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.

“Right to Harm” Public Screening in River Falls & Spring Valley

Residents of Pierce and adjoining counties should know about these potential negative impacts on our air, land, and water. Learn more by viewing the documentary “Right to Harm” at public screenings in River Falls and Spring Valley. Through the riveting stories of five rural communities, “Right to Harm” exposes the devastating public health impact factory farming has on many disadvantaged citizens throughout the United States. Filmed across the country, the documentary chronicles the failures of state agencies to regulate industrial animal agriculture. These facilities produce millions of gallons of untreated waste that destroys the quality of life for their communities. Fed up with the lack of regulation, these disenfranchised citizens band together to demand justice from their legislators.

We can learn from neighborhoods across the country and prevent the same dangers from arising in Pierce County. Come and see “Right to Harm”, and then stay after for a discussion about the film and to hear stories from people in Pierce County who have felt the effects of factory farms in their lives. Come see the film and join the discussion.