Animal Confinement Facilities (Dairy/Poultry)
The Merced County Animal Confinement Program primarily regulates dairy and poultry facilities in Merced County. There are approximately 305 dairies and 45 poultry facilities in Merced County. The county has both an animal confinement and poultry ordinance and enforces state regulations. We respond to complaints concerning fly, odor, dust, groundwater and surface-water issues.
If you have any questions, please contact Ron Rowe at rrowe@co.merced.ca.us or (209) 381-1097, or Jess Sittre at jsittre@co.merced.ca.us or (209) 381-1084.Animal Confinement Ordinance
To review the Animal Confinement Ordinance, please click here.
Dairy Environmental Impact Report
On Oct. 22, 2002, the Merced County Board of Supervisors certified the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and adopted the revised Animal Confinement Ordinance. The ordinance went into effect on Nov. 20, 2002. The EIR and ordinance revision process began in February 2000.
Merced County, with more than 335 dairies, now has a one of the first ordinances in the state regulating animal confinement facilities. Two staff members are currently facilitating the program, with routine inspections of facilities that began in January 2003.
The Board of Supervisors has appointed a Dairy Technical Advisory Committee to advise the department and Board of Supervisors on the implementation of the ordinance.
Anyone with any questions can contact Jeff Palsgaard at (209) 381-1087 or jpalsgaard@co.merced.ca.us.
