By Doug Chapin, MMPA Board Chairman
The need to update and modernize the MSU Dairy Farm has been talked about for years. The facility didn’t need a facelift; it needed to catch up with the industry. A fire at the dairy may have been the impetus to update the facility, but it was the once in a lifetime opportunity to get substantial funding from the state of Michigan that got it moving. MMPA, working with all the stakeholders in agriculture, lobbied and supported MSU’s proposal to build a new dairy and greenhouses on campus. MSU received $53 million towards both projects, including $30 million for the dairy, leaving a gap of $45 million dollars in covering the complete dairy facility cost.
The MSU Board of Trustees saw the need with the new dairy farm and more importantly, saw the opportunity for dairy producers, students and Michigan citizens. They recognized that the benefits of this investment would be greater than just the university. They approved the construction knowing more funds were needed, but trusting that those funds could be raised. MSU has been working on fundraising with industry and is kicking off a campaign aimed at producers. Their goal is to raise $1 million from producers. This helps send a message to MSU that our Michigan dairy industry supports the investment and sees real value for our farms.
In addition to the fundraising for the dairy facility, there is also an opportunity to support the Dr. Joe Domecq Dairy Education Endowment Fund. The Domecq Endowment will serve as the basis to expand teaching capacity to meet the anticipated growth in the dairy education
program. Enrollment in MSU’s dairy program has already doubled over the last five years. The endowment not only honors Dr. Domecq’s lifelong service to the dairy industry, but provides support in meeting the teaching needs associated with the facility and the dairy program.
I challenge our members to consider how MSU has influenced their farms. Some of our members have attended MSU, several of our children have as well. Look at the expertise that you work with to remain successful. Where did your veterinarian, nutritionist or financial personnel receive their training? It’s clear to me that as we have fewer farms, we have fewer children with farm backgrounds to fill the positions that serve us. A dynamic dairy farm and school at MSU helps us attract more talent from students without an ag background. This talent and interest are necessary for us to be successful in the future.
For me, MSU Extension played a major role in helping me establish and grow my dairy farm, maybe it did for you as well. Dr. Richard Pursley’s research on timed artificial insemination had a great impact on my dairy and I’ve never seen a faster response to research than the industry response to Dr. Adam Lock’s research on high oleic soybeans.
The significance of producers supporting the new dairy is twofold. The support is needed and crucial for the new dairy, but more importantly it sends a message to our larger industry that this is important to us. That they should consider how they can support the MSU Dairy Farm which directly supports producers and growth of the dairy industry in Michigan. MMPA has announced significant investments in Michigan, others have made announcements of their investments in dairy as well. Michigan is poised for real wins in dairy. MSU will play an important role in that growth by providing research, expertise and educational infrastructure. Everyone in the state wins with this growth: our producers, citizens and rural communities.
MSU is giving opportunities for you to recognize your farm, a family member or someone significant in your success or simply support its direction with a gift to the Domecq Endowment and the new dairy. Learn more about how to support this initiative at https://www.mimilk.com/mi-milk-messenger/building-the-future-of-dairy-at-msu/.
This article was originally published in the May/June 2026 issue of the Milk Messenger. Subscribe »