This story appeared in the Edge December newsletter. Click here to view the digital version of the newsletter.
Season’s greetings,
As 2020 comes to a close, I have been reflecting on Edge’s journey this year.
Obviously, COVID-19 and the social, political and market disruptions in its wake were on nobody’s radar. This has been challenging for all of us and together we faced it with resilience, leadership, collaboration and communication.
In typical fashion, Edge’s farmers were resilient. As unsettling as things were, members kept up their hard work and commitment to providing exceptional, high-quality milk. They understand no matter the circumstance, regardless of the risks, people rely on them.
Edge provided leadership on critical policy initiatives. It was a full-court press keeping your interests in front of policymakers at all levels of government. Whether it was working on the Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loans or Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, we knew the urgency of getting direct help to farmers and processors. We also worked hard to ensure fairness in eligibility for all sizes of dairies.
Now, we need to continue to keep the dairy community’s needs front and center, especially with the Biden administration and newly elected lawmakers.
The collaboration between Edge and the processors this year was incredible. Strong two-way communication mitigated the dumping of milk. Our exceptional relationship with independent processors and Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association was key. We are not out of the woods with the pandemic, but the strengthened relationships between farmers and processors will enable us to better avoid further supply disruptions.
Edge’s communication was geared toward being a credible, articulate and timely resource — whether it was information for members, the news media or government agencies. News outlets from around the country looked to Edge for insights. Our members were never more engaged by participating in media interviews and in one-on-one conversations with policymakers.
As we enter the holiday season, let’s reflect on our blessings, celebrate our abilities and have faith in one another.
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