California Dairy Groups Challenge New Requirements for Expanding Farms

The lawsuit was also filed by Milk Producers Council, California Farm Bureau, Western United Dairies and California Dairy Campaign. The order, adopted on September 15, provides for the development of interim and final limits for dairy farms under the oversight of the State Water Resources Control Board.

According to Dairy Cares, existing farms participating in the Nitrate Control Program will have up to 35 years to meet the final requirements. Participation includes involvement in local Nitrate Management Zones and funding for well testing and drinking water programs. The order sets a different timetable for farms that expand in the future: they would have to meet the final limits immediately, even if they participate in the same programs.

The organizations note that the final limits have yet to be developed. They argue that the requirement for expanding farms conflicts with state law and the previously established framework of the Nitrate Control Program. They also say that meeting the future limits may require new approaches to manure treatment, irrigation and precision application.

Dairy Cares Executive Director Michael Boccadoro said coalition members would continue to comply with the other provisions of the order while seeking a court review of the disputed requirement.