Dairy farmers know better than anyone what it takes to keep a farm going through low prices, tight margins, long days, and decisions made far from the barn. Right now, Minnesota has a chance to speak up about what mega-dairies mean for family farms, rural communities, and the future of dairying in this state — and your voice matters.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is asking for public input on the socioeconomic impacts of mega-dairies — operations the Department defines as having 10,000 or more cows — as it prepares a legislative summary before the 2027 session of the Minnesota Legislature. This is a chance for dairy farmers to put real-world experience in front of decision-makers and to tell them what consolidation has meant for milk prices, local markets, family farms, rural businesses, and the people trying to make a living on the land. Please speak up before the Thursday, Oct. 1, deadline. This is an important opportunity for Minnesota’s rural voices to speak out and ask for real changes.

Here are two ways to make your voice heard:

•    Option 1: Add your name to LSP’s comment — Sign on to LSP’s organizational letter calling attention to market dominance and the need for structural policy that supports family-scale dairy farms. You can read the full comment and add your name at the link below.
•    Option 2: Submit your own story — Tell MDA what you have seen firsthand. Your story about milk prices, market access, land, labor, debt, community impacts, or what it takes to keep a dairy farm viable can help lawmakers understand what is at stake. When you sign on to our comment, please use the space provided to include your own words. This will be added to the final document sent to the MDA.

— Use This Link to Read LSP’s Comment, Add Your Name, or Submit Your Own Story — 

Minnesota dairy farmers deserve fair, stable prices and a marketplace where family farms are not pushed aside by unchecked consolidation. Lawmakers need to hear directly from the people who have lived this — not just from the biggest players in the industry.

Also consider signing up for LSP’s Digital Dairy Action Network at landstewardshipproject.org/dairyaction. Once you’re signed up, watch for rapid-response updates from LSP on when to contact decision-makers, attend public meetings, share messages online, and support dairy farmers across Minnesota. We will also be offering opportunities to hone your skills in communication support roles, ranging from writing letters-to-the editor to speaking to legislators and the media. If you are looking for concrete ways to take real action, this is the sign-up you have been searching for.

For more information, contact LSP animal agriculture organizer Matthew Sheets via e-mail.