The Revitalization of Animal Agriculture in Michigan Initiative began a new era for Michigan's animal agriculture industries. In 1993-94, at the urging of industry leaders and with support from state government, the Legislature approved and Gov. John Engler signed a $70 million appropriation for facility improvements at Michigan State University (MSU). Since then, annual appropriations of $4 million to $6 million have supported an expanded program of research, teaching and Extension which is carried out by an expanded faculty, for which the Animal Agriculture Initiative (AAI) Coalition also provides funding.
New and improved facilities, coupled with the added investment in expanded programming capacity, enables the state's livestock sector to grow, creates new jobs and addresses industry and environmental concerns. Animal industries add an estimated $14 billion to Michigan's economy each year and account for half of Michigan farmers' income.
The history of the Animal Agriculture Initiative is recorded in Update newsletters published from 1995 to 1997. A searchable project database is available by clicking here.
The construction phase of the initiative included the complete renovation of Anthony Hall, home to MSU animal scientists. The original building was modernized, a new state-of-the-art meat laboratory was constructed and the dairy plant was renovated. The Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education was built and the judging pavilion razed. An infective disease containment facility was added to the veterinary research farm, and a new barn, arena, stables and corrals were added to the Horse Teaching and Research Center. A new swine teaching and research center was designed to study odor reduction. A new turkey research facility was added at the Poultry Teaching and Research Center, and a truck scale was installed and an intensive physiology and metabolism room added to the Beef Cattle Research Center.
Nearly 30 new faculty positions were filled in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources departments of Animal Science, Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics, Food Science and Human Nutrition and Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, and in the College of Veterinary Medicine. MSU Extension enhanced its delivery system by adding Area of Expertise staff members to elevate the quality of educational programs and enhance technology transfer to Michigan farmers.
Working with animal industry producers and processors, industry problems and needs for research are indentified and prioritized. Researchers respond to these stated needs with targeted responses, and funds are allocated to support their projects.
Industry publications and newsletters are created and distributed free of charge to Michigan producers in an effort to communicate the results and impacts from the Animal Agriculture Initiative. Research results are also publicized through articles developed by the MSU Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Communication (ANR Communications).
The Revitalization of Animal Agriculture in Michigan Initiative is unique in the nation. It has renewed the practical land-grant university mandate of helping producers help themselves.