By Poultry Producer Staff
October 13, 2025
A proposed poultry operation in Coffee County, Georgia — slated to be one of the state’s largest — is on hold after a Superior Court judge issued an injunction citing potential harm to local residents and the nearby Satilla River.
The plan called for five farms totaling 60 poultry houses, each housing more than 25,000 birds. According to court documents, the facilities could generate up to 40,000 pounds of litter every eight weeks and handle approximately 450,000 carcasses annually.
In his ruling, Judge J. Kelly Brooks found that the project could negatively impact air quality, property values, and water systems. He noted that the defendants were unable to provide specific details regarding carcass removal, odor management, or community consultation.
“The evidence clearly showed that Defendants pursued this project quietly and avoided community engagement until forced to respond through these proceedings,” Brooks wrote.
Nearby landowners raised concerns about odors, dust, and potential contamination. Testimony indicated that the project could affect the Satilla River and even downstream waters leading to the Atlantic.
George Lott, attorney for the plaintiffs, said the injunction was the result of “grassroots” efforts by local residents to seek transparency.
Kasey Sturm, representing the defendants, maintained that the farms met all state and county requirements and were consistent with Georgia’s agricultural zoning practices.
“These family farmers obtained the requisite authority both from the state and the county,” Sturm said, adding that similar poultry operations already exist across Coffee County.
The permits were filed by Patrick Robinson, owner of Southern Ag Builders, Inc., based in North Carolina. The court’s injunction pauses construction until a full trial can be held — a process that could take months or years.
Defendants say the decision could discourage future poultry investment in Georgia, while plaintiffs view the ruling as a temporary safeguard for local residents and waterways.
Source: Georgia Recorder (Ross Williams)
Republished under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)
