American Dairy Association North East coordinated a tour for 38 attendees of the Chesapeake Watershed Forum to Valley Ho Farm in Middletown, Md., owned by Chris and Jamie Derr.
Collaborating with environmental groups is a key part of ADA North East’s efforts to highlight dairy farmers’ commitment to sustainably producing milk. Many attendees had never been to a dairy farm to see first-hand the practices farmers use to protect their land and water resources. Additionally, many of the group were young professionals and college students early in their environmental careers, so ADA North East aims to ensure they have a positive on-farm experience to call upon when they discuss agriculture and the environment.
One participant said, “The Derrs did a good job presenting the balance they must strike between sustainability and innovation to keep the farm operating while also improving the environment.”
Learn more about ADA North East environmental outreach here