Coloma, Wisconsin Can Not Be Pleased Over Court Ruling On Mega-Farms

Not far from Coloma, Wisconsin a major economic powerhouse of a farm is soon to be completed.   The Richfield Dairy farm would be the sixth-largest in the state, according to DNR records.  While many have concerns about that particular project, there is now one major court ruling that will deal with all such farms in the state.

The outcome of this case was never in doubt, as it comes down to treating everyone equally under the law. 

I have long argued that places such as Coloma, and surrounding areas that vote Republican should not moan about lack of governmental control when facing tons of manure and potential groundwater problems.  Smaller government, and less state restrictions seems the concerns of these voters every other day.

Now they want tougher water quality standards.

Those higher standards start when voters understand which side their bread is buttered on when they cast a ballot.   I will be watching to see which Republican elected official comes to the aid of Coloma.  Maybe they can throw a parade and bake sale when the GOP shows any concern!

The Wisconsin Supreme Court says a rural town does not have the authority to impose tougher water quality standards on a livestock farm than the state requires.

Wednesday’s decision means Magnolia, about 30 miles south of Madison, can’t demand that a 2,900-cow farm take extra steps to control pollution.

At issue was a state law designed to make farm regulations consistent across Wisconsin.

Magnolia residents said manure from Larson Acres’ cows pollutes their water supply. But the court agreed with the farm, which says the town lacks the authority to demand it meet standards not required by the state, including monthly water-quality tests.

Similar cases have been filed in six other Midwestern states. Wisconsin’s is believed to be the first to reach a state supreme court.