Stand Up for Dairy
by Daphne Newman Stassin, WMMB District #25 Director

We all know the significant contribution our dairy industry makes to the state of Wisconsin. Its multi-billion dollar economic impact reaches every community and every resident. That message is worth repeating, again and again. We must use every opportunity to be ambassadors for the Wisconsin dairy industry.

One of the most visible leadership roles that dairy producers can assume is serving on the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board. Each May brings another round of district elections for one-third of the 25 seats on the Board of Directors. As a first-year Board member, I encourage you to use this opportunity to learn more about your candidates; and, if an election is slated for your district this year, exercise your right to vote.

Why not become a candidate! Serving on the WMMB Board provides an excellent opportunity for producers to represent their peers for a three-year term. It is a very rewarding and empowering experience to represent our great state and industry at local, state and national meetings. WMMB and DATCP can assist you with nomination information.

Another way to get involved is through your County Dairy Leader Group. They can always use an extra hand. These worthwhile groups help organize promotional activities in local communities across the state.

Help ensure that dairy is well represented in your community by volunteering to serve on area boards or councils. These organizations can have a direct or indirect impact on the dairy industry. Serving on these groups lets people know that as a dairy producer, you are an important and involved part of the community. And, once again, it provides an opportunity for dairy's voice to be heard.

Make sure your school district promotes and encourages consumption of dairy products through vending machines and on daily breakfast and lunch menus. Whether serving on a school committee or attending meetings, your efforts will help ensure dairy products remain an important part of the school day.

Yes, serving on a board, whether with WMMB or your local zoning committee, can be time consuming. We all know that with the rush of planting, harvest, or even day-to-day chores, it often seems there are not enough hours in the day. But being a strong voice for our industry on the local level is an investment we can make in our industry's future.

It's having a voice and letting that voice be heard. Legislators and local government officials need to be reminded–often–of the dairy industry's importance to the local and state economy. If you have an idea or concern, let these officials hear from you. Write letters, send e-mails, make phone calls or stand up at a town forum.

We continue to make positive strides with our Wisconsin Dairy Impact Campaign, reaching Wisconsin consumers with positive messages on how a vibrant dairy industry benefits all of Wisconsin to the tune of $18.5 billion in economic impact.

You are an important part of this program, and you can help provide a positive image of our industry. Dairy Impact materials, which detail our industry's impact on the community and state, are available from WMMB to distribute to businesses in your area.

We also can remind anyone who receives payments from us that they rely on the dairy industry for financial support. Payment stickers and envelope stuffers that feature the phrase "Payment made possible through the Wisconsin Dairy Industry" are available from WMMB.

Your local WMMB district directors are here to serve you. If you have questions, need more information, want to voice a concern or pass along good news, let us know. Also, don't forget to vote in the upcoming WMMB election for your local dairy producer representative.

A strong Wisconsin dairy industry depends on all of us.
 

Daphne Newman Stassin is a dairy producer from Brodhead, Wisconsin. Daphne, along with Kathie and Mike Holland, farm 166 acres and milk 55 cows. Daphne is a WMMB director for District 25, which covers Green, Rock and Walworth Counties. She has served on the board since July 2002 and is a member of the Cheese Business Committee.