Gilbert Farms Ltd CAFO Permit

Gilbert Farms Ltd is a proposed Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) in Door County, WI. Gilbert Farms Ltd is owned and operated by Tim Gilbert & family. As of December 2024, it had 688 milking and dry cows, 500 heifers and 275 calves (1,443 animal units). There is a planned herd size of 1,150 milking and dry cows, 900 heifers, and 400 calves (2,430 animal units) by 2026. Gilbert Farms Ltd will annually generate approximately 5,737,664 gallons of liquid manure and process wastewater and 838 tons of solid manure. As of December 2024, Gilbert Farms Ltd has approximately 94 days of storage. As of Feb. 28, 2025, plans and specifications have been approved by the department for a new manure storage which will allow Gilbert Farms Ltd to meet the required minimum of 180 days of storage. The new manure storage is required to be functional and in operation by Dec. 31, 2026. Gilbert Farms Ltd has 2,046 acres in its approved nutrient management plan, of which 860 acres are rented or in contract agreements and 1,187 acres are owned. Gilbert Farms Ltd has 1,425 acres available for land application.

Background

The department public noticed its intent to issue a WPDES permit to Gilbert Farms Ltd in the Door County Advocate in October 2025 and a public hearing was held on Nov. 5, 2025 at the Door County Gala and on Zoom. The permit became effective on July 1, 2026.

WPDES permit application and related documents:

• WPDES Permit Application
• Nutrient Management Plan
• Engineering

WPDES permit application and related documents