Earth Day is a great time to consider smaller agricultural producers, according to John Peck of the Madison-based Family Farm Defenders. He gives the example of smaller beef or dairy producers which use manure as fertilizer. He contrasts this to mega farms with thousands of cows, which can lead to millions of gallons of manure run off.
Peck says these manure lagoons can contaminate local water and smell for miles. He says there can also be an economic impact as the lagoons are harmful to the image of Wisconsin, especially for tourists.
He also encourages buying from local producers as a way to support small businesses.