By Andi Anderson
Research and outreach efforts from Michigan State University (MSU) are playing an important role in improving the pork industry in Michigan. These efforts focus on better farming practices, animal care, and advanced technologies to support farmers and strengthen the industry.
One major change in Michigan law requires farmers to house pregnant pigs in group settings instead of confined spaces. While this improves animal welfare, it also brings challenges because pigs can be aggressive when kept together. "We had a law that passed and became active in 2020 that required us to house our sows differently — we had to house them in more group settings,” Kelpinski said. “That raises a lot of concerns. You hear the phrase ‘boss hog,’ and pigs really are territorial. When you put them in a group together, they’ll fight. So, some of the research MSU has done at the swine farm and through M-AAA dollars has helped us look at how we can house our sows to follow the law we have in Michigan."
To address such issues, MSU scientists are studying better housing methods with support from the Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture (M-AAA). This partnership connects farmers, researchers, and government agencies to solve real farming problems. "All the states have different laws, so we needed something that was specific to Michigan. This research has really helped us remain competitive in the pork industry nationally.”
The Michigan pork industry produces around 2.5 million pigs every year and contributes about 500 million dollars to the state’s economy. Programs like M-AAA help identify key challenges and support research to find solutions. "That’s the driving force,” Kelpinski said. “We’re the ones setting those priorities and research initiatives, and then we’re passing them out to MSU researchers to find out what research ideas they have that could help solve some of these problems we’re experiencing. It’s been really great to have that relationship.”
MSU has also introduced modern technologies such as artificial intelligence to reduce labor shortages and improve animal care. Researchers are exploring safe feed options that avoid antibiotic use while maintaining healthy livestock.
In addition, MSU Extension programs support farmers with training and emergency readiness. The Secure Pork Supply Taskforce has helped farms prepare for disease outbreaks, with 75 percent of pigs now covered under biosecurity plans. Programs like ERAIL also train emergency responders to handle livestock accidents safely.
“It’s great to have the equipment we need, but we all know that the average Michigander doesn’t know very much about livestock handling during an emergency,” Kelpinski said.
Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu
Categories: Michigan, Livestock