Bridging the gap: How farmers and communities can work together on shared priorities

Amy Penterman new board member

Just over a year ago, the Town of Rock Elm found itself at the center of an increasingly common rural debate: how to regulate modern livestock farming. At the heart of the discussion was a proposed Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) ordinance—an extensive, 120-page document backed by more than 300 citations.

While the ordinance aimed to address concerns ranging from road use to waste management, nutrient planning and odor control, it also revealed a deeper issue—misinformation and a growing disconnect between local communities and modern agriculture.

Understanding the Ordinance—and the Misunderstanding

The CAFO ordinance presented to the Rock Elm Town Board was comprehensive, covering nearly every aspect of farm management. However, much of the push behind it stemmed from a belief that large farms—those over 1,000 animal units—operate without sufficient oversight.

That perception, according to Erin Tomasik, the Dairy Business Association’s Community Relations Manager, simply isn’t accurate.

Existing regulations at the county, state and federal levels already govern areas like nutrient management, runoff prevention and environmental protection. Permits such as the Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) ensure farms are meeting strict standards. Yet, confusion about what these permits do—and don’t—cover has fueled calls for additional local ordinances.

The Power of Conversation

One of the most impactful moments in Rock Elm didn’t come from a report or regulation—it came from a conversation.

During a town board meeting, a local chairman and volunteer firefighter raised a practical concern: in the event of a barn fire, emergency responders need to know where manure pits are located and their dimensions. That information could be critical in a rescue situation.

Farmers in the room—including retired dairy farmer Paul Fetzer—immediately understood and agreed.

It was a simple but powerful example of how open dialogue can uncover shared priorities. Without that conversation, both sides may have missed an opportunity to align on safety and preparedness.

Speaking Up: The Role of Farmer Testimony

Testifying at a town board meeting can feel intimidating—even for seasoned advocates. That’s why organizations like the Dairy Business Association play a key role in helping farmers prepare and participate.

But effective testimony isn’t about memorizing regulations or citing statutes.

It’s about telling your story.

Farmers bring something uniquely valuable to these discussions: real-world experience. As Paul Fetzer emphasized, sharing what daily life looks like on a farm, how practices have evolved over time and what stewardship means on a personal level can resonate far more than technical explanations alone.

Fetzer, who operated a CAFO for decades, pointed out that dairy farming has continuously improved. Advances in manure management, technology and environmental practices are part of an ongoing effort to stay responsible, sustainable and aligned with public expectations.

Simplifying the Science

Of course, there are moments when technical clarity matters.

Fetzer highlighted nutrient management as one of the most misunderstood areas. Many farms operate under 590 nutrient management plans, which dictate exactly how much manure can be applied to a field based on soil conditions and crop needs. These plans are developed by professionals and backed by regular soil testing.

In other words, manure application isn’t guesswork. It’s carefully managed and monitored.

Breaking down these processes in simple terms, Fetzer noted, is essential when speaking to audiences without an agricultural background.

Going Above and Beyond

Another key takeaway from the Rock Elm discussions is that many farmers are already exceeding regulatory requirements.

Across northwest Wisconsin, farmers are implementing conservation practices like:

• Cover cropping
• Reduced or no-till farming
• Water recycling systems
• Expanded nutrient management planning

Fetzer also pointed to efforts on farms like his, where water is recycled for multiple uses, reducing overall consumption and improving efficiency.

These efforts often go unnoticed by the broader public, not because they’re hidden, but because they’ve become standard practice within the industry.

Closing the Gap Between Agriculture and Local Government

A recurring theme throughout these conversations is the growing gap between those in agriculture and those in local leadership.

Fewer elected officials today have direct ties to farming. That makes proactive engagement more important than ever.

When local officials know the farmers in their community—when they can put faces to farms—it changes the conversation. It builds trust, creates open lines of communication and leads to more informed decision-making.

Staying Engaged Matters

Monitoring local ordinances isn’t easy. With thousands of townships across Wisconsin, it’s impossible for any one organization to track every agenda and proposal.

That’s why local involvement is critical.

Tomasik emphasized that farmers who attend meetings, review agendas, and raise questions early can make a significant difference. Even a single conversation can shape how an issue unfolds.

A Call to Leadership

As many farmers approach retirement, there’s also an opportunity to bring agricultural voices directly into local government.

Tomasik encourages those stepping away from daily farm work to consider running for town or county positions. Their experience offers a valuable, up-to-date perspective on modern agriculture.

Fetzer agrees. Having served on a county board himself, he acknowledged that while politics may not appeal to everyone, involvement is essential.

He also pointed out that even attending meetings, staying informed and speaking up occasionally can have a meaningful impact.

Moving Forward Together

The experience in Rock Elm highlights an important lesson: collaboration works.

When farmers, community members and local officials come together with a willingness to listen and learn, they can move beyond assumptions and toward solutions.

At the end of the day, everyone shares the same goal—a strong, sustainable community. And that starts with conversation.