Farmers may quit rather than deal with new regulations
By Jean Caspers-Simmet
Agri News
Date Modified: 01/29/2010 4:05 PM
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CALMAR, Iowa —Farmers say the proposed rules restricting the application of manure on frozen and snow covered ground are a trend that may make it difficult for them to continue farming.
Alvin Herold of Fort Atkinson said typically when rules take effect, new facilities from that point on are the ones that are affected.
"This one throws everyone in from 1986 and on," Herold said. "Why can't it start from the time the Legislature put the rule into effect. This is going to push too many small family operations into a situation where they can not financially afford to continue their operations. It will just speed the loss of our family farms that everyone seems to cherish."
Dale Hackman, a Fort Atkinson dairy farmer, said he was concerned with the speed of rules coming.
"If there are new rules every six months, how can we plan for the future," Hackman said. "Are we better to exit the industry now or try to hang on and comply with rules every six months?"
Mary Jo Tremmel of Cresco said she came to the hearing because of her deep concern for people who suffer from cancer and lung ailments. She said she is old enough to remember when there wasn't so much cancer.
Her husband suffers from incurable blood cancer which, she said, is thought to be caused by toxins in the environment.
"We need enough regulations so that we gradually work toward less pollution in our state," Tremmel said. "It's a challenge not only for farmers, but all of us. Health is my main concern."