As the fall winds down, the meeting schedule has ramped up. Edge farmer leadership and several staff members ventured to Kansas City for the National Association of Farm Broadcasting annual conference. This unique setting provided access to leading agricultural media outlets — both regional and national — and multiple interview opportunities for our team to speak on the issues relevant and important to our members and mission. 

 

The team totaled over 35 interviews on topics ranging from trade to workforce policy, as well as climate, sustainability and farmer-led conservation efforts done in concert with our sister organization, Farmers for Sustainable Food (FSF). It is clear Edge has earned the trust and respect of the agricultural community. We truly have become a trusted resource on issues dairy faces. 

 

While some of our team were busy in Kansas City, several Edge and FSF team members joined U.S. dairy thought leaders and other experts in Las Vegas for the Field to Market and U.S. Dairy Sustainability Alliance annual meetings. We were excited to join our friends from the Lafayette Ag Stewardship Alliance on stage as they received an award for supply chain collaboration.

 

Of course, the team is also busy preparing for the annual Dairy Strong conference, which I strongly encourage you all attend in Madison. The event runs Jan. 19-20 at Monona Terrace and includes a decorated panel of speakers talking about a wide variety of topics.

 

When looking back at the organization’s decade-plus long journey, it amazes me to see the influence and respect Edge has garnered — within dairy and beyond. It’s no wonder Edge has grown to be the third largest and fastest-growing cooperative in the nation. Our members’ support has always been — and continues to be — our inspiration. 

 

I would like to close by taking some time to wish all of you a very merry Christmas and happy, healthy new year. It is a special time of year for us to count our many blessings and, among the many in my life, our outstanding members are near the top. Thank you all, and have a happy holiday season.