The Oesch family, owners of Swisslane Farms in Alto, is a recent recipient of a U.S. Dairy Sustainability Award from the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy.

The program, now in its sixth year, recognizes dairy farms, businesses and partnerships whose practices improve the well-being of people, animals and the planet. This year’s nine winners addressed water quality, soil fertility, community outreach, energy efficiency and more through creative problem-solving. Swisslane Farms was one of three farms recognized for Outstanding Dairy Farm Sustainability at an awards ceremony June 28 in Chicago.

Also recognized from Michigan, earning an Honorable Mention in the Outstanding Achievement in Community Partnerships category, was the Michigan Milk Producers Association, which partnered with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, Kroger Co. of Michigan and Michigan State University Extension, Novi.

The partnership came together to help during the Flint water crisis, which left residents susceptible to lead poisoning from contaminated water.

Calcium and iron, found in dairy foods, can help mitigate health risks of lead consumption. Through a comprehensive partnership, 589,824 servings of milk were donated to those in need. The partnership also created a donation model to show it can be accomplished in other communities affected by potential lead contamination.

Related:2017 dairy sustainability award winners announced

The Oesch family is a member of Dairy Farmers of America, a national farmer-owned dairy cooperative. “Sustainability is part of our DNA at Dairy Farmers of America, and we are proud to have Swisslane Farms as part of our DFA farm family,” says David Darr, president of farm services at DFA. “Their on-farm sustainable practices and engagement with the community are a great example of how farmers can make a difference for generations to come and support our cooperative’s mission to responsibly produce nutritious, high-quality milk and dairy products.”

Swisslane Farms is located 23 miles from downtown Grand Rapids, the second-largest city in Michigan, which poses both pressures from urban sprawl and opportunities to reach people several generations removed from the farm. Since 2006, Swisslane’s Dairy Discovery program has offered farm tours, reaching more than 36,000 students, teachers and families. The family farm has plenty to demonstrate when it comes to sustainable practices. After a farm energy audit, the family made improvements that reduced energy costs by 17% per cow. They also took steps to become verified through the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program, so neighbors continue to see results.

Judges evaluated nominations for the U.S. Dairy Sustainability Awards based on their economic, environmental and community impact. The independent judging panel — including experts working with and throughout the dairy community — also considered learning, innovation, scalability and replicability.

Source: Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy