Transboundary Dairy Tensions: US Mega-Farms Threaten Lake Winnipeg
The Canadian province of Manitoba is demanding an International Joint Commission (IJC) review over concerns about two proposed mega-dairies in North Dakota. These dairies, set to house a combined 37,500 cows, threaten to quadruple North Dakota's dairy herd, posing potential risks to the nutrient balance in the Red River/Lake Winnipeg basin.
Owned by Minnesota-based Riverview LLP, Abercrombie Dairy (12,500 cows) and Herberg Dairy (25,000 cows) are located close to the Red River. Manitoba officials fear that nutrient runoff from these operations could exacerbate phosphorus loading in Lake Winnipeg, already labeled as “at-risk” due to excessive nutrient levels.
The Red River, contributing under 15% of Lake Winnipeg's water flow, carries the largest nutrient load. In 2024, phosphorus levels reached 2,500 tonnes annually, surpassing the target reduction to 1,400 tonnes set by both Canada and the U.S. in 2022. This places further strain on the river's ecosystem despite the 45% reduction target.
Manitoba's Environment Minister, Mike Moyes, stressed the importance of the review to protect shared waterways. Canadian environmental groups highlight the staggering impact of manure lagoons, amounting to the size of 52 football fields, lacking municipal wastewater treatment. Besides nutrient runoff, concerns extend to pollutants from antibiotics, hormones, and heavy metals.
While Minister Moyes acknowledges agriculture's economic significance, he emphasizes protecting Manitoba’s water resources. The province proposes a comprehensive strategy involving local stakeholder engagement and introducing advisory boards to address ecological challenges across international river basins.
