete. But while the permits now give the company the go-ahead for construction, Halsted adds it will be awhile before it starts because of wet grounds.
Some neighbors had earlier voiced their concerns about odors and how the new facilities might impact their water supply. But Lawrence Parks, President of the Parks Companies, said his company will meet and exceed all requirements of the Livestock Management Facilities Act. Parks also said his company will be good neighbors and stewards of the environment.
Meanwhile, an open house is planned for another new hog farm in Vermilion County. Illinois Livestock Development Group and the Illinois Pork Producers Association are coordinating an Open House for a new 8,000 head wean to finish hog farm west of Rossville. The Open House at the Carl and Jody Clark farm, nine miles west of Rossville, will be held Thursday, April 6th, from 4:30 until 7:30 p.m. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will begin at 5:00 p.m.
The event is free and open to the public. The farm is located at 5586 E. 3550 North Road, Rossville. It is about 9 miles west of Rossville and Illinois route one. Attendees can tour the two 4,100 head wean to finish barns and enjoy a free pork sandwich, chips and a drink.
