Agricultural community on Prestage: Yes to value-added agriculture

Close to 115 people packed the Wright County Courtroom on Monday to voice opinions and learn about the county’s economic development agreement with Prestage Farms for the proposed processing plant. Farmers, businessmen, county government, and regular citizens all had their say, but the prevailing voice was that of the agricultural community, who by and large agreed: they favored the construction of the plant for the business and economic opportunities it could provide.

Fifty-one citizens of Wright and adjacent counties spoke, 36 of them in favor of the plant, 13 against the plant, and two taking no stance but making some comments. In addition, representatives from Prestage, including members of the Prestage family, spoke.

After Bryce Davis, economic development director for the county, described the development agreement for visitors, Board Chairman Stan Watne announced that they would not be voting on the  agreement that day. “We want folks to have time to look at it, comment on it,” he said.

Last, the supervisors held the second readings for Ordinances 50 and 51, introduced last week, which pertain to zoning for the plant. Supervisor Rick Rasmussen moved to approve the ordinances and waive the third readings. The supervisors approved the motion by roll call vote, officially changing the site of the potential plant to Industrial-zoned land.

For a description of the development agreement and words from county residents about the plant, see the July 28 edition of the Monitor.