Two cattle have apparently been shot on the property of a southern Iowa farmer who plans to build a new hog confinement in the area. The Appanoose County Sheriffs Department is investigating the incident on Blake White’s farm.

Fences were allegedly cut, releasing up to 89 cattle. Autopsies determined the two cattle found dead in the field had been shot. The other cattle had scattered and had to be rounded up, according to Deputy Wade Duley, who says the vandals slashed eight tires on two tractors.

White has encountered opposition to his plans to construct two hog confinement buildings on the property. White and other family members plan to build the facilities a half mile north of Iowa’s border with Missouri. It will be able to hold nearly 5000 hogs.