Founded just over 10 years ago in 2010 as the Dairy Business Milk Marketing Cooperative, Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative has undergone tremendous change since its inception.

 

In addition to fulfilling the requirements of the Federal Milk Marketing Orders as a verification cooperative, Edge provides its members representation on federal policies that affect their farms and collaborate with other agricultural stakeholders.

 

According to the latest numbers from Hoard’s Dairyman magazine, Edge now ranks as the third largest dairy cooperative in the United States, based upon milk volume represented. 

 

The cooperative now represents 13.564 billion pounds of milk from 871 member farms from across the Upper Midwest. Dairy Farmers of America ranked first, representing 56.6 billion pounds of milk and California Dairies ranked second with 16.696 billion pounds. Edge moved past Land O’Lakes, which dropped to fourth with 13.084 billion pounds.

 

“It’s a great feeling knowing more and more dairy farmers continue to place their trust and support in Edge and our vision,” said Tim Trotter, executive director. “This is a testament to our leadership growing the expectation of the value a dairy cooperative should deliver to its members. This expectation will continue guiding Edge into the future.”

 

“Though our numbers are large, we remain nimble in action, focusing on common-sense policy and farmer-led efforts,” Trotter said. “We proudly serve our members - both big and small - as the voice of milk.”