ROCK ELM, Wis. — Members of the Dairy Business Association, Wisconsin’s leading dairy advocacy group, demonstrated the positive impact farmers can have when they come together to prevent unnecessary and burdensome local ordinances designed to limit the productivity of dairy farms.
Over the past year, the town of Rock Elm has been considering an ordinance proposal to impose additional regulations on local farms. These regulations would have imposed additional service fees and required third-party verification for information previously approved by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. During a committee meeting on Feb. 10, the town board chose not to pass the ordinance, saving local farmers potentially thousands of dollars in additional fees.
DBA members engaged with other farmers to advocate for science-based environmental stewardship and sustainable farming practices.
“Our members are committed to doing what is right for the environment and local resources. We believe the standards and requirements currently in the WPDES permit meet these expectations of responsible farming, and many farmers in this community are going beyond meeting state requirements,” said Erin Tomasik, DBA’s community relations manager. “Ongoing communication and collaboration between local officials and area farmers helps drive well-informed solutions that benefit the entire community. DBA is dedicated to facilitating conversations, strengthening relationships and providing accurate information that represents responsible, sustainable farming.”
Prior to the decision, community members provided input, including testimony from farmers who would have been impacted. The town also held discussions with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to clarify current regulations and heard feedback from local farmers.
“This was an important win for dairy farmers,” Tomasik said. “We are seeing more communities attempting to use local ordinances to implement fees and requirements beyond the state and federal permit requirements. These ordinances are often driven by those looking to limit or reduce Wisconsin’s dairy farmers’ ability to operate. We are thankful the members of the Rock Elm town board took the time to listen to the farmers potentially impacted by this ordinance and made the decision to not implement the ordinance.”
For more information about DBA’s local advocacy efforts, visit dairyforward.com.
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About DBA:
The Dairy Business Association is Wisconsin’s leading dairy lobby group, championing smart and sensible regulations affecting the dairy community. The nonprofit organization is comprised of farmers, milk processors, vendors and other business partners who work collaboratively to ensure that dairy farms of all sizes have the support they need to keep America’s Dairyland strong. More information: www.dairyforward.com.
