In January of this year, leadership in 89 of Iowa’s 99 counties adopted the use of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) master matrix for the evaluation of proposed animal confinement complexes. All area counties adopted the matrix with the only 10 not using it in the next 12 months being Davis, Des Moines, Keokuk, Lee, Mahaska, Osceola, Plymouth, Wapello, Warren and Washington. The 89 counties that will use the master matrix will be able to provide more input to the producers on site selection, proposed structures and facility management. The counties will score each application submitted in their county and can then recommend to approve or deny the construction permits. They can also join the DNR on visits to proposed confinement sites.