While I understand the situation pork producers are in, it would be hard to disagree with the fact that pork demand has increased greatly since the check-off program was established. Until storage weights come down and slaughter capacity increases, producers are left with little control. In fact, in 1998, U.S. pork consumption per capita increased 8.4 percent to 52.8 pounds. If the check-off referendum is successful, Kirk says it will be very hard to start it back up. In an attempt to boost the quality of sugar beets in the state, a group of Michigan farmers have banded together to form an alfalfa-processing cooperative.
Alfalfa preserves soil tilth, especially important for high-value sugar beet crops.
MAPCo plans to process its members' alfalfa for use in high-protein animal feed. The alfalfa cubes could be destined for consumption by horses, dairy cattle or even zoo animals. The first in the state was a group of soybean producers who joined together to form the Thumb Oilseed Producers Cooperative. They plan to process their first beans early this summer. West Michigan turkey farmers have also formed a co-op and are working on plans to develop a processing facility for their birds.