Our air, water, and soil are all precious resources that help us live healthily. Large factory farms recklessly expanding their operations in the name of profit harm the communities they are in. This is happening in our community and it is dangerous. Come see a public screening of “Right to Harm”, and see the negative effects CAFOs have had across our country.

What’s the deal with Pierce County CAFOs?

CAFOs (concentrated animal feeding operations) are growing dramatically in size and number across Wisconsin as well as right here in Pierce County. Manure runoff from CAFOs can pollute streams, lakes, and wetlands, while improper application of manure, manure spills, and leaking storage structures can contaminate our drinking water.  Contamination of private well drinking water in Pierce County has risen from 8.8% in 1990 to 16.6% in 2022 per data from the Pierce County Land Conservation Department.

People Protecting Pierce

Earlier this year, it came to our attention that the Ridge Breeze Dairy facility in Salem Township was taking the steps necessary to expand its herd. Based on talks with employees of the facility, they are working to gain 5,000-6,000 more cows, on top of the existing 2,000. Already Ridge Breeze has submitted an application to the DNR for a new manure storage structure. According to the project manual submitted by the company, the new structure will hold almost 8 million gallons of manure, increasing the capacity of its existing storage structures by 150%.

People in Pierce County deserve to be safe and healthy in our homes. CAFOs have been linked to public health concerns such as respiratory issues, bacterial infections, and waterborne illnesses. They produce a large amount of waste that pollutes our air, water, and soil. The operation and expansion of CAFOs in Pierce County put our futures at risk unless our elected leaders take the steps to understand their impacts on and how to protect our family’s health, properties, resources, and way of life. By standing together, we can drive our communities toward a future that works for all of us, not just the greedy corporations invading our communities.