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Speaking for the Land, Farms & Communities

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Looking for tips on writing a letter-to-the-editor? Check out LSP’s fact sheet by clicking on the image above.

During the past two years, a dairy CAFO in Minnesota’s Winona County has made repeated attempts to force through an unprecedented expansion that could have profound negative impacts on the community. At issue is Daley Farm’s proposal to add roughly 3,000 animals to its existing operation, which would put the operation at around 6,000 animal units, almost four times the county’s animal unit cap of 1,500 animal units. That cap is equivalent to 1,071 dairy cows, 5,000 market hogs, and 1,500 beef cows/steers; the overwhelming majority of livestock operations in Winona County and across Minnesota are well below this limit, meaning this cap readily allows for a family farm-based system of livestock agriculture. Such a cap is particularly important in a region like southeastern Minnesota, where groundwater is vulnerable to contamination as a result of the porous karst geology that predominates.

However, the Daley Farm proposal is seen as a bellwether by Big Ag in Minnesota, as its supporters push a model of agriculture that leaves no room for small to medium-sized farms. As a result, immense pressure has been put on public officials to capitulate to Daley Farm’s demands and set a new standard for what kinds of dairies will dominate our communities and how the rules apply to them.

In 2021, despite widespread public opposition, Daley Farm made yet one more attempt to blow by the cap via the court system as well as Winona County’s Board of Adjustment. In both cases, the will of the people was upheld, and the CAFO’s proposal was denied.

A major reason that, despite backing from powerful interests, Daley Farm has not been successful in ignoring common sense rules is that Winona County residents have repeatedly made their voices heard. Their message is  clear: exceeding the animal unit cap is not good for the land, water, family farms, or rural communities.

One way they’ve made their voices heard has been through letters-to-the-editor published in local newspapers. Below is a sampling of those letters:

    • Oppose Daley Farm expansion, by Karen and Richard Ahrens — Nov. 28
    • County Animal Caps Matter, by James Armstrong — Nov. 28
    • Proposed expansion brings danger, by Wayne Ode — Nov. 28
    • Big Ag is on an intimidation campaign, by Tessa Schweitzer — Nov. 27
    • Feedlot cap serves purpose; variances should be modest, by Richard Dahl — Nov. 24
    • Daley Farm to subject county to literacy test, by Tim Ahrens, — Nov. 10
    • Factory farms threaten rural communities, by Sam Streukens — November 17
    • Does Daley Farm even qualify for a permit? by Barb Nelson — September 22
    • Stop the Daley Farm expansion now, by Deanne Sczepanski — September 22
    • Daley Farm should conform to existing rules, by Barb Nelson — September 12
    • Farm expansion is a public health issue, by Lisa Schnepper —– August 11
    • Preserve water quality, keep animal unit cap on farms, by Doug Nopar — August 4
Winona County residents gathered on Nov. 28 to call for the Board of Adjustment to deny Daley Farm’s request for a animal unit cap variance.

Contact

Matthew Sheets, LSP factory farm organizer, e-mail 612-767-9709

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Upcoming Events

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August 2025

Friday August 22

8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Adaptive Grazing & Fencing Workshop
Friday August 22
8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Adaptive Grazing & Fencing Workshop
Olmsted County, Minn.

Farmers, ranchers, and landowners interested in improving their grazing systems and fencing strategies are invited to attend the Adaptive Grazing & Fencing two-day workshop scheduled for August 21–22, in Olmsted County. 

This workshop is being hosted by Olmsted County Soil and Water Conservation District, Minnesota Grazing Lands Conservation Association, and the University of Minnesota Extension in Olmsted County, and is open to all those interested.

Led by grazing specialist Kent Solberg, this practical, hands-on workshop will explore strategies to enhance forage productivity, soil health, and profitability through adaptive grazing. 

Day 1 will be held at Alan Bedtka’s Farm and will focus on the big picture of grazing, its effects on soil health, riparian zones, weed management, and grazing economics.

Day 2 will take place at John Meyer’s Farm and will delve into cost-effective fencing, water systems, and real-world adaptive grazing practices that can be tailored to changing conditions.

Cost: $75/person (includes lunch both days)
Scholarships: 10 scholarships available for those needing financial assistance (inquire early). 

More Information: For more information and to register, see the Minnesota Grazing Lands Conservation Association website. You can also contact: 507-328-7070 or e-mail PWService@olmstedcounty.gov.

Sunday August 24

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Livestock Consolidation Town Hall With AG Ellison in Central MN
Sunday August 24
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Livestock Consolidation Town Hall With AG Ellison in Central MN
Central Minnesota

LSP will be hosting a town hall meeting Sunday, Aug. 24, in Paynesville, Minn., on consolidation in livestock agriculture. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison will be on-hand to hear from producers about their experiences with monopoly power. This meeting is for small to mid-sized livestock producers and others who want to push back against consolidation in agriculture.

This town hall will be held at Lake Koronis Regional Park, 51612 Co. Hwy. 20, Paynesville, MN (large picnic shelter; look for the LSP signs).

To reserve a spot, click here. For more information, contact LSP organizer Matthew Sheets via e-mail or at 612-767-9709.

Tuesday August 26

9:30 am – 3:00 pm
UW Organic Agriculture Research Field Day
Tuesday August 26
9:30 am – 3:00 pm
UW Organic Agriculture Research Field Day
Arlington, WI 53911, USA


This University of Wisconsin Organic Grain Resource and Information Network field day will feature tours and talks about the latest in organic systems research. Attendees will learn about reduced-tillage corn and soybeans, no-till dry beans, advances in food-grade grains, emerging crops, biocontrol agents to manage white mold in soybeans, and on-farm soil health research. 

For more information and to register, click here. 

Wednesday August 27

10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Field Day: Farmer-Distiller Grain Connection
Wednesday August 27
10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Field Day: Farmer-Distiller Grain Connection
Paxton, IL 60957, USA

Join OGRAIN, Artisan Grain Collaborative, The Land Connection, and IDEA Farm Network for this unique field day tailored for farmers and distillers alike to learn in the field and at the distillery. Dallas and Will Glazik will lead attendees through Cow Creek Organic Farm’s organic fields and discuss proper food-grade grain handling. The day will end with a distillery tour, grain quality talk, farmer-distiller social event, and optional tasting at Silver Tree Spirits.

For details and to register, click here. 

September 2025

Monday September 1

All Day
Final Deadline for LSP's Farm Beginnings Course
Monday September 1
Final Deadline for LSP's Farm Beginnings Course

Beginning and prospective farmers are invited to apply to the Land Stewardship Project’s Farm Beginnings course, a year-long training program that focuses on the goal setting, marketing, and financial skills needed to establish a successful farm business. The Farm Beginnings course creates a space for folks to name their vision, acquire the tools and skills needed to make it happen, and become part of a community of support to help them succeed.  

The course will run from November 2025 through March 2026, with some additional educational opportunities to take place later in 2026. 

The deadline for applications is Sept. 1. Early bird applications submitted by Aug. 1 will receive a $100 discount if you are accepted into the class. Partial scholarships are available.

More details are at http://www.farmbeginnings.org or Annelie Livingston-Anderson at annelie@landstewardshipproject.org.

You can apply to the course here.

View Full Calendar

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