Freezing temperatures and blustering snow couldn’t keep farmers and industry supporters from attending the groups’ first of their newly imagined Farmer to Farmer Policy Picnics in Amery last month. 

 

About 35 attendees started in a field where DBA member Greg Friendshuh practices cover cropping and rye-tilling, allowing for discussion on what practices have worked for the Friendshuhs and what they might do differently if they were to start over. 

 

Following the field tour, the group headed to Amery Ale Works for lunch and a discussion on policy issues. The topic at the top of everyone’s minds was the CAFO regulations threatening large farms in several townships in Burnett and Polk counties. 

 

After DBA and Edge staff shared a brief update, the floor was opened to the farmers to share their thoughts on issues they saw fit to address. One suggestion was to build a framework for farmers to use should local or county governments begin discussing anti-ag regulations. Another involved looking at weight restrictions on farm implements, as current regulations don’t account for modern equipment. 

 

Our hope with these meetings is to build a stronger bridge to our members and work on the issues that matter most to you. Stay tuned for more information on our next Farmer to Farmer Policy Picnic, tentatively scheduled for mid-July.