2022 marks exciting years for dairy farmers
We entered 2022 with a variety of uncertainty. Milk costs appeared robust, however rates of interest, feed costs and gas prices have been hovering. We have been leaving the 2nd 12 months of a pandemic with the promise of a extra “regular” life.
Whereas we now have definitively left the 12 months behind, it has additionally introduced some challenges — for instance, hyperinflation and worldwide relations affecting markets. However within the historical past books, I’ll look fondly at 2022.
Financially, dairy farmers have lastly discovered some respite after years of increasing themselves. Excessive temperatures allowed for a vigorous harvest. The efforts of native farmer-led teams have led to innovation and enchancment in additional environmentally pleasant farming practices.
I’ve seen this firsthand at my native watershed group, Sheboygan River Progressive Farmers. The muse of our group lies within the cooperation between farmers, networking and sharing concepts. At conferences and area demonstrations, we study diminished and no tillage, inexperienced planting, cowl cropping and extra. Whereas attempting new methods on our farm, it is rather worthwhile for us to get info from different farmers concerning the practices they’ve tried.
Edge has proudly championed extra farmer-led environmental innovation for a few years, together with funding our sister group, Farmers for Sustainable Meals. Work with these companion organizations continues to garner nationwide consideration, successful many nationwide awards. This September, Edge was named lead companion in a grant by the USDA’s Partnerships for Local weather-Sensible Merchandise program.
By way of this pilot program, Edge will leverage the framework we have created by the FSF to boost the work our farmers do to construct extra environmentally, financially and socially sustainable farms. This work will kind the premise of our work in 2023.
However 2023 additionally brings one other key focus for our group: the controversies surrounding the Farm invoice. Ag coverage is on the coronary heart of what Edge does, and milk pricing reform will probably be key to the subsequent version of the landmark invoice. Edge continues its dedication to reform that strengthens belief between farmers and their processors, with a deal with elevated transparency and good religion relationships. Growing these relationships will construct true strategic partnerships and a vibrant dairy neighborhood going ahead.
I’ve at all times admired the power of our farming neighborhood. 2022 has set actually thrilling floor for the subsequent few years for dairy farmers in Wisconsin, the Higher Midwest and past.
Brody Stapel is a Wisconsin dairy farmer and president of the Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative.
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