By John Pagel, Edge board president

Now, more than ever, dairy farmers need to be heard by those whose decisions affect our farms and livelihoods. Milk needs a stronger voice in Congress, with customers and in the community. 

That voice — which our cooperative has worked steadily and strategically to build — is at the heart of our name change to Edge. 

This is an exciting change to a new brand that represents our founding principles, where we are today and our drive toward the future.  

We are taking this step from a position of strength. Our cooperative has been a game-changer since inception in 2010. It led a cost reduction for farmers in verification co-ops throughout the market, broke away from bloc voting by giving each member a say and elevated your voice in critical federal policy discussions. With nearly 800 members from all farm sizes in nine Midwestern states, the co-op is one of the top in the country for milk volume, sitting at No. 5 on the Hoard’s Dairyman Top 50 list. 

Over the past two years, we have increased value for members with the addition of Michael Torrey Associates, our federal lobbyist in Washington, D.C., membership in the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives and a partnership with the Agriculture Workforce Coalition. Additionally, we are representing milk in the marketplace through our efforts in U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance, Animal Agriculture Alliance and Field to Market. 

The former company and brand name will be phased out over the next several months, however we will continue to operate under our current structure. Your membership will be transitioned seamlessly and your contacts will remain the same. Our website has changed to voiceofmilk.com to reflect the new brand and email addresses will end with @voiceofmilk.com. (You will want to add @voiceofmilk.com to your email program’s safe-senders list so you don’t miss our electronic newsletters.) 

In addition to strengthening our influence on Capitol Hill, we will continue to fulfill Federal Milk Marketing Order requirements as a verification cooperative.  

Edge is more than a new name. It is a promise. A promise to seek and lift your individual voice. A promise to keep you at the forefront. A promise built on trust and loyalty.   

I could not be prouder of how far we have come or more excited about where we are headed. We look forward to continuing to serve you as we work to be a catalyst for a vibrant dairy community for all of us.