A Press Conference At The State Capitol

 It was time well spent at the Minnesota State Capitol for Dairy Day. John and I attended last year also. It is a day planned by Minnesota Milk Producers Organization giving us an organized opportunity to visit with our State Senators and Representatives to discuss issues and concerns affecting the dairy community.

Janet, State Senator Karla Bigham, John

 With over half of farmers being between 50-70 years of age, we discussed the possibility of financial grants to assist beginning farmers. We spoke about the commitment farmers have to sustainability and our efforts to address climate change.

Janet, Representative Tony Jurgens, John

We expressed concern over the high health insurance premiums that continue to be a large hurdle for small businesses like dairy farms. We shared about the importance of quality roads and bridges in greater Minnesota to get our products to market, and lastly we spoke about the need for reliable Broadband internet needed for some of our machinery and animal care.

  

State Senator Karla Bigham

We also took the next step towards a discussion that began last year when we attended Dairy Day at the Capitol. Last year, we visited State Senator Bigham and shared an idea John read about that would help dairy farmers and also promote healthy habits. One year later, we stood together at a press conference to announce the introduction of legislation that would make milk the default beverage for children's meals in Minnesota. The press conference video clip (below) is a great explanation from Senator Bigham explanation of what this bill is not.

Also speaking in support of this bill were Representative Jeff Brand, and spokespersons for Blue Cross Blue Shield, Youth and Families Determined to Succeed, Twin Cities Medical Society, Healthy Kids Coalition and Minnesota Farmers Union. 

Janet speaking at the Press Conference

I also got the opportunity to represent Minnesota's dairy farmers at the press conference. Here are the words I shared-

"Good afternoon, my name is Janet Bremer, and I farm with my husband John in Hastings. Milk is our official drink, and we are proud to be among the 2,500 dairy farmers producing it every single day. We are so thankful to Senator Bigham for taking an idea and turning it into a bill, and today are excited to see the support from the many health advocacy groups and agriculture groups joining us here at the Dairy Day at the Capitol to further explain this bill. Minnesota's dairy industry has a $9 billion impact on the state, and this bill could help lay the groundwork for revitalizing the dairy industry. Fluid milk sales have slipped in recent years, partially due to children being given the option of sugary drinks. Obviously, these drinks are sweeter and in the short term the body may think it is getting a treat, but in the long term, it can lead to diabetes and other health issues. Milk has nine essential vitamins and minerals. We hope others join us in support of this bill, which does not take away choices, but helps nudge people in the right direction of a healthier future for their kids, and simultaneously benefits Minnesota dairy farms." 

So what's next? Later this week I will be testifying at the committee hearing. I will be joined by several health advocacy groups also, I am excited by this process, and more importantly excited that our dairy voice is being heard. Also that a discussion is happening about the importance of the dairy industry, and the health benefits of Minnesota's official state drink!

Our Day At The State Capitol

Sure, it was a rush to get morning milking finished in time. Sure, there were additional chores that could have been done on the farm, but sometimes there are important things to accomplish away from the farm. Yesterday our voices were heard.

John and Janet at the Minnesota State Capitol

John and I spent our day at the Minnesota State Capitol. The day was planned by Minnesota Milk Producers Association giving us the opportunity to connect with our legislators and attend a senate hearing. We, as dairy farmers are skilled at managing through tough economic cycles, but the current situation is much worse, and for this reason, we wanted to reach out to our legislators in person to share our concerns. After a brief overview of the day's schedule, and devouring some milk, cheese and yogurt to fuel our day, we were off to visit our Representative Tony Jurgens. 

John, Janet, Rep. Tony Jurgens, fellow dairy farmer, Al Overland

Rep. Jurgens family is from a farm in South Dakota so he understands the commitment and passion farmers have for our livelihood. We discussed the struggles dairy farmers currently have, especially the low milk prices that have hurt the dairy community the past four consecutive years. Minnesota has lost 10.2% of it's dairy farms over the last year. This loss doesn't just affect the farm family, but the economics of the entire state.

Representative Jurgens proudly displaying some of his cheese stash

 One of the items we discussed was a tax conformity bill. This would provide dairy farmers with long-term tax relief when selling to cooperatives. Cooperatives would then have the option of keeping the deduction or sending it on to their patron-owner-farmers. Thanks, Representative Jurgens for your concern and also for showing us your cheese stash from your office fridge. Way to support!

We were then off to see Senator Karla Bigham.

Janet, Senator Karla Bigham, John

John and I know that Senator Bigham also understands the current dire situation of Minnesota agriculture. Senator Bigham has visited our farm after meeting me at a Farm Bureau banquet I spoke at. At our Capitol meeting we discussed Dairy Margin Insurance Rebates, which creates state rebates for eligible farmers enrolled in a federal dairy margin coverage program. 

Meeting Senator Bigham in her office.

Our final discussion was about conservation assistance allowing dairy farms that adopt conservation stewardship practices to then be eligible for state conservation payments to support the costs of becoming a more sustainable farm. 

John also brought up a bill that he had recently read about. In simple terms, this bill would assign milk or water to be the default beverage in kids meals, rather than soda which is frequently offered. Health concerns, including diabetes and childhood obesity have led a few other states to adopt this. I am EXCITED to announce that today Senator Bigham sent us a bill that she is proposing following up on our discussion! I am fully aware that not everything written becomes a law, but my hope is it at least starts a conversation. Some food for thought, perhaps!

Jeff Metz, Dave Buck, Lucas Sjostrom testify

Following our visits, we attended a Senate Ag Finance Hearing. Testimony was given by several representatives from Minnesota Farm Bureau and also Minnesota dairy farmers. After handing out ice cream to the committee members, touching testimonies were given about family dedication on the farm. Another farmer spoke of the emotional toll on farmers during these difficult times including her farmer neighbor who took his own life. Statistics were shared about the recent barn collapses due to the unusually high volume of snow this winter, just another financial obstacle for those already struggling.

Janet, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, John

 Minnesota Governor Tim Walz also expressed his concern for dairy farmers and the entire agriculture community. Minnesota has been a top dairy producing state for decades. The economic benefits of a strong dairy industry stretches beyond the farm, as many companies and thousands of employees are dependent on a strong dairy industry.

John, Commissioner of Ag Thom Petersen, Janet

Our day concluded with a casual reception and our final conversation was with Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture, Thom Petersen. Commissioner Peterson wanted to know all about our farm and my role as Minnesota Dairy Princess Coordinator. 

John and I appreciate the concern shown today by all of our elected officials. Yes, it was a rush to get to the Capitol, and yes, it was an exhausting day, but man, was it worth it to tell our story? Absolutely! I encourage all of you to make your voice heard, no matter what your passion.