By Andi Anderson
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has announced a new initiative aimed at helping beginning, small, and medium-sized dairy farms improve profitability and strengthen long-term resilience through dairy grazing practices.
Dairy grazing involves allowing dairy cows to feed primarily on fresh grass in managed pastures during warmer months instead of remaining indoors and relying mainly on harvested feed. This approach can help farmers lower production costs while improving the sustainability of their operations.
Highlighting the benefits of the initiative, Tim Boring, MDARD Director, said, "Grazing gives dairy producers an opportunity to reduce input costs and strengthen the long-term profitability of their operations. At a time when small and medium operators in Michigan are pressured to either expand or fold, this initiative will provide resources to help family-run dairies stay in business, sustain local jobs and ensure Michiganders continue to have access to nutritious, locally made dairy products."
The program is being supported through MDARD's Regenerative Agriculture Program, which is recognized as one of the first programs of its kind operating within a state agriculture agency. The program has already introduced several projects focused on improving agricultural sustainability, including soil health assessments, crop insurance initiatives, educational grants, and training opportunities for veterans entering agriculture.
To expand dairy grazing opportunities, MDARD awarded a grant of $275,490 to the Wallace Center at Winrock International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building stronger and more resilient regional food systems.
Working together with dairy industry partners, MDARD and the Wallace Center will develop practical resources to help farmers transition to grazing systems. These efforts include creating a guidance playbook to address technical and financial challenges, providing workforce development and technical assistance training, building an online resource map for dairy graziers across Michigan, and organizing educational events where farmers can learn from experienced producers.
The Wallace Center will also work directly with Michigan dairy farms to identify ways to improve feed management, labor efficiency, and capital use. Information gathered from these farms will help develop tools and educational materials that other dairy producers can use when considering grazing-based systems.
The initiative is expected to support family-owned dairy farms by improving economic sustainability while promoting efficient use of resources. Grazing systems can offer a practical option for producers seeking to lower expenses and strengthen farm performance.
Sharing his experience, Dan Chupp, Owner of Sonblest Farm, said, "Operating a small dairy farm has lots of challenges. It s hard to be profitable and have time to do anything else. Having some experts look at our farm and give us advice has been invaluable."
Through investment, education, and technical support, Michigan aims to help dairy farmers build stronger, more resilient operations while supporting local food production and rural communities.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ahavelaar
Categories: Michigan, Livestock