Small Dairy Farms in Oregon Take Legal Action Against New Rules Threatening Their Existence
Source: The DairyNews
Small dairy farmers in Oregon are taking legal action against recently revised regulations that they argue could jeopardize their operations.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) altered its definition of a confined animal feeding operation (CAFO) last year, encompassing small dairy setups. Consequently, these smaller operators, including Waneva LaVelle, who runs a miniature dairy goat farm, will now be subject to permitting regulations.
Despite the majority of their time spent outdoors, the ODA contends that during the milking process, all animals are technically confined, justifying the change. The adjustment was initiated at the behest of the Oregon dairy industry, which raised concerns about the perceived financial advantage enjoyed by small producers exempt from compliance with the same rules as larger dairies.
LaVelle, who sells a portion of her milk locally and crafts soaps and lotions from the rest, fears that the regulatory shift could force her out of business. The legal action by small dairy farmers highlights the tension between industry regulations and the survival of family-owned and operated farms.
Despite the majority of their time spent outdoors, the ODA contends that during the milking process, all animals are technically confined, justifying the change. The adjustment was initiated at the behest of the Oregon dairy industry, which raised concerns about the perceived financial advantage enjoyed by small producers exempt from compliance with the same rules as larger dairies.
LaVelle, who sells a portion of her milk locally and crafts soaps and lotions from the rest, fears that the regulatory shift could force her out of business. The legal action by small dairy farmers highlights the tension between industry regulations and the survival of family-owned and operated farms.
