A Michigan dairy farm has seen rapid improvements in milk quality and reduced feed costs after adopting high-oleic soybeans developed through Michigan State University research. The innovation, backed by years of study, is gaining traction among farmers. This could signal broader changes in the dairy industry.
In southern Michigan, the Preston family's 1,500-acre dairy farm, which manages nearly 1,000 cows, took a significant step in spring 2024 by dedicating 400 acres—about one-third of its land—to growing high-oleic soybeans. This decision came from a collaboration with Michigan State University (MSU), where the family has deep ties dating back to the 1940s.
Brian Preston, an MSU graduate overseeing daily operations, acknowledged the risk: "Those 400 acres could have been our corn and our grain for the year." After harvest, the soybeans were incorporated into the cows' feed. The results were swift: within three days, milk fat and protein levels rose, boosting the milk's value. Feed costs dropped by 20% per month, a change Preston described as "huge" and "a once-in-a-generation change."
The soybeans, rich in oleic acid, stem from over a decade of research led by MSU professor Adam Lock in the Department of Animal Science. His team explored how dietary fats affect milk composition, cow health, and farm economics. "Our work builds on over a decade of research in our lab exploring how dietary fats influence milk composition, cow health and farm economics," Lock explained. Roasting the soybeans on-site further enhances benefits, allowing farms to replace costly supplements like added fats and amino acids.
Funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture, the Michigan Milk Producers Association, and the United Soybean Board, the research has practical impacts. Seed demand surged last year, with suppliers in Michigan selling out. Lock noted, "Seeing our research in action at farms like Preston Farms is incredibly fulfilling."
Michigan's dairy sector, with over 850 farms and 436,000 cows, contributes $15.7 billion to the state economy. Glenn Preston, Brian's uncle and farm owner, praised the MSU partnership: "Through MSU Extension and working with Adam Lock, we have access to the best and brightest minds in the world." This innovation supports efficiency and profitability, ensuring fresh dairy products reach consumers quickly.
As universities reduce dairy research, MSU's new Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center promises continued advancements, potentially reshaping the industry.
