The town council puts the wishesand wants of large dairymen above the needs and wants of small taxpayers because of the monies they receive in tax revenues.

I was actually told that if I wanted to hold any sort of outside event on my property, I should let the farmers know, and they would not spread or stir the pit up on that day. I countered with the idea that perhaps I ought to be able to open my windows for fresh air, or sit outside any time I want to without worrying about the assault on my senses that comes with a manure pit.

I also made the point that the smell is not what concerns me MOST: it’s the toxic stuff that comes with the smell – gases which cause human illness and respiratory problems. At the time, my husband was dying of lung cancer. He has passed away since, not because of the CAFO, it must be noted, but his illness served to remind me how important it is to have clean air to breathe. My concerns fell on deaf ears. Nobody wants to oppose the farmer.

I am considering suing for loss of use of my property. It’s been very warm here in northern New York, but my windows remain closed.

I am also concerned with my water. Shortly after the farmers excavated uphill from me, I began to have problems with sulfur odor; they apparently disturbed something underground. I wonder what else may leach into my drilled well over time.

I am also considering putting my home up for sale. The trouble is that the reason for me putting my home on the market is the very reason I may have trouble selling it.

Ironically, my husband made his living for a quarter of a century trimming dairy cows’ hooves….I wonder if exposure over time on the premises of farms contributed to his illness and death. I’ll never know.

John Ikerd is an incredibly inspiring speaker. May we all heed his common sense.