We won’t rest in fight against unfair CAFO ordinances

by Tim Trotter, chief executive officer

We have an update on DBA’s actions regarding several towns in northwestern Wisconsin that have adopted or are considering adopting overreaching regulations on new and expanding large livestock farms. 

These local ordinances in Burnett and Polk counties are unrealistic, unfair and, in our view, illegal. They go far beyond current regulations applicable to livestock operations. 

In April, we expressed our concerns in a formal request to the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and urged the agency to conduct what is called a material review of the ordinances to determine whether they align with Wisconsin’s livestock facility siting law.

Now, DATCP has informed DBA that because legal actions were taken since our request, the agency will not at this time provide an analysis of the ordinances.

This is unfortunate. We still feel strongly that a review is necessary. The towns in question, and any others that might consider cookie-cutter ordinances, should have a clear picture of how misguided they are.

Not only do they attempt, among other things, to modify what farms qualify as a CAFO, they are drafted to mandate hours of operation for farms, which is simply unrealistic for a farm of any size — especially one with animals. 

Make no mistake, this is about more than an added rule here or there; it is a coordinated attack on animal agriculture, and the dairy community cannot stand for it. There’s too much at stake for our farm families, rural communities and the state’s economy. Regulating farms out of business would be a tragedy for Wisconsin. 

DATCP’s response is a setback but by no means the end of the story.

There are solutions to be had. We demonstrated so in the last legislative session by joining with solutions-oriented ag groups to strike a compromise with the state’s towns and counties associations on legislation that would have improved several aspects of the livestock siting law for farmers. Unfortunately, that bill was undercut at the last minute and died. 

As DBA assesses next actions, I want to emphasize that we stand up for the dairy community at every turn, and we will not rest on this issue. 

For your part, I encourage you to reach out to your town board, no matter where your farm is located, and let officials know that the kind of ordinances coming out of northwestern Wisconsin would have no place in your community. 

Concerns are best addressed when local governments work alongside farmers to create common goals.

Thank you.