With Oregon seeking to regulate small farms like big commercial dairy operations it has sparked an issue with some small dairies fighting back for justice.
They don't have the means to afford expensive infrastructure to manage their waste like you might find with the bigger operations.
It's alleged that they shouldn't need the same infrastructure as the bigger operations because the waste can be safely decomposed and composted etc, that these sorts of efforts to single out dairy operations which are smaller might be protectionist for big corporations, they could also be unconstitutional, among other issues.
Small farmers have teamed up with the Institute for Justice to fight for justice and save small dairy operations from these arguably unfair regulations. It looks like the agricultural department has since withdrawn requirements that might have impacted those small farmers.
The decision to withdraw that action comes after the lawsuit has been filed by several small farmers.
It looks like the lawsuit is still going to move forward in federal court though, even with those recent changes. This can help to offer protection for small farmers going forward depending on the outcome of that fight.
Sources:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/instituteforjustice/2024/01/26/oregon-wraps-little-dairies-in-red-tape-to-keep-big-dairy-happy/?sh=281cd5285417
https://dairynews.today/global/news/oregon-has-cancelled-the-policy-of-permits-for-milking-one-cow-or-one-goat.html
This is a fight for survival for small dairies. Tillamook County had ~400 dairy families in the mid-90s, and has about 100 today. Corporations have been buying them out, and it's affecting the culture of the area significantly as the dairy families move out and lose clout.
Thanks!