Longtime Michigan Dairy Leader Doug Chapin Encourages Dairy Farmers to Invest in New MSU Facility

Photo by Ralf R

The Michigan Milk Producers Association is promoting two producer-led fundraising campaigns to support the new MSU Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center.

EAST LANSING, Mich. — In 1916, on the fourth floor of what is now the Justin S. Morrill Hall of Agriculture at Michigan State University, the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) was established.

The MMPA is a dairy farmer-owned cooperative and processor with a mission to market MMPA members’ milk,

provide on-farm services and support the next generation of dairy industry leaders. Today, the organization has members in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin. But its roots at MSU have led to a lasting partnership.

Doug Chapin, who operates Chapin Family Farms in Mecosta County, Michigan, alongside his son, Sam, serves as chairman of the MMPA Board of Directors. He was a leading voice in advocating for State of Michigan funding for the new MSU Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center, which opened in July 2025.

The $75 million facility is home to nearly 700 cattle, more than tripling the size of the previous herd. MSU researchers, educators and students are now equipped with the latest technology in dairy science, such as robotic milking systems, advanced feed centers, calf barns and milking parlors. The facility is also integrated with the MSU Anaerobic Digestion Research and Education Center, promoting opportunities in waste-to-resource solutions that create value-added products.

With the assistance of Chapin, the MMPA and other agriculture industry leaders,

MSU secured $30 million from the state in 2022 to serve as a foundation for the center’s construction.

“We have a very unique situation in Michigan with our relationships with producers, MSU and the Michigan Legislature,” Chapin said. “One of the biggest reasons we were supportive of the investment was that we all saw it was time to update those facilities. When the window of opportunity came to get some state funds to get it kicked off, it was important for the industry to step up and say, ‘Let’s go for it.’ And it was great to see that all of Michigan ag stepped up. We all saw the need, and that need was fostered by the fact that we wanted to see MSU remain at the forefront of dairy research.”

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Michigan State University AgBioResearch scientists discover dynamic solutions for food systems and the environment. More than 300 MSU faculty conduct leading-edge research on a variety of topics, from health and agriculture to natural resources. Originally formed in 1888 as the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, MSU AgBioResearch oversees numerous on-campus research facilities, as well as 15 outlying centers throughout Michigan. To learn more, visit agbioresearch.msu.edu.