Sure! Here’s a summary of the initiative announced by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD):
MDARD Launches Initiative to Support Dairy Grazing in Michigan
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has introduced a new initiative aimed at enhancing the profitability and resilience of small and medium-sized dairy farms through dairy grazing. This practice allows dairy cows to primarily feed on fresh grass during warmer months, reducing reliance on harvested feed.
MDARD Director Tim Boring emphasized that this initiative is designed to support family-run dairies to remain viable amid growing pressures to either expand or close. The program is part of MDARD’s Regenerative Agriculture initiative, one of the first of its kind in a state agency in the U.S. Key components include:
- A $275,490 grant awarded to the Wallace Center at Winrock International.
- Development of resources to ease the transition to grazing.
- Expanded technical assistance and workforce training for service providers.
- Creation of an online resource map for dairy graziers.
- Educational events for farmers to learn from experienced practitioners.
The Wallace Center will collaborate with dairy farms to identify ways to improve operational efficiency. Additional information about the initiative can be found on MDARD’s official grant page.
For those interested in sustainable farming practices, MDARD encourages visiting their regenerative agriculture webpage for more resources.
Feel free to ask if you need any more details or specific information!
