"This is a logical situation for me," Scott said. "Why ruin one business to put another business in, when it doesn't have to be that way?"

GILEAD, Neb. (AP)--In rural Nebraska, many people view construction of a large feedlot or hog operation as a great opportunity to bolster the local agricultural economy.

To one family near here, though, a proposed hog confinement to be built in their neighborhood seems more like a threat than an opportunity.

Scott and Kristy Fangmeier fear for the future of their pumpkin patch, if county officials approve construction of a 2,500-head swine operation.

For the last five years, the couple has operated the Fangmeier Farms Pumpkin Patch near Hebron, about 65 miles southwest of Lincoln.

Now, Wilke Farms of Leigh is hoping to build a hog confinement facility just a half-mile south of the Fangmeier home and business.

Mike Wilke, of Wilke Farms, declined to comment on the proposed facility or any effects it may have on the area.

Scott Fangmeier believes the proximity of the proposed hog operation to his pumpkin patch could lead to the demise of his business.

This year they are gearing up to produce about 5,000 pumpkins, plus such other crops as decorative gourds, winter squash and Indian corn.

In September 2004, Scott and Kristy learned a hog confinement could be built near their home.

On March 17, the Thayer County Planning Commission approved the Wilke request for a permit for its hog operation.

Now, the proposal goes on to the Thayer County Board of Commissioners, which also will conduct a public hearing before making a final decision on the proposal.

That is frustrating for the Fangmeiers, who were told by the Wilke Farms representatives in September 2004 that if there was too much opposition to the facility moving in that they would not go through with the plan.

The Fangmeiers believe the odor produced by the hog facility would have the biggest impact on their business.

"Even if we adjust to the smell, the customers will not be comfortable about the smell and won't enjoy their experience," she said.

The odor also would detract from the pumpkins' value, the Fangmeiers said.

"You can't just wash that odor off," Kristy said.

One local grocer told the Fangmeiers that if there was any odor on the produce, he would not be able to buy from them.

Scott and Kristy believe their business could lose profit and be shut down if the hogs move in next door.

"This is a logical situation for me," Scott said. "Why ruin one business to put another business in, when it doesn't have to be that way?"

Date: 4/20/05