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