By Andi Anderson
Michigan agriculture continued to face significant pressure from weather extremes, rising input costs, labor shortages, and market uncertainty.
Data from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service showed Michigan farms declined from 45,300 in 2023 to 44,000 in 2024, while farmland decreased by 100,000 acres.
Despite these challenges, leaders at Michigan State University AgBioResearch and MSU Extension continued working to support farmers through applied research and education.
“Our producers, growers and ranchers are facing real challenges,” AgBioResearch Director George Smith said. “We want to ensure that our farmers can make a living, including the ability to pass down their farms to the next generation. It’s our responsibility as a land-grant institution to do the research that leads to answers. Working with MSU Extension, we can get that information into communities where it makes a difference.”
“We truly believe there are tremendous opportunities in agriculture to solve some of the world’s major issues around nutrition, food access, food safety, and human health and diseases. We can’t do this without partnerships with farmers, industries and the State of Michigan.”
Michigan Rep. Jerry Neyer brought personal experience to the discussion, having worked on his family dairy farm for three decades before his election. “I was born and raised on a dairy farm in the Mount Pleasant area, and I still live here just a couple miles away from the farm,” Neyer said. “I farmed right up until the day I got sworn into the House of Representatives a little over three years ago. It’s a reason why I’m there because I’ve been a strong advocate for agriculture and the industry over the years.”
As chair of the House Agriculture Committee, Neyer helped guide policy for Michigan’s second largest economic sector. He stressed the importance of MSU’s field based approach. “When it comes to MSU research and Extension with agriculture, I grew up in that environment where you’re always partnering,” Neyer said. “MSU being out in the field as opposed to just being on campus… is really what stands out and makes MSU unique.”
Programs such as Project GREEEN, the Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture, and the Agricultural Resiliency Program supported research on water quality, invasive pests, and farm economics in partnership with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Neyer also supported funding for the new MSU Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center. “It’s a small investment with a great return on the public dollar,” he said. He encouraged farmers and researchers to share real examples with lawmakers. “The best thing to do is keep telling your story,” Neyer said.
Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu
Categories: Michigan, Education