Michigan

Scaling Up Michigan Dairy: Fairlife’s $650 Million Expansion in Coopersville

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 16:31:26 GMT

Michigan’s dairy industry is getting another major boost as The Coca-Cola Company-owned Fairlife announced a $650 million investment to expand its Coopersville production campus. According to the company, the project comes as consumer demand for value-added dairy beverages, including ultra-filtered milk and protein shakes, continues to grow.

The expansion will add 245,000 square feet of production space and two state-of-the-art high-speed production lines. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, with the new lines expected to be operational by 2028. The project is also expected to create 150 new jobs in the region.

Fairlife has been part of the Coopersville community since 2012 and currently employs more than 400 workers. Over the past decade, the facility has grown steadily and is now one of the state’s largest dairy-related food processors, playing a major role in Michigan’s agribusiness economy. It also coincides with the planned opening of a new Fairlife production facility in Webster, New York, later this year, signaling growth for the brand beyond Michigan.

“Michigan has been and will continue to be a dairy powerhouse,” says Pierce Bennett, livestock industry relations specialist with the Michigan Farm Bureau. “We are excited to see that significance recognized and look forward to the opportunities this investment will provide Michigan dairy farmers.”

(fairlife)

Growth Driven by Demand

Coca-Cola’s February 2026 Form 10-K filing shows that the company derives most of its dairy revenue through Fairlife, which purchases milk from dairy cooperatives to fuel production. While milk sourcing is concentrated among a few cooperatives, Coca-Cola says it has access to alternative suppliers if necessary to maintain supply.

The company added that Fairlife’s expansion is essential to meet rising consumer demand for products that provide higher protein and less sugar than traditional milk. The brand’s growth has mirrored broader gains across Coca-Cola’s beverage portfolio. During a February earnings call, Chief Operating Officer Henrique Gnani Braun said volume grew across Fairlife, Coke, Sprite Zero and BODYARMOR. Braun noted that innovation, increased availability and expanded distribution helped drive this growth.

State Support and Community Impact

The project has received support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which approved a $3.9 million Alternative State Essential Services Assessment abatement. Governor Gretchen Whitmer calls the investment “a huge win for Michigan” and says it shows how infrastructure improvements, workforce training and collaborative planning can help the state compete for transformational economic projects.

Fairlife’s announcement marks the second major dairy expansion in Michigan in the past 30 days, following Chobani’s $567 million investment to expand yogurt production in Twin Falls, Michigan. Together, these projects highlight the state’s growing role in value-added dairy processing and its ability to attract large-scale investment.

A New Era for Michigan Dairy: Chobani’s $567 Million Bet on La Colombe

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 16:23:51 GMT

In the heart of west Michigan, a transformation is brewing. It is a story of coffee and cream, but more importantly, it is a story of economic resurgence and a deepening commitment to the U.S. dairy farmer. Chobani, the company that revolutionized the yogurt aisle, is now setting its sights on the rapidly evolving ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee market with a massive $567 million expansion of its La Colombe facility in Norton Shores, Mich.

This announcement does not exist in a vacuum. It is the third act in a high-stakes play of capital investment that has seen Chobani pour billions into the U.S. dairy manufacturing landscape. Just one year ago, the company announced a $500 million expansion of its Twin Falls, Idaho, plant. Months later, it broke ground on a staggering $1.2 billion facility in Rome, N.Y. Now, Michigan takes center stage, signaling Chobani’s acquisition of La Colombe in December 2023 for $900 million was not just a brand purchase — it was the catalyst for a total category disruption.

The Scale of the Ambition

The Norton Shores expansion is a multi-phase project designed to meet a surging demand that shows no signs of slowing. The project will add more than 200,000 sq. ft. of production space, effectively doubling the facility’s footprint. However, the true impact is measured in people and product.

Currently, the facility employs 312 workers. This expansion is expected to add approximately 340 new positions, nearly doubling the local workforce. For the community of Norton Shores and the broader west Michigan region, these aren’t just statistics; they are good-paying jobs that provide a pathway to the middle class, supported by Chobani’s industry-leading wages and benefits.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer noted the significance of the move.

“It shows the world that Michigan is the best place to grow stuff and build a thriving agricultural economy,” she says. “From the dairy farm to the production floor and the shelves of our grocery stores, let’s keep working together to help more workers, businesses and families ‘make it’ in Michigan.”

A Watershed Moment for Michigan Dairy

While the construction and job numbers are impressive, the most significant figure for the agricultural community is $615 million.

Before this expansion, the Norton Shores facility used approximately 30 million lb. of milk annually to produce La Colombe’s signature RTD lattes. As the new production lines come online, that number is projected to skyrocket to 615 million lb. of milk per year. This represents a twenty-fold increase in demand for local Michigan dairy.

This surge in demand is met by a state that is already a heavyweight in the industry. Michigan is home to more than 900 permitted dairy farms that collectively produce approximately 12 billion lb. of milk annually. Perhaps most impressively, Michigan ranks first in the nation for milk production per cow, with each animal producing an average of more than 27,000 lb. of milk per year. By expanding in Norton Shores, Chobani is tapping into the most efficient dairy infrastructure in the United States.

For Michigan’s dairy farmers, this is a generational win. In an era where market volatility can often cloud the future of family farms, Chobani is providing a massive, stable and growing outlet for their product.

Hamdi Ulukaya, founder and CEO of Chobani, has long championed this connection between the factory and the farm.

“There’s something special here — in the hardworking spirit of the people, in the pride of Michigan’s farmers who produce high quality, delicious, farm-fresh milk,” Ulukaya says. “For us, growth is about more than numbers — it’s about supporting the community, creating opportunity and building something that lasts.”

From Philadelphia Roots to Michigan Manufacturing

The journey of La Colombe is a classic American success story. Founded in Philadelphia in 1994 as a high-end café experience, the brand spent decades perfecting the art of the roast. In 2016, they made a pivotal move into the RTD category, attempting to bring the coffeehouse experience to a portable format.

By using cleaner ingredients, less sugar and better nutrition than the legacy players in the space, La Colombe redefined what canned coffee could be. When Chobani acquired the brand, they saw a mirror of their own history: a disruptor focused on quality and accessibility. By integrating La Colombe into the Chobani ecosystem, the company is now leveraging its massive supply chain expertise to ensure a latte made with Michigan milk can be found in every corner of the country.

Purpose-Driven Expansion

Beyond the stainless-steel tanks and the logistics of milk shipments, Chobani is positioning this expansion as a force for good. The company has a long-standing reputation for putting humanity first, a philosophy that stems from Ulukaya’s own journey as an immigrant and entrepreneur.

In Norton Shores, this means doubling down on workforce development programs, partnerships with local schools and grants aimed at food access. The company views the facility not as an island, but as a part of the neighborhood. This people-first approach is intended to ensure as the company grows, the community does not get left behind.

As the 2025 groundbreaking in Rome, N.Y., and the ongoing work in Idaho and Michigan illustrate Chobani is no longer just a yogurt company. It is a diversified food and wellness powerhouse. With the recent acquisition of Daily Harvest and the continued scaling of the La Colombe brand, Chobani is building a vertically integrated empire that starts at the farm gate and ends in the consumer’s hand.

The $567 million investment in Norton Shores is a clear signal: the future of coffee is white, creamy and sourced directly from the dairy heartland of Michigan.

Bovine Tuberculosis Detected in Michigan Dairy

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 19:18:18 GMT

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has confirmed a case of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in a dairy herd in Charlevoix County, located west of Michigan’s Modified Accredited Zone (MAZ), where the disease is known to be present in the state’s white-tailed deer population.

(Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development)

According to state officials, the detection followed identification of bovine TB in an adult cow at a USDA Food Safety Inspection Service-inspected processing plant. Through animal traceability efforts, officials traced the animal back to its herd of origin. Subsequent testing of the herd identified additional bovine TB cases.

“This latest detection of bovine TB highlights two important realities: how challenging the disease is to address; and why it is so crucial to use all of our tools for detection to swiftly identify cases and take actions to limit disease spread,” say Nora Wineland, state veterinarian for Michigan. “While finding a newly affected herd is never ideal, this case demonstrates our systems for detection and traceability are working, allowing us to quickly implement measures to protect animal health and public health in Michigan.”

MDARD reports an epidemiological investigation is already underway to determine whether additional cases may be linked to the affected herd. There are currently two TB zones within the state: a four-county area in northern lower Michigan called the Modified Accredited Zone, and the remainder of the state’s 83 counties is referred to as the Accredited Free Zone.

This is Michigan’s second confirmed bovine TB case in the past 13 months. The previous case was identified in a beef herd in Alcona County, located within the state’s Modified Accredited Zone, in January 2025. With this latest detection, a total of 84 cattle herds have been confirmed with bovine TB in Michigan since 1998.

What is Bovine Tuberculosis?

According to USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), bovine tuberculosis is a chronic bacterial disease that can infect all mammals, including humans. It is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium bovis and spreads through both direct contact between infected and uninfected animals and indirect exposure, such as contaminated feed, water or the environment.

The disease progresses slowly, often developing over several years. Infection typically begins in the lymph nodes before advancing to the lungs and chest cavity, where it can cause serious lesions.

While cattle are the primary host, the disease can also be present in white-tailed deer and elk, as well as bison, goats and certain carnivores, including coyotes.

The Symptoms

Unfortunately, infected cattle are typically asymptomatic. Detection usually occurs during live animal skin testing or, more commonly, at slaughter through our national slaughter surveillance program, according to USDA. If cattle or bison show clinical signs of tuberculosis, the disease has advanced to affect multiple organ systems, which is rare.

Can it be Prevented?

Bovine TB most often spreads through close contact, especially nose-to-nose interaction between animals, or when cattle consume feed or water that’s been contaminated. In most cases, herds become infected one of two ways: by bringing in an infected animal or through exposure to infected wildlife.

While the prevalence of tuberculosis in cattle is extremely low in the U.S., with an estimated prevalence of 7 per 1 million cattle screened, it can occur. Producers should work alongside their veterinarian to help create a biosecurity plan.

How is it Identified?

According to APHIS, the primary source of tuberculosis surveillance is carcass inspection at all federal and state inspected slaughter establishments. The other main sources of tuberculosis detection are testing animals before interstate movement and during disease investigations. Live animal testing is performed with a screening test. If positive, the regulatory veterinarian will conduct a confirmatory test.

Can it be Treated?

Unfortunately, tuberculosis in livestock is not a treatable disease. When health officials find tuberculosis in a herd, it is managed by either depopulating the herd or by testing and removing reactor animals.

MMPA's Bold Move: Acquires Leprino Foods Plant, Expands into Cottage Cheese and Fortifies Dairy Future

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 20:30:46 GMT

In a significant leap toward reinforcing its foundational values and augmenting its product offerings, the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) just announced the acquisition of the Leprino Foods plant in Remus, Mich. This strategic endeavor not only highlights MMPA’s dedication to its member-owners but also marks an impactful expansion in the cooperative’s product lineup with the introduction of cottage cheese production.

Commitment to Growth and Community
“This acquisition represents a meaningful step forward in MMPA’s long-term strategy to grow our cooperative, invest in Michigan’s dairy industry and deliver increased value to our members,” Joe Diglio, president and CEO of MMPA said.

The move is underpinned by the support of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, further enhancing MMPA’s ability to innovate while remaining deeply connected to the Remus community.

The Remus plant, enriched with a longstanding relationship with MMPA since its original purchase in 1983, speaks volumes of a historical saga intertwined with the present. In a shift aligning with Leprino Foods’ business needs, MMPA has adeptly maneuvered to acquire this asset, ensuring it remains a vital community contributor and a catalyst for continued growth.

Lance FitzSimmons, president & CEO of Leprino Foods, noted: “We are pleased that we have been able to successfully transfer ownership of the Remus facility back to MMPA, where it will have the opportunity to be a productive asset for the community and for Michigan dairy farmers for many years to come.”

Ultrafiltered milk technology

(Michigan Milk Producers Association)

Advancements in Dairy Production
Established in 1916, MMPA stands as the ninth-largest U.S. dairy farmer-owned cooperative. With its deep-seated roots in producing high-quality, award-winning dairy products, MMPA serves members across Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Wisconsin.

In tandem with the latest acquisition, MMPA is fortifying its ultrafiltered milk production at its Ovid facility, an expansion that adds a remarkable 3 million pounds of daily processing capacity. These enhancements fortify MMPA’s already robust ultrafiltered milk capabilities in Constantine, Mich. Doug Chapin, MMPA board chairman, celebrated these developments, highlighting the cooperative spirit and its competitive readiness to meet resurging market demand.

“These projects are a direct result of the commitment and investment of our member-owners,” he stated, underscoring the resilience and dedication reflected in MMPA’s high-quality standards, ensuring long-term value for its members.

The dual projects, supported by MEDC’s funding, are a testament to MMPA’s leadership in producing high-protein dairy ingredients and responding to ever-growing consumer demands. Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the MEDC, expressed gratitude toward MMPA’s continued investment in Michigan, spotlighting the economic vibrancy contributed by the agricultural industry.

As MMPA strides toward fortifying its strategic goals, the focus remains on expanding its manufacturing footprint, enhancing production capabilities, and nurturing a strengthened dairy supply chain. These initiatives are firmly anchored in a legacy nearly 110 years strong, defined by member-focused leadership and a commitment that begins on the farm and extends through MMPA’s processing facilities.

In pursuing these bold initiatives, MMPA reaffirms its dedication to innovation, community and growth, securing its pivotal role in the dairy industry of today and tomorrow.

Your Next Read:
How Do Modern Dairies Stay Ahead With Future Innovations and Sustainable Practices?

Southern Rust Set To Take Big Bite Out Of Midwest Corn Crop?

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 14:17:28 GMT

If one picture is worth a thousand words, then the video Iowa farmer Dan Striegel shot last week must be worth thousands more. In the video, Striegel is shown harvesting a field of emerald-green corn enveloped in a cloud of orangish-red southern rust.

“We were just getting that field opened up, and I looked over and saw that dust boiling up out of the chopper, so I shot the video,” Striegel says.

Southern Rust? Never heard of her.
What Cheer, Iowa. USA. #pftour25 #harvest25 pic.twitter.com/tiIsUc2CHl
— Dan Striegel (@djsinseia) August 21, 2025

To date, Striegel’s video has garnered more than 48,000 views on X, formerly Twitter.

“We’re in southeast Iowa, Keokuk County, and I think the southern rust is as bad here as it is anywhere,” Striegel adds. “Every field you walk in, if you’re wearing a white T-shirt, you’ll come out of there red.”

A Red Path Of Disease Mars The Midwest

Expect to see more red T-shirt-clad farmers walking out of cornfields across the upper Midwest, based on what the Crop Protection Network (CPN) southern rust map is showing.

The CPN continually updates its online, interactive map showing the counties by state where southern rust infections are confirmed. Now, in late August, the counties look like red steppingstones. They form a checkered path from southwest Michigan through northern Illinois and Indiana, into southern Wisconsin, across all of Iowa and nearly two-thirds of the way across Nebraska. Eastern South Dakota is also lit up with a string of red counties, as are parts of southern to central Minnesota.

The amount of southern rust present in the upper Midwest is worrisome to Ken Ferrie, Farm Journal Field Agronomist. In severe cases, the disease can wipe out 45% of the yield potential in a field, according to the CPN.

“At most, one in 10 growers in northern Iowa and Minnesota have seen the kind of southern rust some of them are seeing this year,” says Ferrie, who was working last week with corn growers in both states.

“It was a problem in probably eight out of every 10 fields I was in, and they’d all been sprayed at least once,” he says. “Minnesota has a corn crop that’ll knock your socks off – yield potential of 250, 270. I encouraged every grower to spray their field a second time except for two fields. One had been knocked down by hail, and the other had a hybrid that was clean.”

I spoke with a good friend of mine from Iowa yesterday that is an agronomist and farmer. He said the southern rust in corn across Iowa and much of the Midwest will take 9 to 12 bushel/acre off corn yields on average from what his team and himself are seeing. pic.twitter.com/Ad1VJ9oQBg
— Captain Cornelius1 (@ISU145) August 26, 2025

Hybrids Have Little To No Resistance To Southern Rust

A combination of early-season moisture, heat and wind formed the perfect storm for southern rust this season, allowing the disease-causing fungal spores (Puccinia polysora) to move from southern climes up to the Midwest, according to Kurt Maertens, BASF technical service representative for eastern Iowa and western Illinois.

“We’ve seen it all – southern rust, tar spot, northern corn leaf blight, gray leaf spot. Our corn has been inundated with all these fungal diseases, and we started seeing them early,” says Maertens.

If there’s a silver lining to southern rust, it’s that it does not overwinter in corn residue like tar spot does. But like tar spot, southern rust takes advantage of hybrids that have no built-in resistance. For many growers, that was an Achilles heel this season.

“When you’re dealing with a 117-day hybrid like they grow in southern Illinois, Tennessee, and Kentucky, you don’t grow corn that doesn’t have good southern rust resistance, because they deal with it every year,” Ferrie notes. “When you move to Minnesota, and you’re planting 102- to 95-day corn, you’re probably not going to find hybrids with southern rust resistance.”

Striegel says that was true for his neighbor’s cornfield, which he custom chopped for silage. “That field had two hybrids in it, one was worse than the other, and the field had been sprayed with a fungicide,” he says.

He adds that he also sprayed his own cornfields with fungicide, but they are still inundated with southern rust.

“We’ve had southern rust before, and it’s not usually something we have to worry about, but this is really bad,” Striegel says. “I’m standing on my deck looking at the cornfield next to my house, and you know, all of the leaves from the ears down in that field are covered with it.”

Southern rust is real in eastern Nebraska. Fungicide 3 weeks ago, 2nd app today with some potassium acetate pic.twitter.com/WZubU6IBwz
— Trent Mastny (@TrentMastny) August 21, 2025

How Late Is A Fungicide Application Still Worthwhile?

Ferrie says the fields he scouted last week were at late R3 to early R4 and had already been sprayed with fungicide at least once, but the disease was rebuilding.

“Any field where farmers had sprayed two weeks previously, the southern rust and northern corn leaf blight, to a lesser degree, were coming back, especially the southern rust. It was resporating,” he says.

The intense disease pressure from southern rust, tar spot and others have kept fungicide use at high levels this season, despite poor commodity prices.

“Because of that [amount of disease pressure], we have seen increased demand for our fungicides this year,” says Maertens, who encouraged customers to get applications made at the beginning of tassel.

Maertens says he has fielded a lot of questions this summer from farmers, asking how late they could go with a fungicide application and still benefit.

“Our recommendation is to get in front of disease,” he says. “Generally, we stop applications before we get to dent (R5). That’s not to say a later application can’t have some benefit, but our best results have been before infection was able to take place.”

Southern rust is a yield enemy farmers routinely face in the Southeast, reports corn yield champion Randy Dowdy, Valdosta, Ga. He participated in the Pro Farmer Crop Tour last week and said on U.S. Farm Report he believes many Midwest farmers still have time to address disease.

“We need to implore the fungicides, the technologies out there and get after it and protect this crop, especially that crop that still has not reached dent,” he says.

Farm Journal Field Agronomist Missy Bauer likes to see farmers complete their fungicide applications on the front side of dough (early R4). “Once we get to early dent, I think it’s a little more challenging to get the payback consistently, though we’ve applied at early dent (R5), and seen a nice response,” says Bauer, who is based in south-central Michigan.

Under the tough disease pressure farmers are facing this year, Bauer is telling growers to scout fields and evaluate what growth stage their crop is in before they walk away or pull the fungicide trigger one last time.

She adds that farmers need to check the label to make sure the product used is able to address southern rust effectively. She describes these as “Cadillac” products containing the newest chemistry.

“When it comes to some of these diseases, especially southern rust and tar spot, I do believe a little bit of a Hail Mary pass can be effective,” she says. “Will it be as effective as an application you could have made on a more timely basis? Well, no, you could have made more money doing it timely, but you’re still protecting bushels and gaining ROI at the end.”

Ferrie adds that farmers might want to do the late-season fungicide application to keep their corn crop standing until they can put their harvest plan in place.

“Be doing the push test to check stalk quality,” he advises.

Southern Rust/Silage Alert!!

Southern Rust has been aggressively advancing in many fields, especially those without a fungicide treatment. In some situations the plants are shutting down prematurely and plant material is senescing rapidly.

While we typically want to get down… pic.twitter.com/aK3hGgZE19
— Pioneer Troy (@deutmeyer_troy) August 26, 2025

Striegel says some of the farmers around him are heading to fields to harvest their silage corn sooner than later, because of standability concerns. “Some of this corn got planted early, and we had a lot of heat. The crop matured quickly, and the diseases are kind of shutting it down. It’s just dying out, and guys are going to go get it,” he explains.

That’s the strategy Ferrie encourages farmers to use in regular production corn, too.

“Harvest the fields most at risk first. But if a field of corn goes down, go combine the fields where the corn is still standing and come back to that one later,” he recommends.

The reasoning is you don’t want to risk more corn going down while you’re harvesting the field of corn that already has.

“While I was driving through Iowa last week, I kept thinking that if I built corn reels to pick up down corn I’d bulk up my inventory, because I know where they’re going to get used,” Ferrie says, only half joking. “Yes, harvesting corn at 25% moisture is expensive, but down corn will kick your butt.”

Your next read: Revenge Applications: Why They Don’t Work, Cost You Money and Bushels, and Are Frankly Illegal

The Sweetest States: Where America Loves Ice Cream Most

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 20:11:16 GMT

July is National Ice Cream Month, and Americans are indulging like never before. But which states truly have the biggest sweet tooth? Recent research from SpinBlitz analyzed Google Maps listings nationwide to rank states by ice cream shop density, specifically the number of ice cream shops per 100,000 residents. Here are the top states who take their frozen dairy treats most seriously.

Top 10 Ice Cream-Loving States

1. Vermont (18.51 shops per 100K residents) Vermont tops the list with the highest number of ice cream shops per capita, and it’s not just thanks to Ben & Jerry’s. The state has a strong dairy foundation and a deep appreciation for small-batch, locally made ice cream. Whether in rural towns or tourist-friendly spots, ice cream shops are a visible part of Vermont’s food culture.

2. West Virginia (18.08) West Virginia ranks second in ice cream shop density thanks to a strong presence of locally owned parlors, custard stands and small-town scoop shops. It might not be a headline-grabbing food destination, but the state has a steady, long-standing appreciation for traditional favorites like banana splits, hand-dipped cones and floats.

3. Rhode Island (17.84) Rhode Island earns bronze in the nation for ice cream shop density. Known for regional favorites like frozen lemonade and coffee milkshakes, the state also supports a strong network of ice cream parlors across its coastal towns and neighborhoods. From tourist areas to local main streets, frozen treats are easy to find.

4. Pennsylvania (17.58) Pennsylvania ranks fourth with a diverse ice cream scene that reflects its mix of communities. From family-run creameries in rural areas to innovative shops in urban centers, the state offers a wide range of frozen dessert options.

5. Wisconsin (16.44) Known far and wide for its cheese, Wisconsin also delivers big on ice cream. Known as the Dairy State, it’s no surprise the state is brimming with mom-and-pop scoop shops, custard stands and local brands producing rich ice cream. Whether you’re at a farmstead creamery or a college-town cone counter, Wisconsin’s pride for ice cream shines.

6. Illinois (16.12) Chicago might be the driving force behind Illinois’ ranking, with its booming food scene filled with Instagram-worthy sundaes, small-batch gelato and quirky flavors. But don’t overlook the rural towns and suburbs, where old-school diners and small-town scoop shops keep the classics alive.

7. New Mexico (15.89) The only Southwestern state to crack the top 10, New Mexico might surprise you. But with sizzling summer temperatures and a thriving local food culture, it makes sense frozen treats are in demand. You’ll find shops serving everything from chile-spiked chocolate to cactus fruit sorbet.

8. Michigan (15.79) Snow doesn’t stop Michiganders from indulging. With thousands of inland lakes and summer tourists flooding towns like Traverse City and Petoskey, ice cream is a lakeside staple. From old-fashioned scoops to cherry-studded blends, Michigan’s ice cream culture is powered by nostalgia, local ingredients and a serious sweet tooth.

9. New Hampshire (15.54) New England knows its dairy, and New Hampshire is no exception. This state might not be flashy, but its abundance of seasonal roadside stands, maple-infused flavors and mom-and-pop ice cream stops make it a solid contender. Summer drives through the mountains or along the lakes are rarely complete without a cone in hand.

10. New York (15.35) New York ranks 10^th, where ice cream is as diverse as the state itself. From trendy, creative scoop shops and food trucks in the heart of New York City to time-tested creameries in upstate towns, there’s a flavor and style for everyone. With tourists and locals alike lining up for their favorite cones, New York’s ice cream doesn’t disappoint.

See How Your State Stacks Up in the Ice Cream Race
Whether you’re craving a classic cone or something a little more adventurous, it’s clear that some states really know how to satisfy that ice cream craving. Curious how all 50 states stack up in the great ice cream showdown? Check out the full ranking and see where your home ranks:

Rank	State	Ice Cream Shops per 100,000 residents
1	Vermont	18.51
2	West Virginia	18.08
3	Rhode Island	17.84
4	Pennsylvania	17.58
5	Wisconsin	16.44
6	Illinois	16.12
7	New Mexico	15.89
8	Michigan	15.79
9	New Hampshire	15.54
10	New York	15.35
11	Massachusetts	14.99
12	North Dakota	14.92
13	Ohio	14.90
14	Maine	14.89
15	Nebraska	14.83
16	Alaska	14.79
17	Indiana	14.78
18	Idaho	14.27
19	Delaware	14.05
20	Montana	14.00
21	South Dakota	13.96
22	Hawaii	13.78
23	Florida	13.67
24	New Jersey	13.61
25	Wyoming	13.56
26	Mississippi	13.25
27	Iowa	13.02
28	North Carolina	12.58
29	Texas	12.40
30	Arkansas	12.23
31	California	12.10
32	Arizona	12.09
33	Kansas	11.71
34	Connecticut	11.60
35	Virginia	11.25
36	Oklahoma	10.66
37	Nevada	10.54
38	Utah	10.38
39	Minnesota	10.37
40	Oregon	10.37
41	Tennessee	10.26
42	Louisiana	10.20
43	Georgia	10.00
44	Colorado	9.98
45	Kentucky	9.73
46	Washington	9.43
47	Alabama	9.23
48	South Carolina	8.80
49	Maryland	8.56
50	Missouri	8.44

Be Aware: Dangerous Asian Longhorned Tick Continues Migrating West

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 14:42:45 GMT

The Asian Longhorned Tick (ALHT) poses a serious threat to cattle health. ALHTs carry Theileria, which is a protozoan parasite that infects red and white blood cells. It can lead to anemia and, in some cases, death.

ALHTs are native to eastern Asia, eastern China, Japan, the Russian Far East and Korea but were introduced to Australia, New Zealand and western Pacific Islands. In other countries, it can also be called a bush tick, cattle tick or scrub tick.

In the U.S., ALHT was first detected in New Jersey in 2017. Since then, it has spread to more than 20 states with recent confirmations in Illinois , Michigan and Iowa .

According to USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) ALHTs are known to carry pathogens, which can cause disease and may also cause distress to the host from their feeding in large numbers. For example, a dairy cow may have a 25% decrease in milk production after becoming a host.

A female can reproduce without a mate and lay up to 2,000 eggs at a time. This can cause great stress on a heavily infested animal and result in reduced growth and production. A severe infestation can kill the animal from excessive blood loss.

Asian longhorned tick life stages and relative actual size.

(Photos of unfed ticks by Centers for Disease Control. Photos of engorged ticks by Jim Occi, Rutgers, Center for Vector Biology.)

What does it look like?

Unfed ALHTs range from a light reddish-tan to a dark red with brown, dark markings. While the adult female grows to the size of a pea when full of blood, other stages of the tick are very small — about the size of a sesame seed.

Adult females are a grey-green with yellowish markings. Male ticks are rare.

APHIS reports it only takes a single tick to create a population in a new location.

The above photos are of a AHLT engorged (on the left) and an adult AHLT not engorged.

(New Jersey Department of Agriculture)

ALHTs need warm-blooded hosts to feed and survive. They have been found on various species of domestic animals — such as sheep, goats, dogs, cats, horses, cattle and chickens — and wildlife. The tick has also been found on people.

What are the health risks?

APHIS says ALHTs are not known to carry Lyme disease, but they can cause tickborne diseases affecting humans and animals such as:

Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Heartland virus
Powassan virus

APHIS says those diseases have not been confirmed outside of a laboratory setting in the U.S. In addition, U.S. ALHT populations can transmit U.S. Theileria orientalis Ikeda strain (Cattle theileriosis) in the laboratory.

In an Iowa State University release , Grant Dewell, Extension beef veterinarian and associate professor, says cattle affected by Theileriosis will show signs of lethargy, anemia and difficulty breathing. They may develop ventral edema, exercise intolerance, jaundice and abortions.

“Although signs of Theileriosis are similar to anaplasmosis, younger animals and calves often display more severe signs compared to mature cows and bulls,” he says. “Due to anemia from both tick infestation and Theileria, the risk of death can be elevated. If cattle producers suspect either Theileria or ALHT, have a veterinarian collect appropriate samples and submit them to a veterinary diagnostic lab.”

According to an Oklahoma State University press release , under laboratory conditions ALHT is a competent vector of numerous pathogens that can cause disease in humans, including Rickettsia rickettsii (Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever), Heartland Virus and Powassan Virus.

In “ Clinical Infectious Diseases, ” Bobbi Pritt, MD, MSC, with the division of clinical microbiology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., reported a human bite that occurred in New York in 2019. She says though the report of a human bite isn’t surprising, it proves the invasive longhorned tick continues to bite hosts in its newest location.

“This is extremely worrisome for several reasons,” she writes. “One reason is Asian longhorned ticks can carry several important human pathogens, including the potentially fatal severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) virus and Rickettsia japonica, which cases Japanese spotted fever. While these pathogens have yet to be found in the United States, there is a risk of their future introduction.”

Also, Pritt says several other human pathogens have been detected in the ticks, but it’s not clear if the ALHT species are able to transmit them to humans. They include Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia, and Borrelia species. Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria.

She warns the organisms are present in states where ALHTs have been found and that it’s possible the tick — known to be an aggressive biter— might be able to transmit Heartland virus given its close relationship to SFTS virus.

How to Tackle Ticks

According to APHIS, various strategies effectively mitigate tick populations on hosts and in the environment.

Regular tick treatments should be effective against ALHTs. Consult your veterinarian or agriculture extension agent about which products to use.
Check your livestock for ticks regularly.
Safely remove ticks from people and pets as quickly as possible. If you think you’ve found an ALHT, seal it in a zip-top bag and give it to your veterinarian for identification.
Habitat modifications can help prevent ticks on feedlots and pastures. This may include mowing grass, removing trees, reducing shade by thinning trees, understory removal and placing mulch barriers.
Apply acaricide using label instructions to tick habitats, such as woodland edges and grassy patches, during times when ticks are most actively seeking hosts. Although it varies by year, ALHTs are generally active from March to November. Consult your state and local regulations for approved acaricides.

“Cattle producers should aggressively control external parasites this summer,” Dewell summarizes. “Insecticide ear tags alone are not enough to control ticks. Consider incorporating a back rubber or regularly applying a pour-on during the summer. Pyrethroid-based products are also available that include a tick control label. If an increase in tick infestations is observed, an avermectin pour-on may be the best intervention.”

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Can Fortune Favor the First-Generation Farmer?

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 16:00:00 GMT

As the saying goes, fortune favors the bold. Especially in the case of Paul Windemuller, you could argue that “bold” and “first-generation farmer” are one in the same. Yet, while many first-generation business ventures fail in the early years, Windemuller has recently reached the ten-year milestone with his Michigan dairy farm.

As a first-generation farmer, Windemuller is no stranger to agriculture and dairy business. Growing up in West Michigan, his family owned a farm equipment dealership. While other young kids would head home or off to extra-curriculars after school, Windemuller was headed over to the dealership. It was there that he would do his homework, spend his weekends, and ultimately develop a passion for entrepreneurship in agriculture.

“I met a bunch of different farmers, got immersed in agriculture through that, and worked on several different dairy farms through high school, and I really enjoyed that,” Windemuller says. “My brother and I grew vegetables – seven acres of fresh produce that we sold in the summer times. It was just a very entrepreneurial family. I always had that in my blood and always wanted to farm.”

When Windemuller decided to study agribusiness management at Michigan State, it was with a clear vision and goal to own a dairy. During college, he met a girl who shared that dream and would become his wife. He spent a semester studying abroad in New Zealand, and he and his wife spent another year there following graduation. There, Windemuller gained a valuable mentor and worked for a family farm, learning the business principles that he would use to start his own operation.

By May of 2014, the Windemullers were back in Michigan as the proud owners of a 150-year-old farmstead that became home to their first 30 cows, which were leased from a neighbor who was overcrowded.

Today, after a series of carefully calculated risks, investments and partnerships, the family milks 250 cows with four robots, and employs a full-time herd manager. Windemuller says the path from 30 cows in a home-made parlor to a robotic milking operation wasn’t always easy. In those hard times, fortune wasn’t favoring the bold or the first-generation farmer. It was faith that got them through.

Having scaled his dairy to a profitable position, Windemuller is, in a lot of ways, just getting started. Like most entrepreneurs, he is multi-passionate. He’s involved in leadership for Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), is a Nuffield Scholar, and runs his own podcast, called Ag Culture.

“I think it’s really important for people to be involved in their own business if they can,” Windemuller says. “It’s not for everybody, but it’s one thing that makes America different and great is that so many people are willing to pull up their bootstraps and add value through that. Every farm is really an entrepreneurial enterprise, and I see the impact that it can have on communities, families and our country. It’s just really important to keep that alive, build resiliency in local and rural economies not just in the U.S. but around the world.”

Through his work with his employees, DFA, the Nuffield Scholar program, Windemuller is making waves in entrepreneurship and agriculture at local, national and global levels.

The local impact starts with his employees. Like Paul, The Windemullers’ herd manager was not from a farm, and has ambitions of owning her own business. “She’s got animals here of her own, doing some stuff with genetics and wants to have a business around that. We’re working with her to help her build her business from our farm,” Windemuller says. “That’s another thing we try to do is encourage young people that aren’t from farms to get into agriculture.”

At a national level, Windemuller got involved in DFA right away when he started milking. He says it was a lack of young people involved in decision-making and leadership roles that drove him to step in. “I’m hoping to have a long career in dairy farming, and these organizations should be led by both people that have years of wisdom, but also people that have many years ahead of them, to give a long-term perspective on the decisions being made,” Windemuller says.

The Nuffield Scholar program and the Ag Culture podcast are taking Windemuller’s efforts to the global level. The topic he proposed is “How can artificial intelligence be integrated into ruminant livestock production to make the industry more resilient into the future?”. To find the answers, he’s traveling the world and sharing the experiences of the people he meets on his podcast. The results of his study will be a catalyst for conversations with legislators to influence local and national policy.

Windemuller says a lot of doors are opening because of the podcast and the scholarship. “I don’t know what else beyond this farm we’ll end up doing yet, but I think there’ll be some other opportunities,” he says. “But for this operation that’s a good size, just works with the land base that we have available to us, and with the help that we have.”

Fortune may favor the bold, but for Windemuller, fortune has favored the teamwork, perseverance and faith. “It’s a good farm manager, a good assistant, a great wife,” he says. “Find out what really lights up your passion, focus on that, and figure out how to work with other people that will come around you and within their passions to accomplish something great together.”

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Flavored Milk Promotes Successful Sale Results at Kwik Trip

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 14:00:00 GMT

When you think of flavored milk, chances are your mind will immediately turn to the classics – chocolate and strawberry. And while those are two great options, Kwik Trip, one of America’s fastest growing convenience stores, has found success offering up unique flavored milk options to their customers.

In 2023, Midwest Dairy partnered with Kwik Trip (also known as Kwik Star in Iowa) to promote their limited-time offer of milk flavors. According to the checkoff company, this partnership aimed to encourage innovation in the dairy industry and well as drive incremental sales through a consumer awareness campaign. Kwik Trip/Kwik Star has over 800 stores in Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and South Dakota.

The company kicked off the campaign in July with their signature root beer flavored milk. As the season changed to Fall, Kwik Trip began offering pumpkin spice flavored milk from September through October. Finally, the egg nog flavored milk campaign began in November and ran through the end of 2023.

According to Midwest Dairy, these three campaigns drove over 800,000 incremental pounds of milk. The programming included a 15-second in-store television advertising, cooler clings, and online advertising of the milk flavors, which can be viewed here.

For more industry news, read:

Organic Valley Added 84 Farms to its Membership in 2023

Fri, 29 Dec 2023 21:22:45 GMT

During a year full of farm consolidation, Organic Valley, the largest dairy cooperative of organic farmers in the nation, added an additional 84 farms to its membership in 2023.

“This is who we are,” says Shawna Nelson, Organic Valley executive vice president of membership. “Last year, we brought in farms that were abruptly dropped by their milk buyers, and this year, we’ve welcomed 84 more into our organic dairy community. Our commitment to organic family farmers is unwavering, and we aim to be the go-to option for those seeking a stable future in farming.”

According to the company, the cooperative welcomed:

26 farms from Pennsylvania
22 farms from New York
12 farms from Wisconsin
6 farms from Ohio

Several other farms from Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota and Vermont were welcomed as well.

“We can’t do this alone,” says Jaclyn Cardin, Organic Valley chief brand officer. “If you care about how your food is produced and who is producing it, we think we offer a lot. We want consumers to buy with both heart and head, knowing that Organic Valley products come from a place of integrity. Because we’re a farmer-owned cooperative, when you purchase our products, the farmers who dedicate themselves to caring for the land, the animals and their communities receive stable and farmer-determined compensation. We believe good food comes from good, small family farms.”

Looking ahead, Organic Valley plans to continue supporting small organic family farms in 2024.

For more industry news, read:

Another Case of Bovine TB Discovered in Michigan Cattle

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 05:24:35 GMT

The 74th cattle herd in Michigan since 1998 has been identified as having bovine tuberculosis (TB). On April 25 , the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) confirmed that a small beef cattle herd in Alpena County tested positive for bovine TB. The discovery was made through routine surveillance testing.

Michigan has had a number of bovine TB cases and much of it is due to wild white-tailed deer carrying the disease through the state’s modified accredited zone, a USDA designation for Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency and Oscoda counties. Within this zone annual surveillance and movement testing is required for cattle producers. This helps find the disease early and prevents it from being moved off the farm via cattle.

“Although a great deal of work is being done by producers in this area of the state, MDARD, the Department of Natural Resources, and partner agencies to prevent bovine TB cases, we do still occasionally see newly infected herds,” says Michigan’s Assistant State Veterinarian Nancy Barr, DVM. “Responding to them in an effective manner helps prevent further cases and protect the state’s TB free status in the remainder of the state. MDARD and the DNR are working with farmers, hunters, and community members to preserve and maintain healthy cattle, healthy deer and healthy communities.”

Bovine TB is a respiratory disease that can cause weight loss and chronic coughing. There are a number of species that are susceptible to the zoonotic disease including elk, deer, bison, goats, swine, cats and humans. Pasteurization of milk removes the risk of transmission to people and meat from infected animals does not enter the food chain.

The disease can be spread amongst livestock from TB bacteria being expelled by infected animals into the air to be inhaled or even in contaminated feed.

For more on bovine TB in Michigan read the following articles:

Woman Pleads Guilty in Probe of Illegal Labor at Dairy Farms

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 03:00:57 GMT

A judge has accepted a guilty plea in an investigation of illegal labor at dairies in Michigan’s Thumb region.

Madeline Burke pleaded guilty to hiring people without verifying that they were eligible to work in the U.S. The government says the workers were in the U.S. illegally.

Burke and her husband are natives of Ireland. They operate two dairies near the tip of the Thumb. Burke has agreed to pay a fine of $187,500, which adds up to $1,500 per illegal worker.

Federal Judge Thomas Ludington accepted her guilty plea in a June 29 decision.

Charges still are pending against her husband, Denis Burke. He’s accusing prosecutors of selectively targeting immigrant farmers. Dutch immigrants John and Anja Verhaar were prosecuted in 2010. The government denies any discrimination.

Dairy Farm to Produce Electricity from Manure

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 02:50:18 GMT

A large farm in western Michigan plans to start producing electricity from manure produced by its 3,000-plus dairy cows.

MLive.com reports that Sustainable Partners LLC, which is involved in a similar power-generating operation in Lowell, says it has been selected to build a 1.4 megawatt, more than $8 million anaerobic digester at Beaver Creek Farm in Coopersville.

Electricity generated by the digester will be used by the farm and sold to Jackson-based CMS Energy Corp.'s Consumers Energy unit. Sustainable Partners Managing Partner Greg Northrup says the plant will be designed to produce energy around the clock.

In addition to what Northrup says is a “constant supply” of manure, the digester also will use fats, oils and greases from restaurants. An anaerobic digester uses naturally occurring bacteria to break down organic waste to produce biogas, a fuel similar to natural gas.

A groundbreaking is planned next year. Electricity produced by the plant also will help the utility meet state mandates for renewable energy. Coopersville is one of four digesters on farms selected for the Consumers Energy Experimental Advanced Renewables Program.

Bill Henke, owner of West Michigan AD LLC and Beaver Creek Farm, says the digester will generate extra cash and help with manure management.

In Lowell, Sustainable Partners says an 800 kilowatt anaerobic digester is expected to begin producing electricity in January.

Michigan Milk Production Moves to #7

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 02:45:22 GMT

By: Phil Durst, Michigan State University Extension

Michigan is now the seventh leading dairy state for total milk production, up from eighth place as it out produced Minnesota in 2013.

Rather than a one-year surge, Michigan’s increasing prominence in U.S. dairy is the result of consistent growth in cow numbers and production since 2000. Total milk production in the state has increased 45 percent since 2004 and in the past 10 years the state has been in the top five states for milk production growth.

Michigan’s dairy growth impacts the entire state economy with increased income and jobs. The 2012 on-farm dairy receipts were greater than $1.675 billion dollars. Those dollars are invested back in communities in wages, professional services, feed and supply purchases, building and equipment investment and more. As the industry grows, it also provides more jobs both directly on farms and indirectly in the businesses that service the dairy industry.

Michigan’s growth in milk production is even more impressive when one examines the factors that account for its growth. Dairy cow numbers in the state increased by 80,000 since the year 2000 as producers expanded their herds and new producers moved in. In 2013, the average herd size in Michigan was 187 cows.

Even as many producers expanded their herds, they achieved greater milk production per cow. The average cow in Michigan now is producing 24,116 lb. annually. That is approximately 7.7 gal. per day. This is the third greatest milk production rate in the United States.

Compared to its Midwest neighbors, Michigan dairy farmers out-produce farms in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois by 2,400–4,500 lb. of milk per cow, per year. U.S. growth in dairy cow numbers has been primarily in the West and Southwest. Today, the top 10 dairy states include California (#1), Idaho (#4), Texas (#6) and New Mexico (#9) as well as Eastern and Midwest states with a long tradition of dairy farming including. However, Michigan’s growth in total milk production far exceeds that of any of the states east of the Rocky Mountains.

Advantages of Michigan for milk production include the climate, season and soils for growing corn silage and alfalfa forages, the availability of sand to use as cow bedding and the availability of water to feed thirsty cows. But more important than these are the progressive nature of Michigan farmers and the professionals, organizations and businesses that work with dairy farmers. Michigan State University also is an important asset, providing training for students on campus and research that improves production efficiency and profitability; research that is shared with the producers through Michigan State University Extension educators.

Though Michigan dairy cow numbers are higher than they have been in years, they are nowhere near the peak in dairy cow numbers in the state. The record year was 1945 when dairy farmers in the state milked more than 1 million cows. Because dairy farming has the potential to negatively impact water and air quality, Michigan’s dairy producers are working hard to protect the environment and prevent accidents that would degrade the quality of Michigan’s environmental resources.

Michigan dairy farming is a great success story. As cow numbers and milk production increase, Michigan farmers are increasingly feeding more of the US and world population that need good nutrition. Michigan dairy producers also supply some of the highest quality milk in the nation, ranking second in the nation in 2012 for lowest somatic cell count, a measure of milk quality and cow udder health.

The growth in milk production has brought increased investment in milk processing plants to the state and increased investment in the infrastructure and businesses that serve agriculture.

There is still potential for more growth in Michigan dairy. That is great news for the state and for consumers. So toast the accomplishment of Michigan dairy by raising a glass of milk, tipping your ice cream cone, clicking your cups of yogurt or slicing off another chunk of cheese for Michigan dairy producers and professionals!

Michigan Dairy Plant Plans $21.3 Million Expansion

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 05:54:22 GMT

A dairy plant in Western Michigan is planning an expansion that will add 62 jobs over three years and cost $21.3 million.

Agropur, Inc., a subsidiary of Canadian-based Agropur Cooperative, will expand its Wyoming, Mich. processing plant by adding new equipment and making modifications to the facilities.

“We’re excited to be expanding our facility in Grand Rapids, which will allow us to better serve our customers,” says Doug Simon, President of US Operations, Agropur. “This investment is a key to continuing Agropur’s impressive growth, and will also create jobs in the state of Michigan.”

Agropur has 39 dairy processing plants in North America and processes more than 13 billion lb. of milk total. Earlier this year Agropur announced an expansion at the cooperative’s Lake Norden, S.D., cheese plant.

The Agropur expansion is part of collaborative project with the City of Wyoming, The Right Place, Inc. and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). The Right Place is an economic development organization that has invested more than $4.7 billion in Western Michigan.

“Agropur’s decision to invest $21.3 million and create more than 60 jobs is a tremendous win for West Michigan and the region’s growing food processing sector,” says Thad Rieder, Senior Business Development Manager, The Right Place. “By partnering with the City of Wyoming, West Michigan Works!, Grand Rapids Community College and MEDC, The Right Place has been able to coordinate talent, training, and financial tools to boost Agropur’s internal return for this important expansion.”

The City of Wyoming is supporting the project through a P.A. 198 tax abatement.

“The City of Wyoming is a phenomenal place for manufacturing and we are so proud to have companies like Agropur in our community,” says Mayor Jack Poll, City of Wyoming. “We are excited to be a part of their growth story and we look forward to watching their continued success.”

MEDC is supporting the project with a $434,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.

The Agropur expansion is the latest in a string of new plant builds and expansions in Michigan this past year. Foremost Farms will build a new plant in Greenville slated for completion by 2018, while a partnership with Glanbia plc, Dairy Farmers of America Inc. (DFA) and Select Milk Producers Inc. will bring a plant to Michigan by 2020 .

Michigan ranks sixth nationally in milk production producing 33 million lb. of milk each day . The state currently only has processing capacity for 26 million lb. per day.

Parts of Michigan Designated "Potential High-Risk Area" for Bovine TB

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 05:53:26 GMT

Officials in Michigan have designated parts of the northern region of the state as a “Potential High-Risk Area” for bovine tuberculosis.

On April 12 , the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development the designation was made for parts of Iosco and Ogemaw counties.

These designations follow the confirmation of a free-ranging white-tailed deer in Alcona County testing positive for bovine TB. The case was confirmed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Whenever a deer tests positive, all cattle or bison herds located within a 15-mile radius of the deer must be tested for bovine TB within six months. The required testing excludes counties where annual testing already occurs, like Alcona County.

Testing of cattle and bison ensures that bovine TB has not spread from deer to cattle or bison, helping protect not only the Michigan cattle herd but the national herd.

The radius includes the following township sections in Iosco and Ogemaw counties:

Iosco County, Oscoda Township

T24N R6E sections 1-34
T24N R7E sections 4-9 and 17-19

Iosco County, Plainfield Township

T24N R5E sections 1-36
T23N R5E sections 1-6
T23N R6E sections 5-6

Ogemaw County, Rose Township

T24N R3E sections 1-17, 21-27, and 36

Ogemaw County, Goodar Township

T24N R4E sections 1-36

Ogemaw County, Hill Township

T23N R4E sections 1-5

Cattle or bison owners in those township sections will be contacted by MDARD to schedule testing.

There will also be an information meeting held to discuss testing and the “Potential High-Risk Area” designation. Details are as follows:

Thursday, May 2, 2019, at 7:00 p.m.

Rose Township Hall
3380 Lupton Rd., Lupton, MI 48635

Cattle or bison herd owners in these township sections who have questions about testing can contact MDARD’s Atlanta Office at 888-565-8626.

Michigan’s Bovine TB Status

While a deer was recently identified as being a positive bovine TB carrier, there has also been a cattle herd identified in the past year in Michigan. On Oct. 9, a large beef cattle herd in Alcona County was confirmed to have bovine TB . This was the 73rd time since 1998 a cattle herd in Michigan had been identified as having bovine TB.

Here is a breakdown on the statics for white-tailed deer TB testing:

2018 White-tailed Deer TB Testing As of February 22, 2019

Zone	Goal	Total Tested
4-county area	2800	3277
7 surrounding counties	1500	2002
Lake 10-mile circle	300	550
Newaygo 3-mile circle	30	312
Ottawa10-mile circle	300	311
Kalamazoo 10-mile circle	300	164
Totals	5230	6616

Tested in Remainder of State	28962
Statewide Total	35578

County Name	Total Tested	Number Positive
Alcona	954	11
Alpena	1184	10
Cheboygan	159	0
Crawford	152	0
Iosco	240	0
Montmorency	715	1
Ogemaw	308	0
Oscoda	424	4
Otsego	209	0
Presque Isle	577	0
Roscommon	357	0
Total to date	5279	26