By Joanna Wavrunek and Jamie Mara, public relations team
They use words like legacy, stewards, care, community, passion and future.
The commitment to environmental sustainability from dairy farmers Dan Brick, Julie Maurer and Dean Strauss runs deep. Deep into their decision-making, everyday farming practices and hearts.
Customers today also care about sustainability — that the people who produce their food are doing so responsibly, from treating their animals well to conserving water. They want to feel confident in that regard when buying milk, cheese, butter, yogurt and ice cream.
So, how do we connect the two? How do we instill that confidence in shoppers?
That’s what we set out to do in a video project highlighting the innovations.
DBA members are caring for the environment. Their mission is one of continuous improvement, of being better today than yesterday. The first video was posted in March.
Our hats are off to Dan, Julie and Dean for their dedication to sustainability and for their willingness to share what they do and why.
Here is a glance at each of the stories:
Brickstead Dairy, Greenleaf, Wis.
Fourth- and fifth-generation dairy farmers Dan Brick and his father, Gene, demonstrated the effectiveness of cover crops. Driving by, you might see a weed-covered field. The Bricks see a cover crop they planted to protect the soil and surrounding streams and rivers. Those crops build healthy soil, keep it from eroding, hold phosphorous and other nutrients in place and help the soil more effectively hold water for the main crops like corn that is fed to the cows. Dan got down and dirty, literally, to show us.
It was clear that the Bricks take their roles as caretakers of natural resources very seriously. And, Dan, who hosts many visitors, knows the importance of being an advocate. “The agricultural community needs to tell its story,” he said. “Customers and the general public need to hear and see it straight from farmers so they have the most accurate picture of what we do.”
Soaring Eagle Dairy, Newton, Wis.
Julie Maurer highlighted her family farm’s use of a nutrient management plan. The plan details where and how much fertilizer can be applied to fields. Julie pulled out a thick binder to show us multi-colored maps and charts that provide a blueprint for the spreading of manure, an optimal organic fertilizer for the crops. The plan plots sensitive areas such as slopes or stream banks so the application will be adjusted accordingly to prevent runoff.
“Farmers are keenly aware of the new practices and technologies that are employed to allow us to produce more food while taking great care of our animals, our communities and our environment,” Julie said. “Telling this great story is important to keeping the non-farm community comfortable with how we produce their food.”
Majestic Crossing Dairy, Sheboygan Falls, Wis.
Dean Strauss emphasized his family farm’s mission to become more productive, efficient and sustainable environmentally, economically and socially. Technology plays a big part, including a state-of-the-art system to process cow manure. The farm uses an integrated manure management system that recovers nutrients and reclaims water. The process incorporates a digester, ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis.
Dean emphasized that as the tools for environmental sustainability have become more advanced, his commitment to caring for the cows, the environment and the community has remained the same. That’s an important message for the public to hear, he said. “I believe it’s important to tell our story to customers about our family’s heritage. The story of how our farms have changed but are continually looking for ways to conserve resources and build on our sustainability.”
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