Michigan farmers were among the beneficiaries of the Truterra carbon program, which disbursed over $5.1 million in payments to farmers in 2022. The program, administered by Truterra, the sustainability business of Land O'Lakes Inc., has gained traction as one of America's largest farmer-owned cooperatives.
In Michigan, the program is available through the partnership with Star of the West Milling Company, based in Frankenmuth. Over 270 farmers in Michigan participated in the carbon program last year, capitalizing on the opportunity to earn an average payment of around $18,000.
The program incentivizes farmers to implement practices such as tillage reduction and the integration of cover crops, enabling them to earn up to $30 per acre for each ton of carbon reduction achieved. Notably, farmers may receive payments for adopting practices in previous years, amplifying the financial benefits.
Truterra's commitment to sustainability has garnered attention, as major companies like Microsoft have signed multi-year agreements to purchase carbon credits from the program. The Truterra carbon program has already disbursed more than $9 million to farmers across the country, sequestering over 462,000 metric tons of carbon.
Through its farmer-friendly approach, Truterra aims to strengthen the connection between sustainability and profitability for farmers. The success of the program's second year is attributed to working closely with farmers and their trusted advisors, ensuring the best agronomic, economic, and environmental decisions are made for their farms.
As Michigan farmers continue their sustainability journey, the Truterra carbon program provides a valuable opportunity to improve both environmental stewardship and financial well-being within the state's agricultural sector.
Photo Credit: Truterra
Categories: Michigan, Business, Crops