You will have the opportunity to express your opinion on a third Door County farm becoming a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation next month.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has set November 5th as the date when Gilbert Farms’ application for a Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit will be heard. According to the permit’s fact sheet, Gilbert Farms would like to expand its herd from 688 milking and dry cows, 500 heifers, and 275 calves (1,443 animal units) to 1,150 milking & dry cows, 900 heifers, and 400 calves (2,430 animal units) by 2026. By becoming a CAFO, Gilbert Farms is already working on addressing its manure storage needs to allow it to go from the current 94 days of storage to the required minimum of 180 days of storage. The permit includes a proposed emergency response plan, monitoring and inspection protocols, and nutrient management plan submission guidelines.

Gilbert Farms owner Marge Gilbert told WBAY earlier this month that when they applied for a CAFO permit when they realized they were over the animal unit limit, adding that they feel that “every waterway in Wisconsin is important” and “everybody should be held to a higher standard.”  Opponents to the farm’s expansion are applauding the public forum that will be able to take place, something they say has not occurred since 2020. “This is what community power looks like,” said Rod Miller. “Hundreds of residents stood up and said that decisions about our water, our farms, and our future must include those who live here—and the DNR listened.”

If approved, Gilbert Farms would join S&S Jerseyland Dairy and Brey Cycle Farm as permitted CAFOs in the county.

The hearing, which will include an informational session followed by public testimony, will take place at Door County Gala in Sturgeon Bay on November 5th at 10 a.m. If you cannot attend in person, you can click this link to register.