Meet new board member John VandenBoom
Tell us about yourself and your involvement with sustainability.
Environmental sustainability has always been important to me. It is one of the reasons that led me to get a bachelor’s degree in ecology. As part of the agronomy team with Holsum Dairies, I have been able to combine my joy of farming together with sustainability. In 2019, farmers and community members thought it would be beneficial to form a producer-led group that could help promote sustainability practices and their benefits. Since then, it has been a joy to be an active board member of the Calumet County Ag Stewardship Alliance. Through programs like well-testing, field day demonstrations and on-farm research, I feel Calumet County Ag Stewardship Alliance has promoted and grown sustainability in our area.
What farmer-led group are you involved in and what do you enjoy about the group?
I have been an active member of Calumet County Ag Stewardship Alliance since its’ inception and currently hold the position of treasure. The most enjoyable and rewarding aspect of being involved with Calumet County Ag Stewardship Alliance is the connections that I have made. I feel these connections between farmers, researchers, industry personnel, policymakers and local residents have made a huge impact on farming sustainability throughout the county. The ability to hear from farmers and researchers who have already tried certain management practices has become very valuable. The watershed group is able to bring research and demonstrations to a local level and show the direct results of management decisions. The ability to see how our farm, soil health and water quality can be affected is truly valuable.
Tell us why you are committed to Farmers for Sustainable Food and what it means to your organization or farm.
I believe that FSF is one of the large reasons we can call CCASA a successful producer-led group. Without the support from FSF, the amount of funding, activities and members would not be what they are today. The insight gained from FSF has allowed CCASA to be focused on making decisions that promote sustainability throughout the county.
What are you looking forward to the most in your role as an FSF board member?
As a board member, I hope to have another platform to promote sustainability. As mentioned before, FSF played a large role in Calumet County Ag Stewardship Alliance’s success. I look forward to promoting how FSF can help farmers and groups grow in sustainability.
Why should others join FSF?
I think most people want to see farmers, their communities and the environment thrive together. FSF has the knowledge and support to further that goal. Its resources are sure to promote sustainability in agriculture.
