Proposed Dairy Farms in North Dakota Spark Debate Over Environmental and Community Impact

If both the Abercrombie project and a similar farm proposed in Traill County move forward, they would collectively bring North Dakota’s dairy cow population to unprecedented levels.

Riverview officials tout the economic benefits of the project, estimating it would create 45 jobs in the area, while also boosting employment for related industries such as truck drivers and manure applicators. However, not all local residents share the enthusiasm.

Dylan Johnson, a lifelong Abercrombie township resident living just a mile from the proposed farm, expressed concerns about the potential impact on the community. "We're really concerned with the smell, our water quality, and potential contamination from manure," Johnson said. He added that many in the community only recently became aware of the project and feel that Riverview has not been transparent with residents.

One of the primary concerns raised by residents is the risk of manure contamination affecting local water sources, especially during flooding events, which could impact larger cities downstream, such as Fargo.

The Abercrombie Citizens for Responsible Growth has collected 273 signatures requesting a public hearing from the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality. Residents are pushing for more transparency and plan to discuss their concerns at a public meeting on Thursday, Sept. 12, at the Abercrombie Community Center.