MMPA’s history with Michigan State University (MSU) goes back to the beginning with our founding in MSU’s Agriculture Hall, and for generations MSU has helped strengthen the dairy industry through research, education and outreach. In support of that legacy, MMPA is backing two important MSU dairy fundraising efforts through matching campaigns and encourages all members and employees to note their MMPA affiliation when contributing to either campaign:
Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center Campaign
The new Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center (DCTRC) reflects MSU’s ongoing commitment to Michigan’s dairy industry and rural communities. Advocacy from the dairy community led the state of Michigan to invest in this facility, but to fully fund it, additional private support is needed.
Goal: Raise $2.50 per cow in Michigan to help collectively raise $1 million. Contributions will be matched up to $200,000 by MMPA.
Dr. Joe Domecq Dairy Education Endowment
Thanks to support of dairy producers and industry partners an endowment was established in 2023 to recognize Dr. Joe Domecq’s lifelong service to the dairy industry. Efforts are now underway to build on the initial endowment to not only honor Dr. Domecq, but to expand teaching capacity of MSU dairy education programs, launch a student run herd and develop a stand-alone Dairy Science major at MSU.
Goal: Raise $2.5 million to expand the Dr. Joe Domecq Dairy Education Endowment. Contributions will be matched up to $50,000 by MMPA.
Help strengthen the future of dairy education at MSU. By supporting the Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center Campaign and the Dr. Joe Domecq Dairy Education Endowment, you can help expand MSU dairy education and strengthen teaching capacity to meet enrollment growth and student interest in the MSU Dairy Program.
All contributions and pledges designated MMPA from members and employees from May 1, 2026 through June 1, 2027 would be matched by MMPA up to $50,000 for the Domecq Endowment and $200,000 for the Dairy Facility Campaign.
When giving through MMPA’s effort, your gift also counts toward MSU’s campaign totals. That means by indicating your afilliation with MMPA when giving to MSU, your support helps advance both the MMPA campaign and the corresponding MSU campaign. Eligible gifts may also receive recognition from both MMPA and MSU.
All contributions are an investment in the students who will lead our industry, the research that will move it forward and the partnership between MMPA and MSU that has served dairy farm families for generations.
Members may give using the same methods outlined by MSU for each campaign. When making your gift, please note you are affiliated with MMPA. We recommend following up with a phone call or email to Kyle Cutler at 616-204-6648 or cutlerky@nullmsu.edu, or contacting the MMPA Member Relations team at memberrelations@nullmimilk.com to ensure your contribution is properly earmarked.
HOW TO GIVE
MSU Dairy Facility Campaign
Online at https://give.msu.edu/?sid=20997
Mail a check to University Advancement 535 Chestnut Road, Room 300 East Lansing, MI 48824 with “DCTRC Producers Campaign – MMPA” specified in the memo line.
Call or email Kyle Cutler at 616-204-6648 or cutlerky@nullmsu.edu.
Dr. Joe Domecq Dairy Education Endowment
Online at https://givingto.msu.edu/gift/?sid=9436
Mail a check to Michigan State University, Department of Animal Science, 474 S Shaw Ln #1290, East Lansing, MI 48824, made payable to Michigan State University and designate: Domecq, CANR (A105121) MMPA
This article was originally published in the July/August 2026 issue of the Milk Messenger. Subscribe »