More than 150 people attended four picnics held around Wisconsin at Edge and Dairy Business Association (DBA) member farms in July.  

Participants enjoyed a meal and conversation followed by a presentation on national policy happenings by Michael Torrey, principal at Michael Torrey Associates, Edge’s lobbying team in Washington, D.C. John Holevoet, director of government affairs for Edge and DBA, provided an update on Wisconsin-specific issues. 

Torrey talked about his firm’s work on behalf of Edge. This included commenting on the importance of Edge’s involvement and how the co-op’s efforts are evolving in Washington. He presented a general picture of the current political situation and expanded on the four issues that are the focus of Edge’s lobbying efforts.   

Top-of-mind was immigration. The dramatic back-and-forth over immigration reform legislation this summer has involved the possible creation of a new year-round visa for agricultural workers. Torrey discussed the latest version of an ag labor bill that still has a chance of advancing before November’s election.  

He also discussed the evolving situation with trade agreements, tariffs and a farmer assistance package. Ultimately, it is hard to know how all of this might play out, but Torrey said political pressures favored a relatively speedy resolution of trade conflicts.  

He shared the status of the coming farm bills and possible paths forward this year. Another topic was the mislabeling of plant-based products. Aaron Stauffacher, Edge’s associate director of government affairs, was in D.C. last month to make comments at a Food and Drug Administration meeting that touched on this issue, among others.  

Holevoet’s presentation focused on Wisconsin-specific issues. He recapped DBA’s accomplishments from the last legislative session. He also highlighted the priorities for the coming legislation, which include revamping CAFO permitting and working to expand and improve the infrastructure needed for a phosphorus trading system.   

Torrey and Holevoet both discussed the upcoming federal and state elections races.  

Host farms included Edge members Brossard Dairy, Horsen’s Homestead Farm, Five Star Dairy and On-Q Holsteins. Thank you to these members who graciously opened up their farms!  

Also, a special thanks to corporate DBA members that sponsored these picnics: Agri-King, Auth Consulting and Associates, Compeer Financial, Leedstone, Motiva Training and Consulting. Thanks to Agropur, Cedar Valley Cheese and Mullins Cheese for donating cheese.