Episode 8: Reshaping the future of dairy farming through good water stewardship with David Trimner

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Dairy operations can use and discharge a lot of water and are often perceived to have significant negative impacts on water resources. Simultaneously, the dairy industry is struggling as milk prices remain low and other external factors are diminishing the demand for milk. Miltrim Farms, located in central Wisconsin, milks 2,500 cows on nearly 5,000 acres of agricultural land. They believe that dairy farms can be stewards of the environment and water resources, while not only maintaining profits but leveraging their stewardship to enhance profitability. As the first farm in North America to earn Alliance for Water Stewardship certification, Miltrim Farms Manager David Trimner shares his insight about their water stewardship journey and what can be achieved by employing good water stewardship and innovative farming principles.

 

About DAVID TRIMNER

David Trimner manages operations at Miltrim Farms, his extended family’s second-generation dairy and crop farm located in Athens, Wis. As Farm Manager, David oversees the day-to-day milking and farming operations for 2,500 cows and employing a regenerative approach to growing high-quality feed on 5,000 acres for its cattle, all with an eye toward good water stewardship and farming practices. David has a passion for farming and is committed to producing a high-quality dairy product through supporting a safe and positive environment for the land and its cattle, employees and their families, and community by exploring new ideas, challenging the status quo, and using new technology to continually improve every aspect of the farm.

 

ABout DYLAN WALDHUETTER

As the Alliance for Water Stewardship North America Program Manager, Dylan Waldhuetter is responsible for program development and support related to The Water Council’s sustainability and stewardship initiatives. This includes management of the Global Water Center’s AWS Standard implementation and water stewardship plan. He also provides research assistance and day-to-day support for AWS North America, which includes management of additional projects related to water stewardship strategy and implementation. Dylan earned his M.S. in Water Policy & Management from the UW-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences.

 

for further reading, viewing & listening

📺   Farmer-led water stewardship with Clear Water Farms 

🎧  Wisconsin Farm Set to Become First To Receive New Water Stewardship Certification

📰  Wisconsin farmers taking the dairy lead in Wisconsin

📰  Miltrim Farms Inc. becomes first farm in North America to achieve water stewardship certification


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sPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SERIES SPONSOR rexnord

Major support is also provided by:
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation | Corvias

Additional funding is also provided by:
Badger Meter | Baird | Fund for Lake Michigan | Evoqua | Kikkoman
Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District | Quality Water Products | SCS Global

This post was tagged under: agriculture, Alliance for Water Stewardship, certification, dairy, farming