The number of animal units allowed at a Town of Hartland farm is being proposed to increase from 2,293 to 2,490, an 8.6% difference.
The Shawano County Land Conservation Department held a public informational hearing on the Schmidt’s Ponderosa plan Oct. 20 at the Hartland Town Hall.
Owner Paul Schmidt filed the required paperwork Oct. 1, and the department has 90 days to approve or deny the request. The required worksheets included information regarding odor management, waste and nutrient management, waste storage facilities, runoff management, setbacks, and training and response plans.
The number of animals constituting an animal unit varies by species. For example, one milking dairy cow equals 1.4 animal units. A heifer weighing between 800 and 1,200 pounds equals 1.1 animal units.
Schmidt is proposing to increase the number of milking cows from 1,608 to 1,654, and the number of heifers from 0 to 120.
The proposed expansion would occur across four parcels on Old Dump Road and Highline Road.
Schmidt’s Ponderosa was originally granted a livestock facility siting license on April 4, 2008, with a modification approved in April 2011.
The business houses livestock at two production sites: the main dairy at W3773 Old Dump Road, Bonduel, and the home farm at N3170 Golden Lane, Bonduel. Forages are stored at N3070 S. Highline Road, Bonduel.
Shawano County currently has about 20 farms of 500 cows or more. The sizes range from 880 to 14,515 animal units.
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
