Star of the West partners with TNC on pilot

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Star of the West partners with TNC on pilot

Star of the West Milling Company is partnering with The Nature Conservancy on a wheat incentive program in Michigan’s Saginaw Valley region.

Star of the West sustainability director Lisa Woodke tells Brownfield white and red wheat growers who participate in the pilot will receive tiered incentives for implementing a minimum of four conservation practices.

“Which include online tracking, edge of field risk evaluation, integrated pest management, and diversity which simply means a three-crop rotation or more,” she explains.

Crops will be marketed as “sustainably raised” which Woodke says helps food companies with climate-friendly food products.

Star of the West also has locations in Indiana, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, and New York and Woodke says they hope to expand acres each year across their footprint.

The Nature Conservancy tells Brownfield Kentucky TNC is developing a similar system for sustainable grain sourcing with Beam Suntory starting with corn and their Maker’s Mark brand.

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