By Jim Magdefrau

VINTON – The Benton County Board of Supervisors heard a proposal for a shrimp farm in Benton County at the Tuesday, May 6, 2025, meeting in Vinton.

Eric Franzenburg met with the board about the county’s land use ordinance and starting a shrimp farm. He said he has a diversified farm operation. They have been growing different crops like fruits, vegetables, medicinal herbs, and cut flowers. For the past five years they have started a agri-tourism project called the Sunflower Experience. He has been interested for a long time in starting a shrimp farm. The shrimp would be raised indoors in tanks. The shrimp grow up in three months.

He would like to sell the shrimp off of the farm, as well as to a wholesaler. The farm is at V-40 and Highway 30 on land owned by his family. 

Franzenburg said there is a concern that shrimp is not considered an animal of agricultural activity. He presented information about this, stressing this is a viable operation being developed in the state. He said shrimp from a farm is safer and more efficient. Plus people are not harvesting shrimp in the wild. He stressed, “People can just eat shrimp that’s being produced and it’s being produced locally instead of coming from another state or from China or Southeast Asia.”

He also feels this falls into the definition of farm products according to the land use ordinance. He hopes to produce 1,200 pounds a year. 

Franzenburg added there is little to no smell.

He plans tours of the facility to educate people on why to buy shrimp from a farm.

Franzenburg emphasized tourism, saying, “We’ve realized once we’ve got people on the farm for the Sunflower Experience that, you know, once they’re here in Benton County, it’s good to keep them here in Benton County.” He also talked about providing shrimp to area restaurants. 

Barb Fetzer of the land use office said her office sees this as an ag use, but it does not meet the definition of a farm, which is 21 or more acres that are used in commercial production of a farm product. She said, “That’s what a farm is in Benton County.” She said Franzenburg wants to split off less than one acre for this. She explained if this wasn’t split and is under the umbrella of Franzenburg Farms, he’ll be fine. An acre will be needed for a septic system.

Steven Beck, Belle Plaine City Manager, stressed Franzenburg is an asset to the community. Beck asked about getting a new 911 address for this. He wants to be sure Franzenburg has a pathway going forward. 

No action was taken. 

Other business

A land use hearing was set for Tuesday, June 3, at 9:15 a.m. for Kevin and Susan Hagen for land in Parcel A, Section 9, Fremont Township.

Roni Frye was appointed to Monroe Township Clerk, which corrects minutes that had her appointed as a township trustee. 

The board approved a final plat for Carver Road Addition Subdivision to Benton County.

The board approved replacing the water line at the service center. Maintenance Director Rick Barrow will work on this. Work is expected next fiscal year.

Also in maintenance, the board approved replacing the air conditioner in the recorder’s office. He had two quotes from Rabe and Edwards. Rabe had the lowest quote at $7,681. 

The board approved use of the courthouse grounds for Chalk the Walk Night in May, which is Mental Health Month.

Judy Hamaker of Heartland gave an insurance presentation.

The board approved modification to the Iowa Department of Transportation five-year construction program FY26-30, and approved a utility permit for USA Communications in Union Township.

Transportation for people getting out of jail was discussed by opioid committee members. Opioid funds will go to bank cards for those with transportation needs, with a credit limit of $1,000. This was approved by the supervisors. 

The board approved hiring Aaron Cronk as a full-time correction officer, Terry Ehlinger as a part-time cook/custodian and Johnie Blanchett as a reserve (part-time utility deputy) for the sheriff’s office. Sheriff Dave Upah added his father will be a chaplain for the jail. It is an unpaid position.