Wisconsin Ag Connection - Black Earth Meats Announces Decision to Close After Dispute

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Black Earth Meats Announces Decision to Close After Dispute
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 07/23/2014

An ongoing feud between a small Dane County meat processor and the village of Black Earth has led to the company's decision to close up shop. Bartlett Durand announced he will close Black Earth Meats, a business he has run since 2008, claiming the town's board of trustees are requiring him to either move his operation to a different part of town or be denied operating permits.

The small scale butcher shop is located in a residential area that has been zoned as 'grocery-retail.' But since it has grown in volume in recent years, neighbors are saying it has become a public nuisance.

Black Earth Meats was established in 1973 as a small slaughtering shop and hasn't grown much in size until Durand took it over and began specializing in sustainably raised animals. He says he's been trying to work with the village and with area residents to be a good neighbor.

But others in the area say the heavier volume in business means animals are often waiting in trucks for long periods of time and that has created additional odors, especially on warmer days.

Meanwhile, Durand has now filed a $5.3 million lawsuit in Dane County Circuit Court against the village for damages.

The company currently employs 26 people, which Durand says will need to be let go after he closes the doors.

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