Vierra Dairy Expansion

The Vierra Dairy Expansion Project, identified by Conditional Use Permit No. CUP20-009 and project number N-1193209, involves a significant expansion of an existing dairy operation located at 23160 W. Williams Avenue in Hilmar, California. The project scope includes increasing the permitted herd size from 5,597 to 7,117 animals, specifically allowing for 4,170 milk cows, 550 dry cows, and 1,997 support stock such as heifers, calves, and bulls. To support this growth, the applicant proposes extensive facility construction, including two freestall barns, a 10,000-square-foot hospital milking barn, a 15,160-square-foot commodity barn addition, a 195,200-square-foot heifer barn, an 18,000-square-foot utility shop, a loafing barn, and a new 40-stall parallel maternity milking parlor. Additionally, the project requires the installation of a mechanical manure separator and the acquisition of approximately 264 acres of farmland for wastewater and manure application. The project was approved by the Merced County Planning Department on February 28, 2024, following an Environmental Impact Report prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). As part of the approval process, mitigation measures were made a condition of the project, and a mitigation reporting or monitoring plan was adopted. Administrative filing fees totaling $4,101.25 were recorded, covering the Environmental Impact Report and county documentary handling. The project site is situated near the northwest corner of West Williams Avenue and North Washington Road and is identified by multiple Assessor's Parcel Numbers. Contact for the lead agency is Tiffany Ho at the Merced County Planning Department.