People in cow costumes protest megafarm

RIPON, Wis. (WLUK) - A plan that could make Rosendale Dairy Wisconsin's largest dairy farm drew both protest and support in Ripon, where hundreds gathered for a Department of Natural Resources hearing. The agency is considering permit changes that would allow the Fond du Lac County farm to double its cow capacity, from 4,000 to 8,000.

With a herd of protesters outside and a packed crowd within the Thursday hearing, Jim Ostrum shared his dream for Rosendale Dairy.

"It happens to be our time to make that reinvestment, tomorrow there will be another entrepreneur, and another dairy man, and another business hopefully growing some jobs in our state," Ostrum said.

The $35 million expansion is expected to add 35 jobs, but won't happen without DNR approval. The agency says the massive amount of manure the farm produces must be disposed of properly.

Some at the hearing feel mega farms can't do that.

"They destroy rural communities and the future of our country requires people being on the land," Jennifer Nelson of Crawford County said.

If Rosendale Dairy is allowed to double its herd, the farm will produce more waste than the city of Green Bay. Ostrum says his farm can handle the load and is also developing technology that will not only eliminate environmental risk, but improve the land. He plans to supply local farmers with organic fertilizer.

"It is breaking this really valuable great stuff called manure into its usable parts which is phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium, which is essential for crop production," Ostrum said.

Russ Rasmussen with the DNR says the agency spent the last six months investigating the dairy's plan for waste disposal.

"We feel we have gotten to the point where we have a nutrient management plan that is protective of the environment," he said.

But, it's not a done deal. Rasmussen says the agency will first take concerns from people like Judy Jolin.

"It's changed our way of life completely," Jolin said.

The Pickett woman bought 95 acres near the farm to build a retirement home, but says its stench has made that impossible.

"We'd never be able to go outside," she said.

Ostrum says the farm takes its environmental responsibility seriously.

Now, the DNR will decide if that responsibility will grow. The agency expects to make a decision within the next two months.