Some Clark County farmers refuse to comply with a state regulation that they register their farms.
The Wisconsin Premises Registration Act requires anyone who “keeps, houses, or co-mingles” livestock to register their farm by January 1, 2006. But the Department of Ag, Trade and Consumer Protection says dozens of Clark County farmers haven't complied.
DATCP recently contacted Clark County District Attorney Darwin Zwieg about the problem. He says several Older Order Amish families operating farms may be the problem. Zwieg says prosecution of those individuals would be their last option. He's hoping a resolution can be reached before that step is taken.
DATCP says the premise registration is simply a means to combat disease outbreaks, such as the pseudorabies outbreak that hampered the state's hog industry over the summer. Zwieg plans to discuss the matter with local Bishops.
AUDIO: Paul Knoff reports (MP3 1:19)
