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Revitalization of Animal Agriculture in Michigan Initiative

This initiative began a new era for Michigan's animal agriculture industries. In 1993-94, at the urging of industry leaders and with support from state government, the Michigan Legislature approved a $70 million appropriation for facility improvements at Michigan State University. Since then, annual appropriations of $4 million to $6 million have supported an expanded program of research, teaching and extension carried out by an expanded faculty.

New and improved facilities, coupled with the added investment in expanded programming capacity, enable the state's livestock sector to grow and create new jobs and address industry and environmental concerns. Animal industries add an estimated $14 billion to Michigan's economy each year and account for half of Michigan farmers' income.

The Revitalization of Animal Agriculture in Michigan Initiative, commonly referred to as AAI, is unique in the nation. It has renewed the practical land-grant university mandate of helping producers help themselves.