Lawsuit could limit authority of Wisconsin DNR over large dairy farms

[TexasTowelie]

A lawsuit by a farm organization alleges the Department of Natural Resources lacks authority in most cases to regulate the practices of large dairy farms, a sector of agriculture under growing scrutiny.

A court win by the group could have wide-ranging implications by limiting the role of the DNR at a time when environmentalists and some rural residents are calling for more — not less — state oversight of farms and their manure-handling practices.

The Wisconsin Dairy Business Association's lawsuit challenges the underpinnings of the state's permit system for large dairy farms.

The group said the DNR is relying on authority over farms it legally does not have. John Holevoet, director of government affairs for the farm group, said most states don't require large farms to be regulated by a state water permit.

Read more: http://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/2017/08/08/lawsuit-could-limit-role-wisconsin-dnr-over-large-dairy-farms/547313001/

[LakeArenal]

1. DNR doesn't have any scientists left....

to determine what practices should be permitted anyway.

I hate Walker soooo much.............

[rlegro]

2. In other words....

...these superfarms are too big to regulate. You can grow your way out of acting responsibly and protecting the environment as smaller farms are obliged to do.

[dembotoz]

3. there has been talk about a factory dairy farm coming to my county

if true this will make it even harder to fight

my county is not rural