Hundreds debate Rosendale megafarm

RIPON - Many in the farming community have big dreams for Rosendale Dairy, but others living near it have big fears.

"We need to investment in our economy. Rosendale Dairy, we're going to do our part, this is our moment to make our reinvestment into our economy and our community," farm owner Jim Ostrum said.

If built as planned, the farm would dwarf more traditional dairy farms, which average about 100 cows, to become the state's largest with 8,300.

"I'm a mile south of it and I'm going to have manure spread all the way around my house and I'm very concerned about my well being contaminated," Timothy Theil of Rosendale said.

Both sides turned out in force to share their views on a Department of Natural Resources study of the farm's environmental impact. Russ Rasmussen worked on the study and says the department wants to share information and listen to concerns, before it decides to whether to grant Rosendale Dairy an important wastewater discharge permit.

"That could be we issue it as drafted, that could be we decide not to issue it or it could be that we make, based on the comments, some further modifications," Rasmussen said.

He says the DNR is most concerned with the large amount of manure the farm would produce. He says it must be properly managed, but says the DNR is not ready to make a decision just yet.

Others at the hearing already had. Wearing their hearts on their heads rather than their sleeves, those in blue hats supported the dairy. Red, opposed.

"Food does not come from a grocery store, it comes from a farmer," Chad Van Kamp of Freedom said.

"I want clean water, I want clean water and for millions of gallons of toxic sludge to not be considered inconsequential," Andy Bean said.

Yet, Ostrum says it will be environmentally safe. He says it will also support the state's economy, pumping in $70 million to build and run the facility.

The DNR plans to consider all views before a decision is made.