Cattlefarmer Received Help from Taxpayers

Taxpayers have footed the bill for more than $200,000 to assist a single controversial cattle farmer in the western Upper Peninsula against wolf attacks. That’s according to newly obtained documents by Mlive.com. The documents detail a Department of Natural Resources memorandum that shows growing frustration with 68-year-old John Koski, well before he was charged recently with animal cruelty in connection with alleged misuse of state assistance to deter wolves. Koski has had more cattle attacks by wolves than almost all other farms combined – 122 verified killed or injured out of 248 statewide since 1996. Most of his losses happened in the past three years. DNR wildlife biologist Brian Roell wrote that Koski has done nothing to help himself noting that the fences are still in horrible need of repair, portions of the large pasture are forest or shrublands, and husbandry practices have not changed.