By Scout Nelson
Plans for two large dairy farms in North Dakota are facing criticism from both U.S. and Canadian environmental groups. These mega-dairies, proposed in Trail County and near Abercrombie, would house over 37,000 animals, leading to concerns about waste management and environmental safety.
Madeline Luke, a volunteer from the Dakota Resource Council, says the amount of animal waste from these farms could be unlike anything North Dakota has seen before. Opponents fear that manure runoff from the operations could pollute nearby rivers, eventually flowing into Lake Winnipeg in Canada and increasing the risk of algae blooms.
Before 2021, North Dakota’s laws made it hard for large corporations to run big livestock farms. However, a law change has now made it easier for such large-scale farms to operate. This shift has sparked concerns about rising industrial agriculture and its impact on the environment and rural communities.
James Beddome, executive director of the Manitoba Eco-Network, points out that pollution from North Dakota could cross borders and damage ecosystems in Canada. He stresses the need for cross-border cooperation to protect shared water resources.
Opponents of the dairy projects argue they could harm local water supplies, public health, and small family farms. They warn that decisions made in one state may have serious international effects.
As of now, environmental groups from both sides of the border are asking state officials to apply stricter rules and review the possible risks more closely before allowing the projects to move forward.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-digitalvision
Categories: North Dakota, Business, Livestock, Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle