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 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.