Marijuana growers challenge beef harvest plant
April 18,2024
Marijuana growers People’s Farm, based in Lemoore,have appealed a March 4 approval by the county planning commission of the proposed Sandridge beef harvest plant just outside of the city limits. People’s attended the Planning Commission meeting and protested the project, citing concerns about pests, odors and cross pollination of their marijuana crop.The major product here is cannabis oil.
The Commission heard the concerns, but said they believed the CEQA process was working and was sufficient. County planner Victor Hernandez said the two sides tried to negotiate, but did not come to terms. Hernandez says the appeal will go to the Kings County Board of Supervisors, likely in May.
Sources say the marijuana company feels strong enough to appeal the matter to court if the Board of Supervisors approves the project.
Sandridge Partners has been trying to build the beef plant for several years, downsizing the scale of the operation after some protest from City of Lemoore residents and the nearby college.
Ultimately supported by the city manager at the time citing the economic benefits of the project and the jobs (around 70) allowing the project to move forward without more controversy until now.
The proposed project will total approximately 135 acres and will include approximately 72,000 sf. of building space consisting of livestock loading areas, a kill floor, coolers, cold storage, dry storage, a cut room, offices, employee facilities and 1,900 sf. of retail space. This facility will be used to slaughter, butcher, process, and distribute bulk beef products using kosher and halal slaughter techniques. At capacity the beef harvesting plant would harvest a maximum of 210 cattle per day. The project site is to be located at 19868 Jackson Avenue.
Pot vs beef
It may be considered ironic that cattle farming in Kings County goes back 150 years while marijuana farming goes back about five years. Marijuana farming in this county is still controversial and not allowed in unincorporated areas (governed by the Board of Supervisors) but now the marijuana farmers are appealing to the BOS to rule against the beef guys.