Mega-dairy developer favors Indiana over Ohio

Speedy approval of permits makes Indiana more desirable than Ohio for huge dairy farms, according to a company that specializes in settling Dutch dairy farmers in the United States.

Vreba-Hoff Dairy Development LLC, based in Wauseon, Ohio, told the Dayton Daily News that Ohio agencies are understaffed.

Therefore, Vreba-Hoff applications in Indiana jumped to six last year from one in 2004. Ohio, by contrast, saw applications plummet to one in 2006 from nine in 2004.

The dairies, which typically have thousands of cows, often are considered a nuisance and health hazard by neighbors who worry about manure disposal, dust and truck traffic. But backers say they support processors, feed companies and other agribusinesses.