Capitol News

The MSU Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center has been recognized for the second year in a row as one of the best dairy farms in the nation. The farm received the National Dairy Quality Awards' top honor, a Platinum Award for 2024, making it one of six dairies to achieve this distinction.

The National Dairy Quality Awards, presented by the National Mastitis Council, have been honoring leaders in quality milk production for 30 years. The program aims to recognize dairy producers from across the United States and Canada who prioritize producing high-quality milk.

MSU's dairy operation stands out among its 72 competitors due to its reliance on student employees. "Even as its staff turns over through the year and between years due to college graduation, the Dairy Teaching and Research Center at Michigan State University maintains a high level of milk quality with their dedication to prevention and effective training, as evident by the farm’s back-to-back Platinum recognitions," stated the NDQA committee regarding this year's award.

Winners of the NDQA program will be celebrated at the National Mastitis Council's 64th Annual Meeting from January 27-30, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Representatives from MSU, including Farm Manager Jim Good, will accept the award on behalf of MSU.

Pamela Ruegg highlighted that "the MSU Dairy Farm has been the site of cutting-edge research that has helped Michigan dairy producers become some of the most efficient and sustainable producers of milk in the world." She emphasized that "Michigan dairy producers are known to produce some of the highest quality milk in the world. The team at the MSU Dairy Farm continues to be leaders in minimizing mastitis and producing high-quality milk from healthy cows."

The Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center is not only a fully operational dairy farm but also hosts grant-funded research conducted by faculty from MSU's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and College of Veterinary Medicine. It provides hands-on experience for students preparing them for careers working with large animals.