Climate conversation: Ask a farmer

Hello everyone. My name is Brody Stapel, president of Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative.

My wife and I, along with my brother, are dairy farming and raising families in Wisconsin, a few miles from Lake Michigan.

Edge advocates for farm families throughout the Midwest on federal policies that affect the dairy community. We make sure the voices of farmers are heard.

This is certainly true in discussions about climate. Given the ingenuity, expertise and commitment of farmers, it is critical that they play a prominent role in shaping agriculture-related climate policies.

Edge’s belief is that these policies should be guided by farmers, grounded in science, driven by the market, and flexible enough to allow for innovation at the farm level.

A prime example of the farming community’s attention to conservation is the growing number of farmer-led watershed groups. These farmers are focused on innovation, continuous improvement and using science and data to measure progress. Many of Edge’s members participate, including my own farm. It’s amazing to see the positive momentum.

As the climate conversation expands, agriculture has an opportunity to show even more leadership. The more involved we are, the more effective and workable the outcomes will be.