The Greene County Supervisors recently approved to continue using the Iowa Department of Natural Resources master matrix scoring.

The master matrix is a point system for any livestock producer that meets a certain number threshold, in order to build a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO). Board Chair John Muir sees it as a way for them to provide an interaction with the general public.

“Basically it allows the public and the person building the structures to discuss issues they have both ways. Because if we don’t participate in the master matrix program, the whole procedure happens without a good knowledge to the public of what’s going on.”

The master matrix program includes a public hearing where the general public can ask questions and make comments directly to the CAFO operator and those comments are then passed onto the DNR. 

In 2019, the Greene County Supervisors submitted a letter to the Iowa Legislature asking them to look at the master matrix. The Supervisors felt the program needed to be reviewed, due to changes in agriculture. The Legislature is the government entity that can make changes to the master matrix. However, Muir was disappointed when they didn’t hear back from those elected officials.

“It always makes you feel good if you are at least acknowledged that, ‘Yeah we think, somewhere down the road, we might do that,’ or ‘Thank you for being concerned.’ Any feedback that lets you know that you’re message was received, just makes you more comfortable with sticking your neck out there on things.”

The current master matrix expires January 31st and the new one will then go into effect from February 1, 2020 through January 31, 2021.