Though French colonists introduced cattle to Michigan, it would take the American settlers in the 1800s to believe in the merits of dairy and start an industry that began shipping its products as early as 1818. The development of scientific agriculture and the introduction of more productive breeds of cattle to the state in the mid-1800s sought to make dairy a more profitable enterprise. In the 20th century, various organizations, such as dairy cooperatives, the Michigan Milk Producers’ Association, and the Michigan Farm Bureau, were established to promote and manage milk production and other aspects of agricultural life. In 2019, Michigan ranked 6th in the nation in terms of milk production.
