Hay growers serving the dairy industry may have additional nutrition information and resources available thanks to a new Midwest Dairy Consortium (MDC) supported by 10 Midwestern universities. The multi-state, multi-disciplinary research and education program will promote research, student education and training relevant to the Midwest dairy industry, according to James Drackley, a University of Illinois animal scientist and director of MDC. He says the consortium will strive to promote research and deliver information to end users more effectively. "The overriding goal is to contribute to the improved economic viability of the Midwest dairy industry and the rural Midwest," Drackley says.

The MDC is supported by colleges of agriculture at the University of Illinois, Iowa State University, Michigan State University, the University of Minnesota, the University of Nebraska, North Dakota State University, Ohio State University, Purdue University, South Dakota State University and the University of Wisconsin. Companies, individuals and groups can also join.

Contact Drackley at 217-244-5540 or mdc@mwdairy.org.