Dairy Grazing Expansion Project
Dairy Grazing Expansion Project supports Michigan dairy farmers with tools, technical assistance and education to evaluate and adopt grazing systems that improve efficiency, profitability and resiliency.
Funder: Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Due Dates: Not listed
Funding Amounts: $275,490 awarded to the Wallace Center at Winrock International to implement the project
Summary: Supports Michigan dairy farms in evaluating and adopting grazing systems through practical tools, technical assistance and education.
Key Information: The project serves beginning, small and medium-sized Michigan dairy farms interested in grazing.
Description
The Dairy Grazing Expansion Project is a Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) initiative implemented by the Wallace Center at Winrock International with dairy industry partners. It helps beginning, small and medium-sized dairy farms evaluate and adopt grazing systems, in which cows primarily eat fresh grass in managed pastures during warmer months rather than relying on harvested feed indoors.
The project aims to reduce technical and financial barriers while improving farm efficiency, profitability and long-term resiliency. Farmers can assess grazing against their resources, goals and management systems. Support includes a transition playbook, service-provider training, a statewide resource map and educational events with experienced graziers. Direct work with participating farms identifies opportunities to improve feed, labor and capital efficiency, with lessons informing resources for dairy producers across Michigan.
