On February 3, 2026, Flow, in partnership with Michiganders for a Just Farming System, hosted a virtual watch party for the KB Dairy public hearing. KB Dairy is a proposed CAFO facility in Gratiot County. The permittee has submitted materials to obtain coverage through a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. If approved, KB Dairy would begin dairy operations southwest of Ithaca, Michigan, immediately adjacent to their “parent” facility, De Saegher Dairy. Construction of the facility is already underway, however no animals are currently present on the site.
Local residents, farmers, business owners, and advocates gathered and voiced their concerns about adding more than 3,400 more dairy cattle and their wastes to an already overburdened watershed. The proposed facility would be located within the Pine River Watershed, which has a storied history of industrial, and now agricultural pollution. Residents expressed their frustration with the situation, and the need for a more responsible agricultural future for their community. Speakers reminded EGLE that their priorities should be the health and quality of life of the people, not the benefit of one industry or permittee.
Beyond allowing opportunities to make public comment, this event brought together folks from around the area to build relationships and share their experiences. Hosting events and creating space for local residents to connect and become empowered can amplify advocacy efforts throughout the state. Whether it’s fighting factory farms, oil and gas companies, or industrial polluters, residents typically feel that they are fighting an uphill battle with not enough resources. Flow strives to create space for people to come together and realize the strength they hold as a community.
