JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A judge on Monday temporarily blocked a new Missouri law that sought to shield large hog, poultry and cattle farms from stringent local health rules.

Cole County Presiding Judge Patricia Joyce's action means the measure won't take effect as scheduled on Aug. 28. Critics of the law have requested it remain on hold through a Sept. 16 court date.

If implemented, it would prevent local officials from passing more stringent regulations than the state on large farms.

It's directed at protecting the interests of industrial farms known as concentrated animal feeding operatio...