Baldwin Highlights Farm Resiliency, Working Lands Conservation During Visit to Cashton
Cashton, WI – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin visited Herricks Dairy Farm in Cashton, Wisconsin. Following a tour of the Monroe County farm, the Senator discussed conservation efforts and resilient, climate-smart farming practices with farmers, conservationists, and other stakeholders. Baldwin has long championed conservation programs that help farmers in their roles as stewards of our working lands.
“Herricks Dairy Farm is an example of a farm family that has taken conservation to heart,” said Senator Baldwin. “They understand their role as stewards of this creation and have instituted a number of farming practices to prevent erosion and flooding. The Herricks’ show that tending to soil health and water quality locally can play an important role in mitigating the threats of climate change and extreme weather across our region. With targeted investments in agricultural conservation, we can prompt both resilience of the land and economic resilience among our farmers.”
The Build Back Better agenda includes investments in resilient agricultural practices, rural economic prosperity, and solutions to rural infrastructure challenges.
“If we are truly going to recover and build a stronger economy, it is essential that we Build Back Better in our rural communities, and recognize the critical work farmers do every day to grow our food and protect nature and our future,” said Senator Baldwin. “As Congress works to get the job done, we must make sure rural communities come out strong. That’s why I’m advocating for agriculture to have a seat at the table and a meaningful voice in the budget discussions.”
The Build Back Better plan is predicted to invest in existing agriculture conservation programs, which help increase farm productivity and reduce societal costs from flooding and runoff. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service provides technical assistance to farmers as they figure out what approach is the right fit for their operation, and then provides a cost-share payment to help farmers implement their conservation goals. These practices have been found to also help reduce carbon in the atmosphere and counter climate change.
Monroe County frequently experiences flash flooding events and local stakeholders expressed that they recognize that trends of increasing flood volume and frequency are likely to continue as the climate changes. They’ve responded with results that are the product of farmers and community members coming together to find solutions from a practical local perspective. These solutions seek to reduce the impacts of flooding in the short and long term, and help communities adapt to changing conditions.
As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, Baldwin recently worked to pass legislation out of the committee that makes investments in the Dairy Business Innovation Program, Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative, and research priorities for our dairy, specialty crop, and organic farmers.
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