Secretary of state orders right-to-farm recount

Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander has ordered a recount of the Aug. 5 vote on Constitutional Amendment 1, also known as the right-to-farm issue.

The measure was approved by a margin of 2,490 votes out of nearly 1 million votes cast - a difference of slightly more than two-tenths of a percentage point, or 50.12 percent in support to 49.87 percent opposed.

Missouri law allows for a recount if the difference is one-half of a percentage point.

Counties have until Sept. 11 to report the recount results. The secretary of state's deadline for certifying the recount is Sept. 15.

The measure would establish "the right of farmers and ranchers to engage in farming and ranching practices."

Although promoted by the agriculture industry, the proposal had been opposed by advocates for environmental protection and humane treatment of animals.