WINONA, Minn. – The attorney for Daley Farms of Lewiston faulted the county for again rejecting the farm’s request to quadruple its dairy herd. Matt Berger noted in a Winona Post interview that two members of the county Board of Adjustment had explained that they voted against the request last week because the Daleys were allowing their economic self-interest to trump the social good of environmental protection. Such, said Berger, “is not supported by the factual record and is arbitrary and capricious.” He said economics hardly were the sole reason that the Daleys had sought a variance from the county’s 1,500-animal cap on herds. The Daleys had promised environmental benefits from new cover crops and alfalfa acres, he noted. Also, he said the variance request was driven by a desire to continue the multi-generational, extended family farming operation. Caring for animals and employees were other non-self serving benefits, he said.

Earlier: Daley dairy expansion denied again

Berger New Ulm attorney representing Daleys.