Wallace Center at Winrock International to lead Michigan dairy grazing initiative
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Aug. 27, 2026 — The Wallace Center at Winrock International will lead an innovative new initiative to help Michigan dairy farmers explore grazing-based production systems that can improve farm profitability, reduce input costs and create new opportunities for family-owned dairy operations.
Supported by a grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development’s Regenerative Agriculture Program, the effort will bring together dairy producers, technical experts and industry partners to expand access to grazing-focused education, technical assistance and practical planning resources. The project includes the development of a statewide grazing resource map, training opportunities for service providers and educational events where farmers can learn directly from experienced graziers. MDARD’s announcement about the new project noted that Michigan’s Regen Ag program is one of the first in the nation to be embedded within a state agriculture agency.
“Supporting the success of small and medium-size dairy farms in Michigan and across the Midwest is critically important to local communities” said Mary Fales, Winrock’s director of U.S. Agriculture. “We aim to support dairy farmers looking for help to continue their way of life but also maintain or even increase profitability. This partnership will help producers evaluate whether grazing is a good fit for their farms and connect them with the information, technical support and peer networks they need to make informed decisions.”
Dairy grazing allows cows to feed directly on managed pastures for much of the year, helping farmers reduce feed costs while making efficient use of land and other farm resources.
The Michigan initiative builds on the Wallace Center’s growing body of work supporting low-overhead dairy grazing and farmer-led innovation across the Upper Midwest and other parts of the U.S. Through partnerships with farmers, researchers and regional organizations, the Wallace Center works to co-create solutions that build healthy farms, fair economies and resilient food systems.
The project also reflects Winrock’s broader commitment to creating economic opportunity in rural U.S. communities by helping producers adopt practical approaches that strengthen farm businesses, support local economies and expand pathways for the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs.