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A South Dakota legislative panel has advanced a bill to the House floor that calls on the state to again adjust license fees for certain livestock operations.

A unanimous committee vote on Thursday approved a measure dealing with Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, or CAFOs, which typically have large herds. It would raise permit fees for these farms so the state has enough funds to regulate them and the animal waste they generate. The legislature boosted these fees last year, but bill sponsors say follow-up is needed to cover more of the plan's original goals.

In earlier Senate debate, state Senator Sydney Davis, R-Burbank, noted the number of CAFOs in South Dakota has swelled to nearly 450, making these moves necessary.

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"And the number of animals per operation and the complexity of manure management systems has increased as well," she said. "Over 11 million animals are now permitted in the state."

Davis, a cattle producer herself, added that last year's boost to fees only covered 13 percent of the oversight program's costs.

This bill did clear the Senate with only a handful of "no" votes. Some lawmakers voting "yes" said they don't like higher fees, but were persuaded by assurances from state ag officials that they wouldn't seek any other increases in the near future. The full House could take this up early next week.

Davis warned of possible consequences for the state Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources if the new fee structure isn't finalized.

"Without passage of this bill," she said, "DANR would not be able to pursue the technology upgrades or fill the program vacancies, which may result in increased permitting times and reduced compliance inspections."

Other lawmakers have argued that without extra permitting revenue, the state might have to ask for federal help with oversight.

Tensions are building in Pierre surrounding agriculture pollution, with a fellow Republican recently suggesting South Dakota might need more aggressive policy to shield lakes and rivers from farm runoff. Governor Larry Rhoden, also a rancher, bristled at the idea of a larger conversation on the issue, suggesting the state stick with targeted fixes.