The following is a commentary by Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation President Brad Olson. Edited by Mid-West Farm Report.
This Earth Day, Wisconsin Farm Bureau is celebrating the farmers on the frontlines of progress reaching our sustainability goals. From planting crops to caring for livestock, every decision on the farm is guided by respect for the environment.
Wisconsin Farm Bureau is the trusted voice leading agriculture forward. We are committed to preserving and advancing agriculture. Sustainability is at the core of this mission. As farmers, we recognize the importance of preserving our environment for future generations while advancing their livelihoods.
America’s farmers are leading the way in greenhouse gas emission reduction through voluntary conservation efforts and market-based incentives. The Environmental Protection Agency released the Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2022. The report shows American agriculture slashed emissions by almost 2% from 2021 to 2022. That’s the largest decrease of any economic sector.
Agriculture is a carbon sink. One acre of corn can sequester up to eight tons of carbon. In addition to sequestering carbon in their crops, farmers achieved this milestone reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. They do this by implementing farming practices like reduced tillage and planting cover crops.
Sustainability is more than just a buzzword for farmers; it’s a way of life. By preserving the land and its resources, farmers ensure the longevity and viability of agriculture for future generations. Through the collective efforts of farmers, agriculture continues to sustainably advance. Agriculture meets the needs of today while addressing the challenges that come with feeding a growing population.
With a growing global population and increasing pressures on our natural resources, we need to continue investing in research, technology and education to ensure that agriculture remains both productive and environmentally sustainable.
This Earth Day, let’s celebrate the unwavering commitment of farmers to sustainability. Wisconsin Farm Bureau is proud to empower and guide them toward a more sustainable future. Together, we can preserve and promote the advancement of agriculture while protecting the health and vitality of our planet for generations to come.
