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MMPA chair talks hopes for spring, expansion

A Michigan dairy farmer says there hasn’t been any field activity yet as wet and cold conditions continue to cause delays.

“Today, a lot of producers are set up that when the time comes, we can get a lot done in a small window it seems like, so we’re just waiting for that window to get started.”

Doug Chapin of Remus tells Brownfield high inputs and feed costs have also been factoring into management decisions since the fall.

“I think we saw farmers culling harder, making sure they weren’t feeding marginal cows in the herd,” he says.

With more favorable milk to feed price ratios, Chapin says it’s likely farms will be adding back cows and expanding soon depending on construction costs.

“Our farm is looking for opportunities to maybe grow,” he says.

Chapin is the chairman of the Michigan Milk Producers Association.