During the annual business meeting at the 2025 Dairy Strong conference, Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative appointed a new president, Heidi Fischer, who operates Fischer-Clark Dairy in Hatley, Wisconsin. She has been a dedicated member of Edge, previously holding the role of vice president.
Tim Trotter, the CEO of Edge, expressed enthusiasm about Fischer’s election, noting her effective communication skills and leadership experience. He believes she will provide valuable insights as Edge continues to advance in the dairy industry. Fischer takes over from Brody Stapel of Double Dutch Dairy in Cedar Grove, Wisconsin, who retired from the board during the meeting.
The meeting also saw the election of two additional board members. Jay Stauffacher of Highway Dairy in Darlington was re-elected after completing his first term, during which he actively participated in Edge’s advocacy initiatives and collaborated with various agricultural organizations, including the Lafayette Ag Stewardship Alliance. Christina Zuiderveen from Black Soil Dairy in northwest Iowa also joined the board, bringing her years of involvement with Edge’s Committee on Political Affairs as a passionate advocate for agriculture.
The board of Edge continues to consist of several other key members: Mike Crinion serves as vice president, Jamie Witcpalek as treasurer, and Josh Meissner as secretary. Additionally, Justin Peterson, Brady Janzen, Mitch Davis, and dairy economist Dr. Marin Bozic also play important roles within the advisory team.
This leadership change marks a new chapter for Edge, with a focus on strengthening its advocacy efforts and furthering its commitment to the dairy industry. Fischer’s leadership is expected to foster collaboration among members and enhance the cooperative’s influence in the agricultural sphere.
In summary, this new leadership represents a promising future for Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, with Fischer at the helm, ready to champion the interests of dairy farmers and stimulate growth within the industry.