Michigan dairy farms will try regenerative agriculture

General Mills is launching a three-year regenerative agriculture pilot at three dairy farms in western Michigan, an important sourcing region for its fluid milk supply.

Regenerative agriculture is a method of farm management meant to improve sustainability and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It includes practices like zero tillage and managed grazing to improve soil health, increase biodiversity and improve animal well-being. This is the third regenerative agriculture pilot General Mills has launched, and the first for its dairy ingredient supply, since the company made a commitment in 2019 to advance regenerative agriculture practices on 1 million acres of farmland by 2030.

The concept has received both praise and skepticism, with some scientists questioning how much these practices actually contribute to mitigating climate change. Participants in the new project will monitor data including effects on soil, biodiversity and farm profitability.

General Mills is working with a consulting group, Understanding Ag, and a dairy cooperative, Foremost Farms, to implement the program. Consultants will meet with the dairy farmers to develop plans for a portion of their operation.

“As an industry, dairy farms have been especially hard hit in recent months, and their resiliency is being tested,” said Doug Martin, president of General Mills U.S.’ yogurt business. “We believe regenerative agriculture builds and strengthens farmer resilience so they can better withstand pressures, be it societal, financial or environmental.”