Small dairies in Oregon file lawsuit over agricultural rules

In Oregon, large commercial dairies follow rules by the Oregon Department of Agriculture that help regulate animal waste. Confined animal feeding operations can house hundreds or thousands of animals. Rules governing large commercial dairies didn’t always apply to small, mom and pop operations. But a reinterpreted regulation from the Oregon agency might affect smaller farms, and now several small dairies in Oregon have filed a lawsuit over the interpretation, as the Statesman Journal reported.  

Waneva LaVelle is the owner and operator of Pure Grace Farm. She says the change in rules could put her out of business if she needs to install new infrastructure for her farm that houses a handful of goats. She joins us with more about her concerns and the lawsuit.