About Us

As the number of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) in Wisconsin grows, rural communities face the environmental and social impacts of industrial agriculture and need help. The Sustain Rural Wisconsin Network has a variety of resources, studies, and information to help grassroots groups fight to preserve their rural heritage and communities.

Executive Committee Members

Forest Jahnke, President
Harry Pulliam, Vice-President
Kim Dupre, Secretary
Lisa Doerr, Treasurer
Adam Voskuil, Midwest Environmental Advocates
Mary Dougherty, Socially Responsible Agricultural Project

Our Story

Sustain Rural Wisconsin Network sprang to life in 2010 with a burst of grassroots energy when a group of active citizens worked collectively to influence Wisconsin's Livestock Siting Law review. Although the process proved tougher than hoped for, the network grew as other industrial agriculture challenges arose. We have since evolved into a vibrant coalition that welcomes voices from across the state and champions rural sustainability.

Our Goals

Engage, educate and empower citizens.
Advocate for policy changes that protect water, public health, safety, and welfare.
Build resilient rural communities that embrace regenerative agriculture and cooperative economies.

YOU'RE NOT ALONE

Local and National Connections

For more information on Factory Farms & Operations Ordinances, visit Protect Your Town.

For more information on Factory Farm Gas, visit the website or Facebook page of Citizens Protecting Rural Waupaca County.

Get help from Socially Responsible Agriculture Project, which provides coaching, knowledge, and skills to protect your right to clean water, air, and soil.

Contact GrassRoots Organizing of Western Wisconsin to learn how to build power with members of your community.

Join national organizations such as Friends of the Earth, Food and Water Watch, or the Sierra Clubs’s CAFO team, who are pushing back on factory farming.