Michigan State University researchers have received more than $600,000 in funding from the Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture.

The M-AAA is a partnership between Michigan’s animal agriculture industries, the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, MSU AgBioResearch and MSU Extension. It focuses on advancing the state’s animal agriculture economy by supporting applied research and outreach efforts that address key issues identified by the industry.

The Michigan food and agriculture system contributes roughly $100 billion annually to the state’s economy and provides nearly 1 million jobs. About 37 percent of the agricultural products sold are attributed to the animal agriculture sector, so it is a critical component of Michigan’s economy.

The seventeen MSU-affiliated projects total $630,780 and address issues related to workforce education, nutrient management, health and welfare, sustainability and profitability across beef, dairy, horse, poultry, sheep and or swine industries.

“These projects continue to exemplify the strong history of successful partnerships between the Michigan animal agriculture commodity groups and MSU to help grow the animal agriculture economy, enhance employment opportunities, and build economic vitality and sustainability for the entire state,” said George Smith, MSU AgBioResearch acting associate director. “Michigan’s relatively stable climate, the availability of water and locally produced feedstuffs, and the progressive nature of its animal agriculture producers are foundational to the strength of this partnership and our collective goals.”

For more information on M-AAA, visit the MSU AgBioResearch Competitive Grants System.