States Entice California Dairies With Fewer Regulations

California dairies are being wooed by other states with large incentives and the promise of fewer regulations. At least eight states, including Texas and Iowa are looking to boost their revenue by bringing in dairies. Air and water quality rules in California along with having to report odometer readings on farm vehicles is turning into a “regulatory nightmare for farmers,” according to Michael Marsh, chief executive of the Western union Dairymen in California. The number of dairies in the state has dropped from 2,200 in 1999 to 1,700 in 2009. Meanwhile, the Texas cow population has increased from 17,000 in 2000 to more than 200,000 in 2010. (The Associated Press). Read more.