Dozens of people packed a Mishicot restaurant to voice their opposition toward an artificial intelligence data center being built in the area, Jan. 26, 2026. PC: Fox 11 Online
MISHICOT, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Dozens of people packed a Mishicot restaurant Monday night to voice their opposition toward an artificial intelligence data center being built in the area.
It comes after several local farms were asked by companies which scout and develop land for data centers to sell their properties, or a portion of them. Those companies include Cloverleaf Infrastructure and NSI Land Services.
Anthony Barta from Two Creeks said his farm was one of those approached with a purchase offer.
“Me and my family, we own the farm and run close to 1,000 animals. What would that do if that’s next to it? Can they even be there? You know, that’s our livelihood — the farm. We’re just concerned what, if it would go through, what would happen to us and our neighbors and farms and our community? What would happen to that?” Barta said.
Chief Development Officer of Cloverleaf infrastructure, Aaron Bilyeau, said in a statement:
We are still interested in Northeast Wisconsin as a potential data center site.
Bilyeau declined to comment on any specific project or geographical area, but said Cloverleaf believes Northeast Wisconsin is a “viable” region for data centers.
One Mishicot farmer was reportedly offered between $70-80 million for a project seeking up to 6,000 acres.
Cloverleaf has been involved in pursuing land for a number of other potential data centers in Northeast Wisconsin.
Two weeks ago, it announced plans for an AI data center in Greenleaf had been pulled due to community backlash. The company also decided not to pursue land for another center near the Kewaunee-Manitowoc County border.
Last week in Kaukauna, the Common Council amended a city ordinance to allow for data centers in the city’s industrial zoning areas, but with some restrictions.
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