WI Farm Groups Show Opposition to Proposed Manure Storage Rules

A host of groups representing nearly every aspect of
Wisconsin’s dairy industry are calling for the state’s ag oversight agency to reject
potential changes to manure storage rules in the state. State officials are
crafting new standards to serve as a template for local ordinances that would
expand setbacks for manure storage. New farms with at least 500 animals and farms
looking to expand to at least 500 animals would have to place manure storage
facilities between 600 feet and 2,500 feet from their neighbor’s property line,
depending on herd size, to minimize odor.

Farm groups, including the Dairy Business Association, the
Wisconsin Dairy Alliance and the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation held a news conference
Monday to announce their opposition of the standards. The groups argue the regulations
would make expansion nearly impossible, drive farmers out of Wisconsin, and harm
other ag-supporting businesses – including ag consultants, supply cooperatives
and manufacturers of animal feed and health products.