Stearns County commissioners approved a Conditional Use Permit Tuesday allowing Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM), to construct a grain elevator in St. Joseph Township. The big grain elevator includes plans for a train terminal to transport the product to other destinations.

The St. Cloud Times reports poultry and livestock producers in Stearns County fear the big grain elevator will drive up feed costs when corn prices are already near record highs.

A public hearing included concerns of truck traffic, dryer noise, decreasing property values and hours of operation. Proponents of the grain elevator countered with a relief to long lines at metro elevators, new jobs and a use for the rail. The request was approved on a 4-0 vote without a tax incentive.