(A) Agriculture often includes such activities as the intense use of farm equipment and machinery; plowing during dry and windy conditions; the raising of livestock and fowl; the use of soil amendments, including manure, herbicides, and pesticides; and storage of manure. These activities may occur during any 24-hour period. Thus, owners or renters of property located in agricultural areas may be subject to discomforts such as odors, dust, insects, and noise. While these activities may be considered nuisances in a more urban setting, they are common in an agricultural community and vital to the sustenance of an agricultural economy.
(B) Pursuant to M.S. § 561.19, agricultural activities shall not be considered a public nuisance, provided such activities do not violate any state statute, rule, or other law.
(C) This section shall not prevent any party or person from proceeding to bring civil action against an agricultural operator/owner. However, it is strongly encouraged that complaints between agricultural operations and local property owners/renters seek a resolution through the County Dispute Resolution Program or other form of mediation or dispute resolution before pursuing litigation.
(Ord. 49, passed 7-7-03; Am. Ord. 101-2022, passed 7-19-22)