MDI’s mission is to serve dairy farmers through on-farm teams.
MDI is a producer-led initiative to coordinate a comprehensive approach to the delivery of on-farm services to Minnesota's dairy farmers. Those who are open to change and have a sincere desire to stay in the dairy business have the most benefit. The program is available to all dairy producers, regardless of size or production, and is flexible and custom-fit to the needs of each dairy. Minnesota Dairy Initiative uses a team approach, combining the skills and experience of dairy industry professionals. MDI coordinators and team leaders will provide on-farm education, networking, and other resources to the dairy farmer through a team of industry professionals. These individuals will work with dairy farmers to establish what business goals want to be reached such as the following:
Estate planning ⁄ farm transfer
Current production
Calf & heifer performance
Heifer growth ⁄ reproduction
Feed management & nutrition
Reproduction
Herd health
Profit margins
Grant opportunities
Family communication
Facility improvements ⁄ expansion
Forage Production
Transition to Organic
If you want more information or are interested in signing up for this program, please visit our website https://www.mn-dairy-initiative.org/ or contact the MDI State Director, Emily Mollenhauer emmollenhauer@gmail.com or call (651) 764-0309
01/12/2026
⏰ Reminder for Minnesota Dairy Producers ⏰
The MDA PREPARE Grant is closing soon; applications are due January 15!
This grant is designed to help Minnesota livestock producers and specialty crop producers purchase and install supplies or equipment to prepare their operations for extreme weather and enhance on-farm resilience.
Eligible projects may address challenges related to:
• Drought
• Flooding
• Hail
• Severe weather events like storms, tornadoes, and straight-line winds
💰 Approximately $500,000 is available statewide, with MDA expecting to award 50–75 grants.
If strengthening your operation against weather risks is on your radar, this is a great opportunity to take a closer look!
As we move into 2026, the Minnesota Dairy Initiative looks forward to continuing to support Minnesota dairy farmers through connection, collaboration, and on-farm teams.
🐄 What we’re looking forward to in 2026:
• Continuing to serve dairy farmers through on-farm teams
• Ongoing education and collaboration with industry partners
• Supporting farms as the dairy industry evolves
We’re excited for the year ahead and grateful to work alongside those in the dairy industry!
01/07/2026
As the new year gets rolling, we’re looking back on 2025 and the many connections made across Minnesota dairy. 🐄
Last year we:
-Worked with more than 175 on-farm teams
-Hosted Farm Couple Night Out events
-Offered educational opportunities across the state
-Brought farmers together through peer groups focused on a range of topics, from robotics to grazing.
Thanks to the dairy farmers, partners, and coordinators who helped make 2025 a meaningful year!
12/30/2025
𝗪𝗮𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗮 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗮𝗶𝗿𝘆? 🐄
Reach out to build a team of industry experts and essential resources to help you plan for a vibrant future in 2026! 🌟
➡️ https://loom.ly/MvYN-cY
12/24/2025
From our herd to yours! 🎄
We are looking forward to continuing the great relationships we have with our partners and farmers, as well as forging new ones in 2026.
👉 https://loom.ly/VYZucqw
12/19/2025
🎄🐄 It’s National Ugly Sweater Day! 🐄🎄
Even the cows are getting in on the fun with their udderly fabulous holiday sweaters! Whether you're rocking your best (or worst) holiday knit, MDI is here to keep both you and your herd comfortable and thriving all year round—no sweaters required. 😉
Let’s hear it: Who’s winning the ugly sweater contest on your farm? Share your festive pics in the comments!👇
12/18/2025
12/16/2025
Strong beef prices have reshaped breeding strategies on many dairy farms, prompting more producers to use beef semen and capitalize on the higher value of beef-on-dairy calves. But with fewer dairy pregnancies in the pipeline, some herds are now realizing they might have cut heifer inventories too deep. https://loom.ly/RrmC-60
It’s easy to chase calf prices or cut costs but not at the expense of creating a replacement shortage in your herd.
12/13/2025
☕🐄 Any hot chocolate lovers out there? 🐄☕We couldn’t enjoy this creamy classic without the dedication of our dairy farmers and the milk they provide. Thank you.
12/10/2025
So, why is milk white? This was a great post by the Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. explaining the science behind the color of milk! Take a look 👀
𝗠𝗗𝗔 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 | Applications are due on January 15th
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting applications for two Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) grants that help Minnesota farmers strengthen their operations in the face of biosecurity threats and extreme weather.
The AGRI Protecting Livestock from Avian Influenza (Protect) Grant and the AGRI Preparing for Extreme Weather (Prepare) Grant are now open for applications. Together, these programs help Minnesota livestock and specialty crop producers invest in equipment and improvements that reduce disease risk, enhance biosecurity, and build long-term resilience. More details and application 👉https://www.mda.state.mn.us/mda-offers-grants-boost-farm-resilience
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Minnesota Dairy Initiative's mission is to help existing and potential dairy producers succeed through team-based on-farm education, resources, and networking.
MDI is a producer-led initiative to coordinate a comprehensive approach to the delivery of on-farm services to Minnesota's dairy farmers. Those who are open to change and have a sincere desire to stay in the dairy business have the most benefit. The program is available to all dairy producers, regardless of size or production, and is flexible and custom-fit to the needs of each dairy. Minnesota Dairy Initiative uses a team approach, combining the skills and experience of dairy industry professionals.
Dairy producers participating in the Minnesota Dairy Initiative program pay an annual program fee of $200. Scholarships are also available for each dairy farm to further advance their operation.
The farm’s team of dairy industry professionals could include the following depending on the dairy farm’s business goals and action plans.
Veterinarian
Milk Processing Rep
Farm Business Management Educator
Lender
Extension Educator
Crop Consultant
AI Rep
Another Producer
Nutritionist
The farm’s team of dairy industry professionals could help a farm with the following business goals.
Estate planning ⁄ farm transfer
Current production
Calf & heifer performance
Heifer growth ⁄ reproduction
Feed management & nutrition
Reproduction
Herd health
Profit margins
Grant opportunities
Family communication
Facility improvements ⁄ expansion
Forage Production
Transition to Organic
If you are interested in learning more about this program or would like to sign up, please visit our website http://www.mn-dairy-initiative.org/index.html or contact the following:
