SIOUX FALLS (AP) - A Sioux Falls company wants to expand its proposed egg farm near Parker from 500,000 chickens to 2.5 million birds in cage free barns.
Backers of the plan say it would help economic development in Turner County, particularly for grain farmers. Some residents are opposed to construction of an industrial-scale egg facility near the city.
The Sioux Falls Argus Leader reports that the previous proposal by Sonstegard Foods did not include the cage free barns. Company vice president Peter Sonstegard says consumers are demanding changes in how the chickens are housed.
A hearing on the company's permit is scheduled Thursday morning in Parker.
