Dairy Grazing Expansion Project

Unsupported Browser Detected The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer. Supported Browsers Google Chrome Safari Microsoft Edge Firefox Dairy Grazing Expansion Project Dairy Grazing Expansion Project Dairy Grazing Expansion Project MDARD is providing resources to help beginning, small and medium-sized dairy farms in Michigan adopt dairy grazing systems. Dairy grazing occurs when dairy cows primarily eat fresh grass in managed pastures during the warmer months instead of staying indoors and relying on harvested feed.  Dairy grazing can help farms boost their profitability and long-term resiliency. MDARD’s Dairy Grazing Expansion Project aims to reduce technical and financial barriers to dairy grazing and help farmers identify opportunities to improve the efficiency, profitability and resiliency of their operations. Farmers can evaluate the viability of grazing based on their individual farm resources, goals and management systems and access information and technical assistance to support informed decisions. Grazing can provide opportunities to improve the efficiency of feed, labor and other farm resources while potentially reducing input costs. The project will provide practical tools, technical assistance, workforce development and educational opportunities for Michigan dairy farmers interested in grazing. Project Goals The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) awarded grant funding to the Wallace Center at Winrock International to help implement the Dairy Grazing Expansion Project. In coordination with dairy industry partners, the Wallace Center is: Developing a playbook to help farmers navigate the technical and financial considerations of transitioning to grazing. Expanding technical assistance and workforce development by training service providers who work with dairy farmers. Creating an online statewide resource map for Michigan dairy graziers. Organizing educational events where farmers can learn directly from experienced dairy graziers. Working directly with Michigan dairy farms to identify opportunities to improve feed, labor and capital efficiency. Lessons learned from participating farms will help inform practical tools, educational resources and technical assistance that dairy producers across Michigan can use to evaluate and successfully transition to grazing-based systems. Follow us