Take a stand against factory farms

To the editor:

Factory farms stink and it's not just the smell. They pollute our air and water, lower property values, weaken rural economies and make us prisoners in our own homes. I know this because I have 30,000 factory farm hogs within a five mile radius of my home, 5,000 within a half mile of my home and they spread manure directly next to my property line 100 feet from my door.

There have been over 800 manure spills in recent years and Iowa has 630 polluted waterways.

Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement is a statewide power organization that fights factory farms from being built. In 2012, Iowa saw a massive expansion of factory farms all across the state and we are expecting more this year.

I knew I had to take a stand against factory farms and their pollution so I called Iowa CCI. I've been a member for nine years. During that time, we've stopped over eight dozen factory farms and improved the quality of life for thousands of Iowans.

We help empower communities across the state to stop factory farms, make sure the Department of Natural Resources is enforcing the laws and help pass legislation that protects Iowans from factory farm pollution. We are urban and rural, black and white, young and old and we've been standing up for clean air and water for 28 years.

If there is a proposed factory farm near you and you're ready to take action, contact Iowa CCI at (515) 282-0484 or Iowacci@iowacci.org.

Lori Nelson

Bayard