KINGS EDC - Dairy FAQ'S

Q. Is Kings County encouraging dairy growth?
A. - Yes! Kings County is actively promoting dairy growth. The County has made a great effort to take the uncertainty out of dairy location and expansion.

Q. Does Kings County require an EIR for the approval of a new or expanding dairy?
A. New or expanding dairies proposed in designated areas are evaluated by the Kings County Planning Department through the site plan review process, saving the applicant both time and expense. Only dairies proposed on sites outside the pre-approved zone, or those whose plans deviate from clear development standards, will be required to complete an EIR.

Q. How much land is available for dairy growth in Kings County?
A. There are 341 square miles in the Dairy Development Overlay Zone. Within that area, there are 149 existing dairies and 210 square miles available for new dairies. The Nutrient Spreading Overlay Zone, where manure and process water may be spread, is approximately 642 square miles.

Q. What is the cost range for dairy development property?
A. Property can range from a low of $2,000 per acre to as much as $4,500 per acre. Location is the main determinant of cost.

Q. How is water delivered to dairies in Kings County?
A. The majority of land in the Dairy Development Zone has access to ditch water.
Water is also available by well.

Q. What is the cost of water within the dairy development region?
A. Surface water ranges from $20 to $30 per acre-foot. Well water ranges from $15 to $60 per acre-foot depending on well depth. Water in the vicinity of the Kings River is cheaper while well water on the Westside is more expensive.

Q. What is the average cost of dairy construction in Kings County?
A. Though costs vary widely depending on aesthetics, the typical range is $2,000 to $3,000 per milk cow.

Q. What is the average cost of feed for the dairy industry?
A. The following average prices were listed in the 2002 Kings County Crop Report:

Barley - $98 per ton

Corn Silage - $22 per ton

Cotton Seed - $155 per ton

Alfalfa - $108 per ton

Almond hulls - $79 per ton

Q. Are development and support services available?
A. Yes! Kings County is home to several dairy design and build companies. Other services include grain delivery, custom harvesting, veterinary services, and all other support services required by modern dairies.

Q. What is the energy situation like in Kings County?
A. Kings County is served by two electric utilities: Pacific Gas and Electric Company and Southern California Edison. SCE serves the Hanford area and the portion of Kings County directly to the east. PG&E serves the balance of the county.

Q. Is there a qualified labor pool available for new and expanding dairies?
A. Yes! Kings County, like its neighbors, has a double-digit unemployment rate. There is a large agricultural labor pool available. Median wages range from minimum wage with no experience to $8.75 for three years experience for Ranch Animal Workers. College of the Sequoias, with campuses in Kings and Tulare Counties offers training courses for all levels of dairy workers.

Q. What processors are buying milk in the region?
A. In Kings County, the milk processors are Leprino Foods in Lemoore with two plants currently processing 6 million lbs. of milk per day, and Marquez Bros. International in Hanford, currently processing 1 million lbs. per day. Both processors have significant expansions planned. Processors within approximately 50 miles account for an additional 25 million lbs. of milk daily.

Q. What churches and schools are located in the area?
A. A list of churches and schools is available on the Kings County Economic Development Corporation's website at www.kingsedc.org. Many other interesting facts about Kings County are also included.

Q. Where can I find the Dairy Element and other important permitting information?
A. The best source of information is the Kings County Planning Dept. website.