MSU and MMPA partner to raise funds for state-of-the-art dairy facility
Michigan State University and the Michigan Milk Producers Association have launched two producer-led fundraising campaigns—including a $2.50 per cow drive and an education endowment—to support the new $75 million MSU Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center.
What’s happening: Michigan State University and the Michigan Milk Producers Association are promoting two producer-led fundraising campaigns to support the new MSU Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center.
About the campaigns: The first encourages Michigan dairy producers to donate $2.50 per cow. With roughly 400,000 dairy cows statewide, this effort aims to raise $1 million. As part of this drive, MMPA is soliciting funds to sponsor naming the facility’s main classroom. Donors contributing over $10,000 can also honor their farm or a loved one with a plaque in the center’s Michigan Dairy Hall of Fame.
The second initiative, the Dr. Joe Domecq Dairy Education Endowment, recognizes Domecq’s 30-plus years of service as coordinator of MSU’s Dairy Education and Teaching Programs. The endowment will support academic specialists and instructors across herd management, genetics, nutrition, and reproduction, alongside student judging, study abroad, and internships. MMPA will match all producer donations toward the endowment.
About the center: Opened in July 2025, the $75 million facility houses nearly 700 cattle, tripling the previous herd size. It features state-of-the-art technology, including robotic milking systems, advanced feed centers, calf barns, and milking parlors. It also integrates with the MSU Anaerobic Digestion Research and Education Center to advance waste-to-resource solutions.
What they’re saying: “At MMPA, our board has been very supportive of MSU and the new facility, and we knew we wanted to be involved in helping with funding,” said MMPA President Doug Chapin. “We as producers will benefit, so I think it’s good for us to be personally invested. It sends a signal that this truly is important to the industry.”
The backstory: MSU secured $30 million in state funding in 2022 to lay the foundation for construction. However, additional support from industry partners, alumni, and donors remains essential to fully maximize the facility’s impact.
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