Scott County leaders okay expansion of large hog operation near Eldridge

A large hog farm north of Davenport will be allowed to grow still-larger. Scott County supervisors have approved a plan from owner Tom Dittmer to increase his operation near Eldridge from 17-hundred to 24-hundred sows. The decision was based on approval from Dittmer’s neighbors, his modern farming practices and the testimony of fellow Scott County farmers like Neil Keppy. Dittmer is in an agricultural area and Keppy says “If he was trying to build next to a city or next to a daycare across the road, I would not be in support of his decision — but he’s not.” Keppy says he also supports Dittmer’s business practices. Keppy says Dittmer partners with other farmers to help finish the pigs, creating jobs and cashflow for the county. Supervisors voted five-to-nothing to approve the expansion. Dittmer needed the supervisors’ approval because of Iowa D-N-R rules against large farm operations.