The House has voted 61-7 to allow dairies to keep secret the details of how they manage their cows' waste.  Monday's vote to make Idaho dairies' nutrient management plans exempt from disclosure under the state Public Records Act sends the measure to the Senate. The Idaho Dairymen's Association has raised concern about an activist group, Idaho Concerned Area Residents for the Environment, obtaining those plans to harass dairies. Bob Naerebout, the Dairymen's Association's director, says any violations found during dairy inspections would remain public. Representative Wendy Jaquet, a central Idaho Democrat, voted against the measure, saying counties like Gooding that have seen an influx of large dairies over the last two decades fear the changes could make it more difficult to keep tabs on large agricultural operations that impact water quality.

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