Edge Dairy Cooperative is preparing for 2025 with a proactive strategy focused on four key policy areas: rural workforce and prosperity, trade and supply chain, climate and environmental sustainability, and the Farm Bill.
Karen Gefvert, Edge’s Director of Government Affairs, emphasized the importance of these priorities. “We need to ensure policies support our farmers and the dairy industry,” she said. “By focusing on these areas, we can strengthen our rural communities and provide stability for producers.”
Rural Workforce and Rural Prosperity
Labor and immigration reform remain top concerns for dairy farmers. Edge is shifting its messaging to highlight the role of rural workers in sustaining America’s agricultural backbone. “A strong workforce is essential for maintaining rural support and infrastructure,” Gefvert explained.
Edge is also working to address challenges with visa programs. Farmers have reported unexpected denials of TN visas, which allow professionals from Canada and Mexico to work in U.S. agriculture. “Some applicants were suddenly denied, with no clear explanation,” Gefvert noted. “We engaged with Congress and the State Department to resolve the issue. Now, U.S. consular officers are visiting farms to better understand these roles.”
Trade and Supply Chain Stability
Trade agreements and tariffs directly impact dairy producers, especially in the Upper Midwest. “We need to keep trade policies that benefit our farmers front and center,” Gefvert stated. Edge is advocating for updates to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and exploring new trade opportunities.
Clinmate and Environmental Sustainability
Farmers are already implementing conservation practices that improve soil and water quality while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Edge is working to ensure they receive recognition and financial benefits for these efforts. “We need to find ways for farmers to monetize sustainability, whether through carbon markets or other incentives,” Gefvert said.
Farm Bill Advocacy
With a two-year extension of the Farm Bill in place, Edge is urging Congress to pass a new bill in 2025. “A long-term solution is critical,” Gefvert emphasized. Key dairy-related updates include improvements to the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program and a proposal for more accurate and timely milk payments.
Currently, payment protections under the Federal Milk Marketing Order system depend on whether a processor pools its milk. “Farmers should not have to worry about inconsistent payment protections,” Gefvert stressed. Edge’s proposal would ensure regular payments and accurate pricing for all dairy farmers.
