"We're not getting any bigger.  We're only trying to be more efficient," Chris Sauer said.  That's right.  He's confining all the hogs he now raises on several farms into one large pole shed.  Consequently, up to 1,000,000 gallons of manure will be produced, held, and spread on the land right above a trout stream called Garvin Brook.

What merit does "more efficient" have when it's achieved at the expense of simple animal rights (like walking and grazing) and the vitality of a trout stream we've already spent millions of dollars cleaning up?

Why does Winona County need to endorse a practice that has such negative consequences?  This county has many family farms that are not factory-style, that are sustainable, and that uphold positive relationships with neighbors.  Let's encourage Mr. Sauer and his family to remain in that category of farmers.

— Kay Peterson
Winona Post
June 1, 2005