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MDARD Launches Interactive Dairy Map for National Dairy Month

By Lynsey Mukomel

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) unveiled an interactive artisanal dairy products map today to mark National Dairy Month this June.

"Dairy is a leading sector of Michigan's agriculture industry and has a significant impact on the state's economy,"  said MDARD Director Tim Boring during a visit to Verdant Hollow Farms in Buchanan earlier today.  "National Dairy Month provides a perfect opportunity to celebrate the contributions of dairy farmers and processors to Michigan's economy and encourage dairy consumption to promote healthy eating habits."

Since 1939, National Dairy Month has encouraged families to celebrate milk as their beverage of choice based on its nutritional value. As part of this year's Dairy Month celebration, MDARD created the virtual Michigan artisanal cheese, milk, and ice cream map to help consumers find delicious, locally produced specialty products throughout the state.

Source : michigan.gov

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How AI Is Changing Family Hog Farms | Duane Stateler on Technology & the Future of Pork Production

Video: How AI Is Changing Family Hog Farms | Duane Stateler on Technology & the Future of Pork Production

Artificial intelligence is beginning to reshape pork production, and longtime pork producer Duane Stateler believes the industry is only getting started.

Recorded at World Pork Expo 2026, Stateler shares how technology has already transformed modern hog farming—from automated barn climate control and feed monitoring to real-time alerts—and explains why AI will play an even bigger role in improving animal care, efficiency, and decision-making.

As a fifth-generation hog farmer, he also discusses the importance of family farms, succession planning, labor, and how technology is helping today's producers care for more animals while maintaining high welfare standards.

In this interview:

The future of AI in pork production

How smart barns improve pig care

Feed bin monitoring and automation

Labor challenges and family farming

Why technology is shaping the next generation of producers