The 2002 law was intended to balance agricultural interests and environmental concerns. One of the main authors of the plan says it was a great compromise. But critics say the law gives residents and local governments too little power to control what goes on in their backyards.

"Agriculture is such a huge part of our economy in this state, that we can't ignore it," said Sen. Stewart Iverson, R-Clarion, a former farmer who led the special panel that wrote the 2002 measure.

Source: The Tribune