Every year, celebrating America’s independence on July 4 brings our families and communities together with a common belief that the fight for independence our forefathers waged was a good thing. I think about the fight for independence and what it means to be free – free to raise your family, speak your mind, run your business, and build something that lasts. For generations, my family and many other farm families have done that right here in Pierce County. We’ve worked the land, milked cows, and fought to make a living in an industry that’s never been easy, but has always been essential to our state and nation.

This Independence Day, I spent a lot of time thinking about economic freedom – something that too many farm families are losing. Dairy farming has changed. Margins are tighter. Markets are global. Regulations are increasing. And farmers are choosing to quit farming. In many cases this decision comes not because they really want to quit, but because they are tired. Tired of increased input costs and tight margins, uncertain markets and finances and increases in regulation.  If we want to preserve rural America, we must stop pretending we can turn back the clock – and start supporting the farms of all sizes that currently farm here. They hope that things will change so they can pass their farm down to the next generation.

All farms currently farming in Pierce County, including Ridge Breeze, represent a new chapter of dairy farming – one where technology, scale, and sustainability come together to meet both environmental standards and market demands.

Ridge Breeze and all farms do not farm with the goal to push anyone out. They’re here to stay in this industry, creating an opportunity for their family members to carry on the legacy of their dairy farm. They’re doing the hard work of building something that lasts – something that still puts food on your table and money into the local economy. Every cow on these farms generates $34,000 of revenue annually to the local economy. Moreover, they’re spending about $25 million each year on local vendors like feed suppliers, equipment dealers, agronomy and veterinary services. By localizing their operation, they’re helping to support local businesses that further contribute to our community’s economic viability. Being a farmer in Pierce County means being part of the thousands who make up the backbone of our economy.

With strict state and federal regulations, farmers already have a tedious process to go through for any type of approval and despite meeting regulations, some people still want more regulation. Farmers may be asset rich, but we are cash poor. These regulations not only cost us, but they also take our time and attention which is something else that is not in ample supply. 

I’m proud to be a farmer in Pierce County. But I know we need to adapt to survive. We can’t have economic freedom in rural communities without economic opportunity. Every dairy farmer, including Ridge Breeze, is helping to provide just that. My request is for concerned community members to come to farmers directly and have an honest conversation surrounding their concerns instead of spreading misinformation that hinders our industry and community.

So, while Independence Day has passed, we must continue to celebrate our liberties, our rights and independence.  Each dairy farm is an independent business, operated by the dedication, innovation and sweat equity its members provide 24/7. Let’s also commit to supporting the local farms who are fighting every day to preserve the values that are fundamental to the American Dream. Freedom to farm is freedom to feed our growing population, both within our borders and beyond them.  Let’s not forget that.