Data-driven sustainably efforts across 100,193 acres
Farmers in the Upper Midwest are utilizing actionable data to make informed decisions about the conservation practices implemented on their farms. Results from the first year of a five-year effort through the Farmers for Sustainable Food Climate-Smart Program showed that these sustainable farming practices are achieving positive environmental outcomes. Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guests, Drew Kessler and Michael Crinion, discuss the following topics:
Using actionable data to make informed conservation decisions
How the conservation efforts are analyzed
What conservations practices are the most popular
Conservation efforts making economic sense
Most impressive part of the program
Challenges
Resources
Data becoming a currency
What next in the space of data-driven sustainability efforts
Special thanks to Farmers for Sustainable Food for sponsoring this episode.
About the guests
Drew Kessler — a seasoned Scientist and Principal at Houston Engineering, Inc. (HEI)—is a leading expert in water resources management and agricultural sustainability. With nearly two decades of experience, including a decade at HEI, Drew has dedicated his career to bridging the gap between environmental science and agricultural practices. His expertise in water quality, wildlife ecology, and TMDL processes has made him a valuable asset to farmers, food supply chains, and policymakers alike. Drew’s ability to translate complex scientific information into actionable insights has fostered collaboration and positive outcomes for agricultural working lands.
Michael Crinion — a rural entrepreneur with extensive knowledge of dairy, beef, sheep, and poultry enterprises, as well as experience in implementing ISOs and HACCP protocols. Having grown up on a farm in Ireland, Crinion moved to Brookings, SD, in 2004 to extend his farming operations. He serves as the Managing Partner of Ash Grove Dairy, a 2,100-cow cross-ventilated dairy operation in Lake Benton, MN, and is the CEO of BioHydrogen LLC, which transforms waste streams into a sustainable and renewable hydrogen energy. In addition to his role as a Board Member with Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, Crinion is the 2024 Chair of U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action.
Resources
Farmers for Sustainable Food Climate-Smart Program
Farmers for Sustainable Food Resources
Press release on year-one results
Contact Farmers for Sustainable Food staff
Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.
This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com.
