The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality has approved a permit for Riverview Farms’ proposed mega dairy near Hillsboro, moving the controversial project one step closer to reality.
The facility, part of a broader expansion by Riverview Farms, could quadruple the state’s cattle count. Combined with another site, the two mega dairies would bring an estimated 37,000 cows to eastern North Dakota.
Environmental groups and local residents raised concerns during the public comment period, citing potential impacts on water, air, and land quality. After review, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) announced the permit approval, stating that regular inspections will be conducted to ensure compliance.
While the dairy is based near Hillsboro, the decision resonates statewide, including in Bismarck. The project underscores North Dakota’s growing role in large-scale agriculture, potentially affecting milk markets, feed supply chains, and environmental regulations that impact communities across the state.
For Bismarck residents, the issue ties into broader debates around economic growth versus environmental stewardship — a recurring theme in the state’s energy and agriculture sectors.
“North Dakotans want growth, but not at the cost of our water and air,” said a member of an environmental advocacy group in Bismarck.
“The DEQ will continue to monitor and enforce strict standards,” a department spokesperson said. “Our commitment is to balance agricultural development with environmental protections.”
Riverview Farms has maintained that the project will create jobs and strengthen North Dakota’s dairy industry, positioning the state as a competitive player in the Midwest market.
The approval marks a significant milestone for Riverview Farms, but debate is far from over. With construction and operations still ahead, all eyes will remain on how the state balances agriculture’s economic benefits with environmental responsibility.
