Riverview LLP Plans Massive Dairy Expansion in Minnesota

Dairy farm seeks to increase herd from 7,800 to over 18,000 cows to meet growing demand

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Riverview LLP, a major dairy operator in Minnesota, has submitted plans to expand one of its existing farms near Morris from around 7,800 cows to more than 18,000 cows. The company cites growing domestic and international demand for dairy products as the driving force behind the proposed expansion, which would make the farm one of the largest in the state. The expansion is currently undergoing an environmental review process, with a public comment period open until March 12, 2026.

Why it matters

This proposed expansion reflects the dairy industry's efforts to increase production capacity to meet rising global demand for dairy products. It also highlights the trend toward larger, more industrialized dairy farms in the Upper Midwest region. The expansion could have significant environmental impacts that will be evaluated during the review process, including increased manure storage, water usage, and potential effects on local water resources.

The details

Riverview LLP's West River Dairy farm currently has around 7,800 dairy cows. The company's expansion plan seeks to increase the herd by 11,000 head, for a total capacity of 18,855 cows. The expansion would involve constructing a new cross-ventilated, total confinement, free-stall barn. Manure would be stored in clay-lined basins with impermeable covers and then land-applied as fertilizer on 13,200 acres of cropland. The project would also require increased water usage, with pumping from an off-site well limited to 226 million gallons per year.

  • Riverview LLP submitted the expansion plans about three years ago.
  • The public comment period for the environmental review is open until March 12, 2026.
  • If approved, construction would involve more than 200 workers over two years, and the expanded dairy would be operational in late 2027.

The players

Riverview LLP

A major dairy operator in Minnesota with three farms in Stevens County and 12 farms total in the state. The company is also working on the construction of large dairies in North Dakota and South Dakota.

Brady Janzen

A partner at Riverview LLP who is overseeing the expansion plans for the West River Dairy farm.

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)

The state agency responsible for reviewing the environmental impacts of the proposed dairy expansion and determining if an environmental impact statement is necessary.

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What they’re saying

“Really, what we are looking to do there is just increase capacity of that farm, kinda make some overall operational improvements and efficiencies there, and really just keep working to support the long-term viability of that farm and of the dairy industry here in our region.”

— Brady Janzen, Partner, Riverview LLP (agweek.com)

“When we look at some of the trends happening around the world, really in this country and around the world, with dairy consumption, we've got growing population, we've got growing per capita consumption and demand for dairy products. And we think the U.S., and particularly the upper Midwest, is really probably the best place in the world to continue to grow in dairy production and expand dairy farming.”

— Brady Janzen, Partner, Riverview LLP (agweek.com)

What’s next

After the public comment period ends on March 12, 2026, the MPCA will review all comments and determine whether additional environmental review will be necessary. If no further review is required, the project will proceed through the permitting process.

The takeaway

This proposed dairy expansion reflects the dairy industry's efforts to increase production capacity to meet growing domestic and global demand for dairy products. However, the environmental impacts of such a large-scale operation will need to be carefully evaluated to ensure the long-term sustainability of the region's water resources and agricultural ecosystem.