Factory Farm in Trenton

Rob-N-Cin Farms CAFO

The Issue

Rob-N-Cin Farms has applied to become a permitted Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO). This factory farm has been operating as a CAFO for at least 2 years without a permit, and plans to grow from 1,470 animal units to 2,500 animal units by 2028. This farm is located in the Town of Trenton, which does not currently have a zoning class that allows for CAFOs.

As of 2024, the farm has at least 2,788 acres for spreading of manure, with 455 acres owned by the farm, and 2,323 acres that are leased. These fields are located across eastern Washington County and western Ozaukee County, and runoff would likely impact additional streams within the Milwaukee River Watershed, most of which are already impaired by phosphorus and bacteria pollution.

There are several areas proposed for manure spreading near Trenton, Newburg, and Saukville that have permeable soils, shallow water tables, and shallow/porous bedrock, which make the water aquifer – used by local communities for drinking water – susceptible to contamination from manure and other agricultural chemicals.

Why Should You Care About THIS Issue?

CAFOs produce massive amounts of manure, which if not managed properly, can lead to contamination of waterways and harm aquatic ecosystems. This CAFO is spreading approximately 9.5 million gallons of liquid manure, which would increase to nearly 17 million gallons of manure and other wastewater by 2028. Manure spreading is proposed near areas with permeable soils, shallow water tables, and porous bedrock—putting local drinking water aquifers at risk.

Increased runoff of pollutants to the Cedar Creek and Milwaukee River Watersheds, which are already impacted by high levels of nutrients and bacteria, will impact local communities, water quality, and wildlife.

Allowing “after the fact” permits sets a bad precedent that puts our waterways and drinking water at risk, without affording the public a meaningful opportunity to ensure their concerns are addressed. Without penalties, entities will continue to violate the law at the public’s expense.

What Does Milwaukee Riverkeeper Support?

Milwaukee Riverkeeper will be providing written comments with the goal of improving permit conditions and offering solutions to protect local waterways and wells. Check back for our official comments soon.

What Can You Do to Help?

Attend the The Town of Trenton’s next Plan Commission meeting on Monday, February 10th at 7:00 PM at the Trenton Town Hall (1071 Highway 33 E).

UPDATE: February 7, 2025

In December 2024, the Wisconsin DNR held a public hearing on the permit. That same month, local residents fighting the farm’s expansion—known as Friends of Trenton—noticed the farm spreading manure at several additional farms that were not included in the farm’s nutrient management plan/permitting documents. WDNR is currently evaluating the permit and may offer another public comment opportunity in spring 2025.

Meanwhile, Trenton is working on updating their zoning codes to allow for CAFOs and is planning to allow for up to 2,499 animal units under its existing agricultural zoning class (EA Exclusive Agricultural) and to create a new class (AE or Agricultural Enterprise) that would allow up to 5,000 animal units! This would allow for 3 existing CAFOs in the area to expand and could attract new farms, which cumulatively could harm existing drinking water resources, streams, and community health.

Trenton is discussing these zoning changes at their next Plan Commission meeting on Monday February 10^th at 7 PM at the Town Hall, 1071 Highway 33 E.

CAFOs

A CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation) is a large-scale industrial agricultural facility where large numbers of animals—such as cows, pigs, or chickens—are raised in confined spaces for food production. These operations are designed to maximize efficiency and output but often have significant environmental and public health consequences.

Since CAFOs are often located near water sources for convenience, their pollutants can quickly enter streams, rivers, and aquifers, degrading water quality and harming aquatic ecosystems. This is particularly concerning for watersheds that provide drinking water or support sensitive habitats. CAFOs can overwhelm natural systems with their waste output, leading to long-term damage if not properly regulated.