DNR clears large expansion of dairy farm
The Business Journal of Milwaukee
Fond du Lac County dairy farm Rosendale Dairy said Monday that the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has approved a plan that will allow it to add up to 3,300 cows to its herd.
The dairy, which has a herd of 700 cows on 2,500 acres near Rosendale, plans to invest $70 million in a project that's expected to create 70 permanent local jobs, support hundreds of construction jobs and result in $32 million in purchases per year from local contractors and vendors.
Because of the plan to add thousands of cows, and the waste they will produce, Rosendale was required to submit an environmental impact statement to the DNR. The Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit approved by DNR officials is effective March 1. It is the first approved for a commercial dairy farm.
“The scale and efficiency of our farm will allow us to operate in a sustainable way while creating jobs and reinvesting in our community," Jim Ostrom, a partner in the farm, said in a press release. "We appreciate the DNR’s extensive review and approval of our plans, and we look forward to establishing an enterprise that will provide for future generations.”
Under state and federal rules, large farms are held to the high standards and must comply with a host of regulations. In addition, large farms must submit detailed nutrient management plans to ensure that groundwater is protected and that crops will utilize all of the manure and other nutrients that are applied. Rosendale Dairy’s nutrient management plan covers more than 5,600 acres.
In addition to the environmental impact statement and WPDES permit, Rosendale Dairy has sought and received 32 other permits and approvals necessary for its operation.
The final environmental impact statement and the permit issued Feb. 27 cover the first phase of the dairy with 4,000 cows. A possible second phase requiring additional public review and DNR approval could add 4,000 cows for an eventual total of 8,000 cows.
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