Dairy

The Oregon Department of Agriculture has revised its regulations on dairies after receiving criticism from small farmers. They have developed new criteria for what constitutes as a Confined Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO). This includes a more narrow definition of confined feeding and more exemptions for small farmers.

A controversial Eastern Oregon mega-dairy site has been decommissioned at the owner's request. The move is a win for environmental groups who’ve criticized regulators for approving the farm in the first place.

CAFO permits aim to protect Oregon waters from agricultural pollution. The rules for CAFOs are changing, and that could bring new accountability — and new costs — to some of the state's larger farms.

There are nearly 30 dairy herds throughout eight states, including Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, Michigan, Idaho, South Dakota, North Carolina and Ohio, that have been infected with bird flu. So far, there are no reported cases in Washington or Oregon.

Patrick Criteser announced Tuesday that he would step down as CEO of Tillamook Creamery later this year.

A handful of small dairies argue new state regulations that take effect on April 1 will place an onerous financial burden on them that they plan to fight in court.

The Morrow County farm has been the target of environmental regulations for several years, including before the Easterdays bought it.

At issue are fertilizer leaks at the former Lost Valley Farm. The Easterdays, who now own the site, say they’re not responsible.

Columbia, Clackamas, Marion, Multnomah, Washington, Linn, Lane and Douglas counties are under an air quality advisory due to smoke from wildfires in the area. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is asking if the state should begin regulating air pollution from large dairies. Astoria unveils new camping ordinance for those experiencing homelessness. Salem Mayor Chuck Bennett is resigning rather than serving out his third term.

One of the Northwest’s largest dairies has faced some big troubles in its first year. The rise and rapid fall of Lost Valley Farm deeply frustrated environmentalists and shocked the community.