cows could downsize to under 700 cows over the three-year phase-out period and no longer be designated a CAFO. Second, a farm could switch to a non-liquid manure handling system where applicable, King says. For chicken and duck facilities, this switch would increase the threshold of animals needed to make it a CAFO, according to King. Third, no longer confining the animals for more than 45 days per year would also work, King says, even if they just stopped confining the relevant number of animals that makes them a CAFO for 45 or more days. “If Measure J passes, pre-existing CAFOs in the county will have to either cease their operations, downsize the number of animals they have, or modify the confinement or manure management practices they use,” King says. With regard to downsizing the number of animals, Black says that in order to pay fixed expenses like debt, labor and utility bills, farmers have to make a certain amount of money per month. In order to make that money, they need to milk a certain number of cows, and it might not be possible for a
Tresch dairy manager Joey Tresch, left, with father Joe on the ranch. Tresch Family Farms is among those which would have to scale back some part of its operations if Measure J passes. [Photo courtesy Straus Family Creamery]
24 NorthBaybiz
July 2024
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