Barnes County Approves Conditional Use Permit for Hog Farm

The proposed 8,500-head hog farm operation faces further state permitting reviews.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:24am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Barnes County Planning and Zoning Board has unanimously approved a conditional use permit for Blackhawk Farms RE, LLP to build a large-scale hog farming operation in Grand Prairie Township. The proposed facility would house 8,511 pigs across three barns and employ 16 full-time workers. While the local planning board has given its approval, the project still faces additional state-level permitting reviews before it can move forward.

Why it matters

The proposed hog farm has generated significant community interest and debate, with local residents both supporting and opposing the project. The facility's potential economic impact, as well as environmental and quality-of-life concerns, have been key points of discussion. The outcome of the state's permitting process will determine whether the farm is ultimately allowed to be built.

The details

Under the plan, Pipestone management will serve as the farm's manager for the Bullerman and Karges family partnership. The three-barn facility would house a total of 8,511 pigs and generate an estimated $4 million in annual economic impact, including $2.4 million in local feed purchases and $215,000 in utility costs. However, the water source for the farm is still under discussion, and questions remain about who will be responsible for the cost of building new roads to handle the increased truck traffic.

  • The Barnes County Planning and Zoning Board held a public hearing on the conditional use permit on March 10, 2026.
  • The Barnes County Commission plans to discuss the planning board's recommendation at their meeting on March 17, 2026.

The players

Blackhawk Farms RE, LLP

The company that has applied for a conditional use permit to build the proposed hog farm operation.

Pipestone Management

The company that will serve as the farm's manager if the project is approved.

Marilyn Henderson

A local resident who expressed concerns about the proposed hog farm during the public hearing.

Vicki Voldal Rosenau

A local resident who spoke against the hog farm operation during the public hearing.

Amber Wood

The Executive Director of the North Dakota Livestock Alliance, who spoke in support of the proposed hog farm.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The Barnes County Commission plans to discuss the planning board's recommendation of the conditional use permit at their meeting on March 17, 2026. The project also still faces additional state-level permitting reviews before it can move forward.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between economic development and environmental/quality-of-life concerns in rural communities. The outcome of the state's permitting process will be closely watched by both supporters and opponents of the proposed hog farm.