Myth #8

Our local roads can’t handle the weight of the heavier trucks that livestock operations require.

Opponents say “trucks from livestock operations will ruin local roads.”

In truth, today’s local roads already typically handle trucks of that higher weight. Though the “official” weight limit is most often something less, most local road districts “unofficially” tolerate local traffic of the higher weight when weather conditions allow. Most local road officials even operate their own loaded trucks at axle weights higher than the “official” weight limit.

Two other factors associated with livestock production can affect road maintenance, the number of loads and the need to travel during the spring thaw cycle. Both of these conditions can be addressed with a combination of cooperative efforts between producers and road officials. Except in emergency situations, livestock producers can generally work with local road officials to time springtime trips when the ground is frozen or dry. To address year-round wear and tear due to volume, where necessary, many producers are willing to make a reasonable annual contribution to the road jurisdiction to help defray the cost of any additional maintenance.

http://www.legis.state.il.us/website

http://www.sos.state.il.us/

Did you know that—to haul the same amount of cargo—making fewer trips with a large truck (semi) can cause less road damage than making many trips with a smaller (2-axle) truck?

These pdf files of the production fact sheets can be a useful handout in educating your community in the importance of livestock production.

Myths and Facts on Livestock Expansion Illinois

(as of September 26, 2006)

Myth #1
Livestock odors will cause asthma in my children (air quality)

Myth #2
Livestock operations will pollute my groundwater (water quality)

Myth #3
Antibiotic resistance is a result of modern livestock production.

Myth #4
Facilities don’t have established procedures or plans to avoid or handle spills, runoff, etc.

Myth #5
Use of manure in pivot irrigation spews the smell everywhere.

Myth #6
Toxic chemicals are emitted from livestock facilities.

Myth #7
My property value will decrease if a livestock operation locates next to or near my property.

Myth #8
Our local roads can’t handle the weight of the heavier trucks that livestock operations require.

Myth #9
Livestock operations dispose of dead animals in unsanitary ways.

Myth #10
Livestock operations raise animals in harmful and inhumane ways.