On Tuesday, Sept. 1, Stevens County officials approved Riverview’s conditional use permit for the proposed West River Dairy expansion near Morris, Minn. This decision largely clears the way for what will become the largest concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) in Minnesota history. Once completed, this 18,855-cow facility will be more than 60 times the size of the average Minnesota dairy.
The county’s approval comes after farmers and other rural residents expressed deep concerns over the past several months about the potential environmental and economic impacts of this facility. More than 1,400 people submitted official public comments about West River Dairy to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), and 1,140 people signed LSP’s petition calling for a full environmental impact statement (EIS).
Despite deep community concerns regarding incomplete local water data, massive water usage (319 million gallons per year), and 250 million gallons of liquid manure storage near impaired waterways, local officials declined to impose protective groundwater conditions. We are deeply disappointed in the county commissioners’ decision.
But it’s Not the End of the Road
Land Stewardship Project members and allies have been organizing for rural communities, family farmers, clean water, and corporate accountability — and now there is an important, time-sensitive opportunity to make sure state leaders hear directly from Minnesotans.
What Comes Next:
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is accepting public input on the socioeconomic impacts of large-scale dairies — operations with 10,000 or more cows. These comments will be summarized for the Minnesota Legislature ahead of the 2027 legislative session.
We need LSP members and supporters across the state to speak up before the deadline on Thursday, Oct. 1. Your comment can help show lawmakers that decisions about mega-dairies affect more than one permit — they shape the future of family farming, rural economies, and our shared natural resources.
Points You May Want to Raise:
When you submit your comment, speak from your own experience. You may also want to include concerns about:
• Milk prices and farm viability: Large-scale overproduction can put downward pressure on milk prices, making it harder for independent dairy farmers to stay on the land.
• Rural communities and Main Street businesses: When ownership and decision-making are consolidated, fewer farm families and local businesses benefit from the dairy economy.
• Water, infrastructure, and long-term costs: Very large operations can place heavy demands on local water supplies, roads, and public resources, while nearby residents and communities are left with the risks.
How to Submit:
You can submit your comment directly through the MDA Socioeconomic Impact Comments Portal.
— Submit Your Comment Here —
Also consider signing up for LSP’s Digital Dairy Action Network at landstewardshipproject.org/dairyaction. Once you’re signed up, watch for rapid-response updates from LSP on when to contact decision-makers, attend public meetings, share messages online, and support dairy farmers across Minnesota. We will also be offering opportunities to hone your skills in communication support roles ranging from writing letters-to-the editor to speaking to legislators and the media. If you are looking for concrete ways to take real action, this is the sign-up you have been searching for.
Thank you for standing with family farmers, rural communities, and clean water in Minnesota.