By Andi Anderson
Michigan regulators have approved a permit for a large new dairy operation, renewing discussions about agricultural growth and environmental protection. The project, known as KB Dairy LLC, will be located in Gratiot County and is expected to house up to 3,450 dairy cows.
The approval was granted by Michigan’s Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) department. The new dairy is projected to generate between 16 million and 34 million gallons of liquid manure each year. The decision comes as concerns continue to grow about water quality in areas already affected by agricultural runoff and nutrient pollution.
Community members and environmental organizations opposed the permit, arguing that the proposed dairy should be considered an expansion of the neighboring De Saegher Dairy, which houses approximately 8,000 cows and generates more than 41 million gallons of manure annually. Opponents also raised concerns about the cumulative environmental impact of animal waste in the region.
Expressing concerns over continued expansion, Cheryl Ruble, committee member of Michiganders for a Just Farming System, said, “At some point the state needs the authority to say ‘enough is enough’ — no more CAFOs or CAFO expansions in CAFO hotspots.”
In response to public concerns, EGLE stated that the permit applicant met all required standards. According to the agency, “the permit applicant met the permit application requirements and EGLE is required to issue a permit.” Regulators also noted that KB Dairy and the neighboring dairy operation did not appear to share common ownership and were therefore permitted separately.
Critics of the project continued to question the decision. Liz Kirkwood, Executive Director of Flow Water Advocate, said, “We are disappointed that EGLE has issued a permit to KB Dairy that, if not for some paperwork sleight of hand regarding its relationship to the adjacent De Saegher Dairy, should not have been approved under state and federal rules.” She further added, “Adjacent operations under common ownership, using shared waste systems and infrastructure, must be considered and permitted together.”
The owners of KB Dairy maintain that it is a separate business and are committed to responsible operations. Kelsey De Saegher, Co-owner of KB Dairy, said, “We care deeply about the environment and being good neighbors.”
To address pollution concerns, the approved permit includes stricter conditions than standard state permits. The manure generated by KB Dairy cannot be transferred for land application in watersheds that already fail water-quality standards for contaminants such as E. coli, phosphorus, and nitrogen.
Liz Kirkwood, Executive Director of Flow Water Advocate, acknowledged the impact of public involvement, stating, “powerful citizen comments and testimony … were able to influence stronger conditions.”
However, questions remain about long-term effects. Cheryl Ruble, committee member of Michiganders for a Just Farming System, said, “seems like a good thing at first glance — but are we just kicking the agricultural pollution can down the road to neighboring watersheds?”
The project also includes plans to use anaerobic digesters at De Saegher Dairy to process manure and produce biogas. Supporters view the technology as a way to generate renewable energy and manage waste, while critics argue that it may encourage further expansion of large livestock operations.
The approval reflects a broader trend across the Midwest, where dairy farms are becoming fewer in number but larger in size. Similar expansion projects in Wisconsin and Minnesota have also generated debate over balancing agricultural growth with environmental protection. As dairy operations continue to expand, discussions surrounding water quality, manure management, and sustainable farming practices are expected to remain important issues for rural communities.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-digitalvision
Categories: Michigan, General