5.4. PCSR 02-27-2024 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CU 24-01 Cargill Project Narrative Cargill’s Elk River Animal Nutrition Center’s current dairy operation has been outdated by evolving industry standards. The latest dairy farming practices dictate the following updates to effectively contribute to the research and development purpose we serve for our customers. The new facility will be equipped with automated feeding, housekeeping, and milking systems, which reflect the latest practices in dairy farming. This proposed renovation will create a more efficient and environmentally friendly operation than the present operating dairy facility. The new facility will consist of free stall pens and be equipped with automated feeding systems, robotic milking systems, and housekeeping which will reflect current industry standards. It will also include a sample prep area, employee workstations, employee breakroom, restrooms, and locker rooms. The improved manure management system will eliminate daily field spreading that exists today. The overall goal of this project is to plan, design and construct a facility to achieve the following goals: Improve employee safety and engagement. Improve animal safety and welfare. Add capabilities to support CANs growth in understanding nutrients and support dairy farmers. Improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). Hours of operation will be 4 am-10pm, Monday-Sunday. Number of employees will be 14-16, currently we have 12 at this facility. The facility will add a dedicated parking lot with approximately 21 stalls. Gravel roads will allow access throughout the facility. Utilities will be provided via local well water and public electrical utility. No additional signage, signage already exists for the site at the front office. No outdoor storage will be needed. The following updates to this facility will meet all standards to be permitted through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and any possible County and City ordinances. The current facility is a registered feedlot in the State of Minnesota. The facility plans to be permitted for approximately 624 Animal Units as part of this renovation. The Dairy Renovation will consist of the following elements See Appendix B: 1. Milking Center Barn ~232’ long by ~94’ wide This Barn is proposed to be a mono slope type roof shape, with combination wood post-frame and stud-wall type structure that will be insulated, heated, and mechanically ventilated. Floors will be concrete. This building will be connected to the Main Barn. This barn will include the following areas: - Milkhouse area for bulk milk storage, milk cooling, processing, and handling. - Milking Center area that includes robotic milkers, livestock sorting and handling features.