Thinking Sustainably
AMPI members take steps to demonstrate everyday practices.
Members of the Biel family, from left, Bob, Eunie, Kevin, Kelly and Kenny.
In the rolling hills of southeastern Minnesota’s bluff country, nature seems to rule. The Biel family farm is found there, nestled in the valleys near Harmony, Minn. The town name echoes the family’s outlook: both farm and nature must live together in harmony.
Through the National Dairy FARM Environmental Stewardship (FARM ES) evaluation, Eunie and Bob Biel learned they are doing even more than they think to responsibly care for their land. Participants in the FARM ES evaluation are provided with a comprehensive estimate of environmental emissions and energy use for their dairy farm. The evaluation allows farmers to measure and improve their environmental footprint and compare their results to regional and national averages. To the Biels, this evaluation was a natural step in responsibly stewarding the land where they have lived their whole lives.
Eunie and Bob work alongside their son, Kevin, his wife Kelly, and their seven children, Kayla (Koch), Kelsey, Krissie, Klaudia, Kenny, Korra and Klara on the family farm that has been operating since 1938. The family milks 200 cows, raises replacement heifers and feeds out dairy beef animals. They raise their feed and market corn and soybeans.
Conservation and sustainability are given priority in every aspect of the Biels’ dairy enterprise. It’s a choice that’s good for business and good for her family, Eunie said.
“Sustainable farming practices are used by every livestock farmer that I know of; we aren’t doing anything too different than anyone else,” she said. “It makes good economic sense to take care of the land and animals, but the added benefit is there for generations to come. As conservation practices become more of a priority, it will lead to more adaptation and innovation by farmers and agribusinesses.”
Living a stewardship lifestyle
Choosing to voluntarily complete a FARM ES evaluation to benchmark their environmental footprint was an easy decision for the Biels.
“Eunie and Bob were enthusiastic to share what they are already doing with sustainability and were eager to share ways that they are engaged in local sustainability conversations,” said April VonRuden, AMPI FARM program director.
The Biels opted to participate in the Conservation Practices Questionnaire, a voluntary add-on to the FARM ES evaluation. As they filled it out, they were pleasantly surprised at the number of conservation practices they could check off the list. Examples included having a pollinator habitat on their farm, using byproducts as bedding or in their ration, reusing plate cooler water and conservation practices in the field such as no-till and strip-tilled acres.
Other stewardship practices the Biels employ include reusing manure for fertilizer in the spring and fall. When they rotate their alfalfa, corn and soybeans, the soil health improves. Using grassed waterways and contour planting reduces erosion, and so do cover crops, all while improving soil health and adding another feed source.
Eunie believes their sustainability efforts have contributed to the farm’s success. “Good environmental stewardship saves money,” she said.
Stepping up for sustainability
While Bob, Kevin and Kelly tackle the bulk of on-farm responsibilities, Eunie represents the family’s commitment to sustainability as an agricultural industry leader.
She is a member of the AMPI Resolutions Committee, the Fillmore County president of the Minnesota Farmers Union and a Fillmore County Soil and Water Conservation District supervisor. She is a board member of the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources and the Center for Rural Policy Development. In addition, she’s a founding board member and current chair of the Rural Investment to Protect our Environment (RIPE), an organization of farmers and associations that aims to help producers implement conservation practices and earn a fair return in the process.
As a board member, Eunie is excited to see the launch of the Alliance to Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture Pilot, a program developed by RIPE. The pilot is one example of many new endeavors receiving funding from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. The bill allocated funds specifically for introducing new climate-smart agricultural and forestry practices to reduce greenhouse gases and sequester carbon.
The pilot program rewards farmers with payment above costs for adopting USDA-approved sustainable practices in their farming.
“The financial support allows farmers to choose environmental practices that would otherwise take a significant financial investment,” Eunie said. “This program helps implement better practices that we know make a difference, without the hesitation from such a steep cost.”
Evaluating Environmental Stewardship
AMPI adopted the U.S. Dairy Stewardship Commitment in 2019, a promise to make responsibly produced products that nourish communities and strive for continuous improvement. As a part of the commitment, about 10% of AMPI farms complete the FARM ES evaluation every three years, chosen by volunteering or random selection.
To complete the evaluation, a FARM ES evaluator and your AMPI field representative will help you enter your information into the calculator, based off of common records from the last 12 months.
Members who participate in the evaluation will be provided with a report showing your farm’s environmental footprint versus the regional and national averages. This information is a benchmark for the future and an excellent way to measure your farm’s efficiency.
For more information on the FARM ES evaluation, talk with your AMPI field representative or visit nationaldairyfarm.com.
Reaping rewards
The sustainability practices undertaken by the Biels and other AMPI dairy farmer-owners have payback beyond the farm gate, reminds VonRuden. Dairy consumers are increasingly anxious to buy dairy products and brands they know are produced responsibly.
“Dairy farmers have a great story to tell,” she said. “We can boldly and proudly address the sustainability story with practices farmers have been doing for years.”
“AMPI customers are asking for more information on AMPI farmers’ practices, including their animal care and land use,” said Sarah Schmidt, AMPI vice president of marketing. “This demand for responsibly made and sourced products will only intensify in the future, so it is crucial to prioritize it now.”
Participation in the FARM ES evaluation gives benchmarks to show consumers the sustainable farm practices being used every day.
“Take the time to do an evaluation,” Eunie urges fellow AMPI members. “You’ll be proud of what you’re already doing on your farm.”
