Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative advances strategic growth with a new Director of Science and Innovation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 24, 2025

Contact: Laura Hensley

Director of communications 

(517) 652-4524| lhensley@voiceofmilk.com

Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative advances strategic growth with a new Director of Science and Innovation

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, one of the largest dairy cooperatives in the country by milk volume, today announced the appointment of Jim Eckberg as the new Director of Science and Innovation.

Edge is committed to advancing sustainability and creating value for its members by collaborating with farmers and dairy business partners. In this new role, Eckberg will enhance this mission through sustainability program offerings for members, focusing on farmer-led solutions to meet industry sustainability goals.

Eckberg was a Senior Research Scientist in agricultural and food solutions at General Mills in Minneapolis, Minn., since 2019. While there, he focused on dairy sustainability, water quality and biodiversity conservation initiatives for the General Mills supply chain. He holds a Ph.D. in Applied Plant Sciences from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and collaborates with teams of scientists and faculty to publish on various topics, including production agriculture, biodiversity and water conservation and sustainable food systems.

“The real solutions to sustainability will come from farmer-led innovation. Science and data can help bring this value to the food industry and make sustainability a part of the way we do business,” Eckberg said.

“Adding Jim to our team is a significant step forward for our organization and affiliates’ sustainability services,” Tim Trotter, Edge CEO, said. “With his scientific background and research experience, we are confident he will bring valuable strategic insights and technical expertise to our team.”

Images:              

Edge logo

Jim Eckberg photo

About Voice of Milk:

The Voice of Milk is a collaboration between Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, the Dairy Business Association and the Minnesota Milk Producers Association, working together to bring the voice of milk to communities, congress and consumers. With the strength of over 1,400+ dairy farmers and industry supporters, the Voice of Milk is a multi-state association speaking only on behalf of dairy farmers. For more information, visit www.voiceofmilk.com.