Pipestone Farms Requests Permit for North Dakota Hog Farm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Pipestone Farms is requesting a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) from the Barnes County Commission to build a 7,717-swine or 3,161 Animal Unit (AU) hog farrowing Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) in Barnes County, North Dakota. The Barnes County Planning and Zoning Board has already unanimously approved the permit following a public hearing.

Why it matters

The proposed hog farm has drawn interest and some concern from the local community, as large-scale livestock operations can have significant environmental and economic impacts on rural areas. The county commission's decision will determine whether the project moves forward.

The details

Pipestone Farms is seeking approval to build the hog CAFO facility, which would house up to 7,717 swine or 3,161 Animal Units. The Barnes County Planning and Zoning Board has already voted unanimously to approve the conditional use permit for the project following a public hearing where testimony was heard.

• The Barnes County Commission meeting where the CUP will be considered is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 8:00 AM.
• The Barnes County Planning and Zoning Board approved the CUP for the hog farm on March 10, 2026 after a two-hour public hearing.

What’s next

The Barnes County Commission will vote on whether to approve the conditional use permit for Pipestone Farms' proposed hog CAFO at their meeting on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.