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Forage production ideal in Michigan

A Michigan dairy farmer says weaker feed prices and good supplies have boosted optimism for the year ahead.

Doug Chapin is the chairman of the Michigan Milk Producers Association.

“We’re feeling very comfortable on our feed supply coming in and actually from other members statewide, I’d say there’s a pretty good comfort level on at least forage production going forward this year,” he says.

In an interview with Brownfield following the Dairy Distillery Alliance groundbreaking, Chapin says he expects the current economic environment to overshadow any major shifts in herd expansions.

“I still think there is a lot of pressure on producers, whether it is high cost of construction or interest rates that will moderate any kind of expansion coming forward,” he shares.

Chapin says he’s excited about the increasing diversification within his cooperative and what it could mean for boosting producer pay prices.

Chapin milks 700 Holsteins with his family in Mecosta County.

AUDIO: Doug Chapin