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Farm group leaders speak out against proposed Wisconsin CAFO siting rule changes

Farm organizations together spoke out against proposed changes to the Wisconsin livestock siting rule (ATCP 51).

Cindy Leitner with the Wisconsin Dairy Alliance says, “At a time when our industry is struggling the most, we cannot afford any more loss due to costly rules and revisions. Unfortunately, that’s precisely what we’re facing today.” Leitner says Wisconsin has lost 551 farms since January 1st.

Dairy Business Association President Tom Crave says the current livestock facility siting law helped the dairy community stabilize after years of decline and gave local governments a useful regulatory tool. “The current law is working. The changes would undermine the rule’s effectiveness, hurt Wisconsin farms, and send a message that we don’t want modern dairy farms in our state.”

Crave says the nine agricultural partners are asking the state ag board not to move the changes to the Legislature without addressing serious problems like the proposed setback requirements.  He says replacing the odor management standard with these setbacks would be unworkable. 

Keri Retallick with the Wisconsin Pork Association says the proposed waste storage structure inspections would not work for most hog farms. “The structures are not designed to be completely emptied. They are designed to be inspected while in use, and the proposed emptying process not only risks the potential damage of the storage facility but also, the requirement is both costly and unnecessary.”

The farm organization leaders spoke at the State Capitol Monday in support of their joint statement to the Bureau of Land and Water Resources.

Along with DBA, Wisconsin Dairy Alliance, and Wisconsin Pork, the proposed changes are opposed by Cooperative Network, Wisconsin Farm Bureau, the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association, Wisconsin Dairy Products Association, Growmark, Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association, Wisconsin Association of Professional Agricultural Consultants, and Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce

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