Seeing the good in a challenging year

From Tom Crave, DBA president

The end of a year can provide an opportunity to pause, catch your breath and glance back.

There are always memories made, milestones reached and lessons learned.

Considering the once-in-a-lifetime struggles so many people faced this year, it’d be understandable to break the rearview mirror and say good riddance to 2020.

But if you look you will see some good amid all the uncertainty. We all learned a little more about what we value most – our families and friends, our health and our ability to make a living doing what we love to do.

As we close out this extraordinary year, I want you to know that at DBA we were reminded of how much we value you, as members and as an essential part of America’s Dairyland, and how proud we are to work on your behalf every day.

Here are a few of this year's bright spots:

• Announcing a policy initiative with three environmental organizations focusing on protecting water quality and keeping farms successful in Wisconsin.
• Being a resource for the dairy community during COVID-19, from financial assistance policies to communication to one-on-one help for members.
• Naming Jim Winn, a dedicated farmer and longtime supporter, as the DBA Advocate of the Year.
• Facilitating DBA board member Amy Penterman’s attendance at the White House as President Trump signed the USMCA trade deal.
• Bringing dozens of members to Madison to visit the offices of more than 40 lawmakers during DBA’s Dairy Day at the Capitol.
• Unveiling the Producer-led Group Roadmap, a guide created through the Dairy Strong Sustainability Alliance and other partners for farmers looking to start watershed conservation program.
• Launching the Dairy Stream podcast and featuring perspectives on everything from safeguarding employees during the pandemic to understanding producer price differentials.
• Standing up against local officials in Polk County who tried to block large farms.

As unsettling as 2020 has been, DBA’s dedication to members never wavered, and it won’t in 2021. Together, we will continue to move dairy forward.

On behalf of the staff and board of directors, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.