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MSU doubles animal ag research funding

 

Michigan State University has doubled animal agriculture research funding for 2018.

Associate Director of MSU AgBioResearch George Smith tells Brownfield federal funding through the farm bill doesn’t meet the immediate research needs of the animal ag industry, which is why strong investment from other sources is crucial.  “The amount of funding that goes toward animal agriculture research is very limited and so the immediate problems facing our producers in animal agriculture in the state really can’t be met with funding solely from the federal government.”

Smith says funding for the Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture initiative has increased from $600,000 to more than $3 million in the last three years.  “It’s a reflection of the success of previous projects, research and extension projects funded by this group.  It’s also a direct reflection of our industry stakeholder partners and their efforts with the Michigan legislature last year.”

He says MSU Extension and AgBioResearch fund a base of $600,000 annually for the grant program. In 2017, funding increased to $1.5 million and this year funding is more than twice that with support from the State of Michigan.

Smith says 27 projects will be funded for 2018 which address the top issues impacting Michigan’s animal ag industry.

AUDIO: Interview with George Smith