Gene Schriefer wrote:
> Just wait Rick, our driftless region is considered to be prime
> wolf habitat
> by several wolf researchers when they have examined where wolf attacks on
> livestock have occured in other regions. It might be just a
> matter of time,
> sooner if the WiDNR helps a little.
I know, I know, don't rub it in:) We will have to change from a farm with
livestock to what more folks are doing and sell out and develop sites or
lease to large scale croppers:(
Predators and the promotion of predators could possibly be the death knell
of grass farming in our area. We are not seeing that much of an increase in
grass farming as it is. Most farms are going in the opposite direction or
are being forced to go that way due to DNR requirements for nutrient
management where grazing is not permitted.
If we get to the point of having to have Livestock Guard Dogs to prevent
livestock from being killed, we will eventually discontinue livestock
production. It is coming down to public policy and what the public wants and
sometimes what they think they want may conflict with other desires.
I still wonder when children will start to be killed. Imagine being fearful
just having your kids playing in your own woods. It was unthinkable 50 years
ago.
As I have said before, it is my position that wolves simply do not belong in
the lower 48 and are not something to have around areas you want to promote
livestock farming and particularly grazing!
Sincerely,
Rick Williams
Misty Ridge Farm
Grass-Fed Beef and farm produce
Viroqua, WI
www.mistyridgefarm.com
