The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has issued a $3,000 fine to a Sac County hog producer following a manure release at a swine confinement operation in Sac County. According to the DNR, Kyle Babcock, who owns and operates a 1,920-head swine confinement facility near Sac City, agreed to complete cleanup efforts, maintain proper manure storage levels, and pay a $3,000 administrative penalty. The violations stem from an Oct. 23, 2025, inspection conducted by DNR staff, which found manure on the ground around the confinement buildings at the site and an earthen basin at the facility, with overflow from shallow pits and the basin itself. The DNR says no manure appeared to have reached state waters. The consent order alleges that Babcock failed to notify the DNR of the relatively minor release and did not maintain the required two feet of freeboard in the basin. The agency also cited repeated failures to respond to DNR communications regarding cleanup efforts. Under the order, Babcock must clean up any remaining manure contamination and comply with future manure storage and reporting regulations.
