The dairy and livestock industries are an integral part of Michigan’s overall agriculture economy. Segments of our industry are constantly challenged by the lack of animal related research and workforce development training. In an effort to address these issues, the Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture (M-AAA) was established with representatives from Michigan Farm Bureau, various animal agriculture stakeholder organizations, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Michigan State University’s Extension, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animal Science, AgBioResearch, and College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
We support the M-AAA and their efforts in developing a proposal to establish a state-funded animal ag research program modeled after the successful Project GREEEN that addresses plant-based industry priorities. The group has established the Michigan Animal Agriculture Innovation and Workforce Development Initiative which focuses on ensuring the sustainability of the state’s animal agriculture sector through a targeted annual investment in research, extension and workforce development. Many dairy and livestock related groups are making annual contributions to support this effort and we strongly encourage state funding to enhance the effort.
