When I was 15, I had my future mapped out. I wanted to live somewhere warmer than Michigan, and I didn’t want anything to do with the dairy industry. My plans changed. After a blind date set up by our Semex sales rep, a marriage to my dairyman followed. 

 

Together, we pursued greener pastures in northwestern Iowa where we own and operate our dairy and raise our three children. It may have taken more than 15 years, but I am happy to say that I love being involved in the dairy industry. When I was given the chance by Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative to advocate in Washington, D.C., on behalf of all dairies, I jumped at the opportunity.

 

In March, my position on the Iowa State Dairy Association (ISDA) board allowed me to attend my first discussion on Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMO) reform in a presentation led by Dr. Marin Bozic. After talking to family and friends locally and nationally, I was able to personally relate to the ways they were disadvantaged by wide variances in pay price and difficulties in hedging. 

Later that spring, I took part in virtual lawmaker visits hosted by ISDA at the state level and Edge at the federal level. In July, I was presented with the opportunity to testify before a Senate agriculture subcommittee. While this was my first time getting involved in the policy side of our industry, I had been exposed to this area before, as my dad testified before Congress on other milk pricing issues. 

 

After agreeing to testify, I had a couple of phone interviews with the offices of Senator Grassley and Chairwoman Gillibrand to be vetted and approved by the committee members. Once approved, my real work began. At this point, I was able to join in discussions about FMMO reform with a regional task force. Being part of this task force was extremely helpful in not only educating me on issues within the milk pricing system but exposing me to the individual experiences of other dairies. With the help of Edge’s policy team, the task force and a few others, I wrote my testimony. After a few edits, it was ready to be formally submitted.

 

It was a wonderful experience to be able to testify in person. Senator Grassley introduced me before leaving to lead a hearing for the Judiciary Committee. Despite not having previous public speaking experience, I was well prepared by the Edge team for this formal environment. The hardest part of the hearing was answering questions from committee members. While I was prepared with topics likely to be covered, I still had to form answers on the spot. Following the hearing, I spent the afternoon meeting with the legislators from Iowa, South Dakota and Michigan and discussed issues on labor, trade and the stepped-up tax basis. 

 

While the hearing did not create immediate change, it was good to hear that those of us who testified agree that milk pricing and FMMO reform are topics that Congress must address. I look forward to seeing what the next step is and really enjoyed the chance to be a part of the democratic process.