By Sharon Roznik • Gannett Wisconsin Media

PICKETT — Construction to double the size of Rosendale Dairy — the
largest dairy operation in the state — is underway.

“They are pouring cement right now. The vendors were out of work so
they were eager to start,” said Jim Ostrom, president and CEO of
MilkSource Holdings, Inc. The dairy is located at N8997 County Trunk M
in the town of Rosendale.

The new free-stall barn addition and rotary milking parlor will allow
the dairy to increase its herd by 4,000 cows, bringing the total milk
animals up to 8,000.

Ostrom said the expansion will continue, despite market conditions
plunging below cost.

“The dairy economy is very tough, but we are prepared to get through
this just fine,” Ostrom said.

Milk prices coming to dairy farmers in Fond du Lac County and
elsewhere for 100 pounds of milk have hovered between $9 and $10 for
several months, while it takes many between $14 and $16 to break even,
said Paul Dyk, dairy and livestock agent for UW-Extension in Fond du
Lac County.

13,200 cows

During a tour of the dairy last week, Ostrom showed off the efficiency
of the operation, the health and happiness of his herd, and the dairy
barn’s state-of-the art cooling system. Along with Rosendale Dairy,
the company operates Omro Dairy in Omro and Tidy View Dairy in
Kaukauna, for a combined total dairy herd of 13,200 cows.

Ostrom said he doesn’t expect the current project to be completed or
housing cows for another four to six months. The dairy has applied for
and is awaiting approval of another wastewater discharge permit from
the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. On May 12, the town of
Rosendale Board approved a conditional use permit to allow the dairy
to place a portable ready mix cement on site for the construction.

In addition to the environmental impact statement and WPDES permit,
Rosendale Dairy has received 32 other permits and approvals necessary
for its operation.

Rosendale Dairy’s opponent, PEPL (People Empowered Protect the Land)
of Rosendale continue to press the DNR for greater protections from
the water and air pollution caused by Wisconsin’s largest factory
farm, said Jamie Saul, staff attorney for Midwest Environmental
Advocates.