By Lauren Brey for LASA
Lafayette Ag Stewardship Alliance (LASA) is participating in a pilot milkshed sustainability project with the Dairy Strong Sustainability Alliance (DSSA), Grande cheese and other key partners.
The “milkshed” concept engages farmers and a processor in a specific area, plus supporting partners, in documenting and quantifying sustainability efforts from farm to end user.
This project will help LASA and project stakeholders document and understand the impacts of conservation practices used by LASA members and communicate the sustainability of farming practices to other farmers, customers, the local community, the agricultural supply chain and regulatory agencies.
This is like the conservation practice survey we have done in the past but in more detail and using a nationally recognized platform for on-farm sustainability.
DSSA, LASA and all project partners recognize the need for farmers to better understand modern conservation techniques that enhance the environment and production on the farm. That is why this project consists of both a financial and environmental component. Several LASA members will participate in both the financial and environmental analysis. The environmental portion of the project is open to all LASA members.
Other key stakeholders include an international food brand, The Nature Conservancy, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Lafayette Land Conservation Department, Ross Soil Service, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, UW-Platteville, GPS Dairy Consulting and UW-Madison SnapPlus. Houston Engineering Inc. (HEI) has been engaged as the consulting firm for the project.
Watch for more information on this project over the next year in our newsletter, on the website and via email.