Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative encouraged by USDA announcement of farmer assistance package

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dec. 9, 2025

Contact: Laura Hensley
Chief Marketing Officer
(517) 652-4524 | lhensley@voiceofmilk.com

Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative encouraged by USDA announcement of farmer assistance package 

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, the second largest dairy cooperative in the country based on milk volume, appreciates the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, announced by President Trump yesterday at a roundtable event. 

The proposed funding comes at a critical time for farmers nationwide as they navigate a host of difficult economic challenges including increased input costs, low commodity prices (including milk) and decreased export markets, which have put a strain on dairy farmers. 

Edge is eager to see more details of the commodity payment calculations and emphasizes the importance of carefully monitoring the impact these economic conditions have on livestock farmers, particularly dairy farmers.  

“We’re encouraged to see this announcement and urge farmers to review their acreage reporting with the Farm Service Agency before December 19,” Heidi Fischer, president of Edge board, said. “Farmers are experiencing financial stress in their businesses and families, particularly dairy farmers who have seen milk prices decline for some time. This bridge program provides farmers with a welcome boost as they go into meetings with their lenders to plan for the 2026 crop year.” 

For more information about Edge and its policy priorities, visit www.edgedairy.com. 

Images:   

Edge logo 

Heidi Fischer photo 

About Edge: 

Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative provides dairy farmers throughout the Midwest with a powerful voice — the voice of milk — in Congress, with customers and within their communities. Edge, based in Green Bay, Wis., is one of the top cooperatives in the country based on milk volume. Member farms are located in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. For more information, visit www.edgedairy.com.