Lee Kinnard of Kinnard Farms located in Casco, Wis.
DSSA works to help farmers, processors, food companies and others who are connected to the production of dairy foods, from the farm to the grocery store, show tangible improvements in areas such as environmental stewardship, energy use, animal care and food safety.
“In a short amount of time, we have been able to collaborate with the agricultural community to share some of the conservation practices and technology already used by our farmers to protect and improve our ground and surface waters,” said Lee Kinnard of Kinnard Farms in Casco, Wis., one of the DSSA presenters at the summit. “At the same time we are all learning new techniques that will allow us to do an ever better job of protecting our land, air and water, as well as caring for our animals.”
Across the diverse topics, a common theme emerged: Farmers must collaborate with the rest of the agricultural supply chain to make progress.
“It was inspiring to see so many people with diverse perspectives having conversations about sustainability,” said Maria Woldt, sustainability lead and director of industry relations for the Dairy Business Association, a founding partner in the alliance. “The real challenge comes once the meeting ends and everyone returns home. From these conversations must come action and measurable outcomes.”