Sustainability is more than just a phrase being used in conversations these days.  It's turning into a potential game changer for farms of all sizes, and the food processors they're working with.

Timothy Baye is a Professor, Business Development/State Energy Specialist, with UW-Madison, who's been working in the carbon credit/sustainability arena for most of his career.  Today, Baye says that more food companies and their financial partners, are talking about sustainability and how they can keep consumers and stock holders happy.  Baye says ultimately - that involves farmers and the practices they're using now and will be using in the future.

Baye says it's critically important that all farms, regardless of size or what is being produced, start a dialog with their shipper, processor, food partner - and find out what their game plan is for sustainability. Are you already engaged in processes that could net you "credit"?

Baye says this is a big money play in the food industry, and he wants to make sure farmers are in line for the financial benefits.