FOND DU LAC, Wis. (AP) _ Three men who want to expand a dairy farm to become Wisconsin's largest are awaiting a public hearing next month that will help determine whether the project moves forward.

Jim Ostrom, John Vosters and Todd Willer want to expand their town of Rosendale farm to maintain 8,300 cows on the 100-acre property. Currently, there are about 700 cows there.

They are up against greater-than-expected environmental demands from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and People Empowered to Protect the Land. They were also recently denied their request for a county wastewater treatment variance.

The owners are awaiting a DNR public hearing on the latest environmental impact assessment and on a wastewater discharge permit Jan. 22. A decision will be made after Feb. 4, when written comments are due.