Federal Legislation Would Relieve Supply Chain Stress For Michigan Dairy Producers

Apr 05, 2022

Michigan’s dairy producers may feel some supply chain relief soon.

The Ocean Shipping Reform Act recently passed the U.S. Senate and is heading to President Biden's desk. The bill passed through both halls of congress with bi-partisan support.

Asia is one of the largest export markets for Michigan’s dairy farmers.

But since the pandemic, international shipping companies have been more incentivized to import products and have neglected exporting dairy products.

The law would give the Federal Maritime Commission more authority over regulations in the international shipping industry.

Doug Chapin is the chairman of the Michigan Milk Producers Association. He said in 2021, 70% of the containers leaving the U.S. were empty.

“There was such a demand for the shipping coming in, that the ships would come in and unload, would not want to wait to be loaded, they would just take empty containers, and head right back out,” said Chapin.

Chapin said the advancement of this legislation has caused lawmakers and industry leaders to begin addressing other supply chain issues.

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Video: Sow Welfare and Group Housing Systems - Dr. Laya Alves

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Laya Alves from the University of São Paulo, in Brazil, discusses how animal welfare regulations are evolving globally and their impact on pig production systems. She explains challenges in group housing, pain management, and euthanasia decisions, while highlighting the role of training and management in improving outcomes and economic sustainability. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Translating welfare requirements into daily farm routines without compromising economic sustainability remains one of the biggest challenges faced by producers globally today."

Meet the guest: Dr. Laya Alves / laya-kannan is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of São Paulo, Brazil, focusing on animal welfare in pig production, including pain management, euthanasia, and economic decision making. Her work integrates welfare science with practical farm management and sustainability. She collaborates globally to develop applied tools for producers.