The dairy industry is critical to Michigan’s agricultural economy. We support a strong and vibrant dairy industry allowing Michigan dairy farmers to be competitive in national and international markets.
We support:
Industry collaboration in developing additional dairy processing in Michigan, and urging local, state and federal lawmakers and regulators to help streamline the process for dairy processing expansion.
Funding state and federally required dairy industry sampling and inspection programs.
Current dairy laws pertaining to milk pasteurization, including prohibiting the sale of unpasteurized fluid milk for human consumption.
Michigan Farm Bureau and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development working together to provide guidelines for cow-share and herd-share programs that meet Grade A dairy standards.
Implementing on-farm biosecurity practices that protect animal health and enhance dairy markets.
Continued availability and proper use of animal health tools (e.g., antibiotics, technology).
Dairy industry participation in the veterinary feed directive.
Collaboration between farmers, animal health officials and the veterinary community in an aggressive Johnes detection and eradication program, and a continued focus on improving dairy cattle health.
Industry participation in any changes to the Siting Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practice (GAAMP) to allow for continued growth and dairy expansion.
Continued farmer participation in any changes to the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program and on-farm implementation of its standards.
Continued investments in research that allow for industry growth and efficiency.
Continued farmer participation and control over dairy industry promotion funds, enhancements and creativity in dairy promotion ideas and the development of new products.
Increased efforts to increase dairy consumption in schools, including higher milk fat options and flavored milks.
Dairy farmers being able to collect, store, and market colostrum to licensed collectors/sellers.
Collaboration with the United Dairy Industry of Michigan and Michigan Ag Council in promoting the benefits of dairy consumption — especially for youth — to the medical and educational communities.
Collaboration across the industry to establish a world-class dairy teaching, research and extension facility at Michigan State University’s dairy farm that meets our industry’s current and future needs.