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Michigan House vetoes critical livestock programs in budget
The Michigan House of Representatives’ recently passed budget would eliminate funding for key agricultural programs if approved.
Kevin Gould is the Michigan Cattlemen’s Association president and a retired Michigan State University Extension educator.
“Over the years, budgets have been tight on the animal lag side at the university, and we’re really at a critical mass right now,” he shares. “We can’t afford to have more cuts come down.”
Gould tells Brownfield needed research and biosecurity funds would be in jeopardy.
“It’s critical that we have on-farm monitoring and testing procedures that are affordable, and that can happen on an annual basis for those farms that are affected in those zones where bovine tuberculosis is an issue,” he says. “Without those opportunities, those farms aren’t able to market their cattle or their milk under our current MOU with the USDA.”
Support for animal disease prevention and response for diseases like bovine TB and highly pathogenic avian influenza, along with Michigan Animal Agriculture Alliance (MAAA) research grants, and other efforts to protect the state’s food supply were eliminated in House-passed appropriations last week.
The Michigan Senate’s budget increased MDARD funding by about two percent, to bump support for conservation districts and rural development grants.
In a statement to Brownfield, chairman of the Michigan Milk Producers Association Doug Chapin says the cuts would mean losing years of progress and halting promising profitability and sustainability research.
The Michigan Farm Bureau says it plans to continue monitoring the process and advocating for member-support programs and policies that support farmers, protect the food supply, and strengthen rural economies.
The state has until the end of the month to pass a budget and avoid a government shutdown.
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