By Scout Nelson
A proposed dairy farm expansion by Riverview is drawing attention in Minnesota, with concerns raised by Land Stewardship Project Policy Director Sean Carroll, raising concerns about environmental and economic impacts in the region.
Riverview, a dairy company, aims to expand its operation near the city of Morris to house more than 18,000 animals. If completed, it will become the largest livestock farm in the state. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is currently reviewing the project and has opened a public comment period.
The Land Stewardship Project is calling for a detailed environmental impact statement. This report would study how the project could affect water, land, and the local economy.
“We hear concerns from dairy farmers who know that they can't compete with somebody 500 times bigger than them,” Land Stewardship Project Policy Director Sean Carroll said.
Concerns include the large amount of water the farm could use each year. Estimates suggest it could require up to 226 million gallons annually. There are also worries that manure used as fertilizer may lead to nitrate pollution in groundwater.
“It is critical that we know everything about the impacts this could have to our water, to our land, to other dairy farmers before it is approved,” Carroll said.
Riverview representatives say they have already provided detailed environmental documents for public review. They explain that strict permits in Minnesota control pollution and manure use to protect natural resources.
“That's all done with an effort to make sure that there are no potential for environmental impacts from the project,” Brady Janzen said.
The company also plans to reduce water use by half and invest in rainwater recycling systems. These steps are expected to lower total water use to about 100 million gallons each year.
Supporters of the project highlight growing demand for milk production in the region. They believe such expansions help meet this demand and support the local economy.
“We have the water, we have the land. And that's why the processors are setting up here and saying, ‘Hey, give us more milk,’” Lucas Sjostrom said.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jessicahyde
Categories: Minnesota, Livestock, Dairy Cattle