STOP INDUSTRIAL FARMS IN TOWN OF TRENTON

WHAT IS THE TOWN THINKING????

THE TOWN IS CURRENTLY PROPOSING TO RAISE THE ANIMAL UNITS ALLOWED IN THE TOWN FROM 999 TO 4999. THIS WILL ALLOW THE RODEN FARM AS WELL AS ANY OTHER FARM IN OUR COMMUNITY TO EXPAND TO A HUGE FARM INDUSTRIAL FARM… IT WILL ALSO MAKE IT SO THAT ANY INDUSTRIAL FARM CAN BUY LAND AND SET UP SHOP…..THIS WILL DECREASE OUR PROPERTY VALUES, COULD CONTAMINATE OUR WELLS, CAUSE DAMAGE TO OUR ROADS AND COST US ALL ALOT OF MONEY!

Many of us moved to this area, built our homes, or purchased property under the current zoning ordinance, which limits farms in the area to a maximum of 999 animal units. However, in recent years, we’ve witnessed a significant change. The farm, known as the Roden Farm, has expanded well beyond the 999 animal units previously allowed. Upon learning of this, Many of us signed  a petition asking the town not to allow a factory farm in our community, and to prevent further expansion of the farm. At the time, we were assured that such an expansion would not be allowed. Yet, we have recently learned that the Town of Trenton is proposing a zoning change that could allow this farm to expand above 999 animal units,  and as of recent the Town proposed 4999 animal units on 180 acres on February 10th, 2025 at the Planning Commission meeting.

We understand that farms are part of rural life, but we believe the transformation of this farm into an industrial operation has serious and far-reaching consequences for our community. We want to share with you how this proposed change would affect our lives.

1. Increased Traffic and Road Safety Concerns

The farm’s expansion would dramatically increase the traffic along Hwy Y. Large trucks, many outdated and extremely loud, already travel up and down the road carrying manure and feed to the farm. We’re not talking about occasional deliveries, but thousands of truckloads per year—on top of the gravel trucks that already burden the road. These trucks are often large semis carrying over 8,000 gallons of manure, and despite the speed limit, they travel at speeds that feel unsafe given the weight of the load and the condition of the road.

With the farm already producing over 11 million gallons of manure per year, and with potential expansion allowed by the DNR permit the farm would be increasing that amount to 21 million gallons, it is clear that this will only exacerbate the traffic problem. The manure is spread on 450 acres near the farm, but the rest is hauled to fields in Washington and Ozaukee counties. To minimize traffic, we urge the town to require that the majority of manure be spread on acres attached to the farm. However, with the proposed increase in animal units, this would require more than 2,000 acres of land—something that is not feasible.  It’s unfair to the residents near the farm to be burden with the noise, smell, fast driving and the number of trucks the farm has to operate as it decreases our quality of life.  Actually, it is unbearable during many times during the summer and it’s difficult to take live in our homes.

2. Health Hazards from Air Quality

Another significant concern is the smell and air quality. During certain times of the year, the odor from manure is unbearable. The sulfuric stench makes it difficult, if not impossible, to be outside, plan gatherings, or simply enjoy our property. The odor affects our quality of life and is a health concern due to the gases released into the air.

Have you ever thought about how the air around us can affect our health?  If you live near a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO), you might not realize how much the air around you can impact your health. These facilities release harmful gases like ammonia and methane, along with dust that can cause your eyes, nose, and throat to feel irritated. If you have asthma or any other respiratory conditions, it can make things worse. What's even more concerning is that many days in the summer the smell is so foul outside you cannot even go and enjoy the outdoors.  Many times needing to take parties indoors or to cancel events.  This has only happened in the past few years as the farm has increased in size. 

We did not move to the country to live in such conditions, and it is disheartening that we must tolerate this kind of environmental disruption.  Please read the information on the effects of air and health of those living near a CAFO.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1817709/

3. Water Contamination and Well Health

We are also deeply concerned about the potential for contamination of our well water. The fields where manure is spread are located to the west of our subdivision, at a lower elevation than our homes. The water runoff from fields on the south side of Knollwood flows into this area, and toxic herbicides, pesticides, and excess nitrogen from manure could easily contaminate our wells. This is not just an inconvenience—it’s a potential health crisis. We have over 30 homes in the neighborhood, and if our wells become contaminated, the cost of water filtration, health risks, and decreased property values could be devastating.  Also, there is concern of who would potentially have to pay for the wells if contaminated, is the farm, property owner renting land to the farmer or the resident responsible for paying for a contaminated well?  These are questions that the Town needs to think about when deciding on the maximum animal units they want to allow in the Town. 

4. Decreased Property Values

Finally, we are concerned about the long-term impact on our property values. Many of us have invested our life savings into our homes. If the expansion of this industrial farm negatively impacts the air quality, water safety, and traffic conditions in our neighborhood, it will undoubtedly lower property values. We could lose years of financial security, and the investment we’ve made in our homes could be wiped out for the benefit of one industrial farm operation.

https://www.wisfarmer.com/story/news/state/2017/11/27/living-near-cafo-reduces-property-value-dor-rules/897995001/